If there’s one thing I like more than riding in the rain, it’s riding in the fog. This morning had both!! Not only was it foggy and misty and generally Barrow Downish, but there was the occasional rogue drop that couldn’t stand hovering up in the air anymore, and just had to drop on my head.

I left my crazy bright windbreaker in Lawrence this weekend, so I was one of those idiots out there in non-reflective clothing this morning. I still had all my lights, and I still rode like I feared for my life (which I do, btw, every time I match rubber with street), so I wasn’t too worried. But it’s amazing how quickly we latch on to something, without regard to it’s actual qualitative worth. My windbreaker probably does add some visibility. Common sense dictates it to be so. But the lights I have are probably much more noticeable to drivers than a yellow jersey ever would be. In fact, more today than yesterday, I believe this to be true. To wit:

When I got to Indian Creek Parkway and Lamar, a roady pulled in behind me from the east. He soon passed me, what with his tiny little road slicks and chiseled calves vs. my 5″ knobbies and jello-sack calves… and because I let him. What I noticed more than anything as he steadily increased the distance between the two of us was that his single red LED array (the same brand and model as the four of mine) was exceedingly bright. The further he got ahead of me (never too far, mind you), the more he faded into the fog, but his LEDs just kept piercing the veil. I never lost sight of them. He was effectively invisible, but his LED array was the Eye over Gorgoroth, drawing me along, and yet instilling great fear and resentment. Or maybe not.

For a little while after we both were caught by a red light, I drafted him. I don’t think he liked it, though. Once he noticed me, he sped away like we were in a race. It’s a good thing I was taking it easy this morning so I wouldn’t be too swampy when I got to work, or I’d have shown him a thing or two.

The lesson here is, no matter what you’re wearing, if you’re out in the darkness, semi-darkness, or the light of day, light yourself up… those LEDs show up far better than bright clothing does, even if it’s tight roady lycra in a thick fog. And if you put the LED on your seat tube facing to the rear, it will help you go forward faster. It’s like a little jet, pushing photons out at such a rate of speed and volume that you can’t help but be pushed along. Just ask my roady friend from this morning.