First Ride of the Year

 

First Ride of 2026
Tequesta/Jupiter, FL
January 3, 2026

I did it!

I got out on the road for my first bike ride of the year! Although about 3 mile shorter than my usual ride, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and was able to checkout and use my new safety equipment. 

It was cold!

It took me nearly 5 miles to warm up and feel comfortable, even though I wore long pants and two shirts. Riding in the 55-degree temperature with the wind chill factored in made it feel colder, reducing the “feels like” temperature to around 50 degrees! Ugh. Despite the discomfort, I managed to ride 14.58 miles.

I absolutely adored the newly installed rearward-facing radar. It alerted me to vehicles even before I could see them in my rearview mirror, allowing me to concentrate on the road ahead and fully enjoy the ride. I also appreciated my new bright orange helmet! While I didn’t utilize all the features, I believe the helmet's lights enhance the safety of my rides. I firmly believe that if they can see me, they’ll be less inclined to collide with me or veer off the road. 

I likely won't be riding again until next Saturday as Chris and I depart today for Port Canaveral. We board Utopia of the Seas tomorrow for a four-night Bahamas cruise with family!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL