CIBA Luminary Ride



http://allevents.in/Indianapolis/176780912420489

I'm a sucker for novelty rides and last year a friend of mine and I set forth to meet other club members and join in CIBA's Annual Luminary Ride.

Everyone was wrapped tight in warm clothing and bikes were decked out in holiday fashion and lights.

Not having a mountain bike at the time I set out on my road bike and said several prayers as we rode over roads with debris, pot holes, and cobble stone roads. Starting in Broadripple we worked our way to the town of Irvington.

The Historic Irvington website describes the Luminary as such. Established in 1976, the Irvington Luminaria has been a delightful event that depicts the beauty and humble atmosphere of both Irvington and the holiday season. On the Sunday before Christmas, the Luminaria is brought to life by hundreds of Irvington residents displaying thousands of candles in the early hours of night.

The sight was remarkable and the hospitality of the community extended to hot chocolate, cookies, and pictures with Santa. What a great ride and spectacle we made traveling through the towns. Heading back we had the option of riding downtown around monument circle and so we did. I suppose it was such a site to see over a hundred cyclists, many with holiday decorated bikes, riding at night.

So my friend sent me the picture included in this blog which depicts the upcoming ride. Yes, I am ready to make this an annual event. However, we must revisit the lighting. Last year my friend had no light and for some reason I had a light who had a mind of it's own. Every bump or for no reason at all it would trip through the settings of high, low, or flashing, and went dead the last couple miles as we rode in the dark. So this year I'm going to take a new approach to lights. I've found lights on www.bikeglow.com and www.hokeyspokes.com that look fun and festive and this year I'm not riding in complete darkness.

Cycling is Life

The bike is a wonderful analagy to the life we lead. When I came across Albert Einstein's quote, included on this image, it spoke volumes to me. Not only has the bike saved me from many gloomy days it reminds us that life is an evolution and we have to keep moving. In addition, it also recognizes that just like it takes balance to ride a bike there is also a need for balance in life. Many experts say there is no longer any such thing as balance. We have added so much to our lives and extended ourselves far beyond the ability to balance. This lack of balance has contibuted to the ongoing stress of society that trickles down to our families and friends. So reach for a simpler life. Go back to the time where riding your bike was a joy in your life and bring balance back to your life and the lives of those you love. You never forget how to ride a bike, so dust it off, get back on, let go of your troubles and remember a more simpler and carefree time.