It’s been raining most of the week, and though it was cruel to the Ripley, I just had to get out and hit the fire trails, having done so much bike path riding lately. I couldn’t do much to  protect the running gear of the Ibis but I could protect my eyes from the spraying grit and grim. So, contrary to my normal practice, I donned the protective glasses.

Judging by the amount of stuff that landed on the lenses as I rode the eleven kilometres to Rocky Ponds, it was a smart move. My corneas would be pleased.

Glasses safely hung from seat

Rocky Ponds being the turn around point, I dismounted and hung the glasses on the side of the seat so that I would be sure to remember them, then took a short break at the ponds water hole.

Refreshed I jumped back on the muddy Ibis and headed on back up the track. The light rain had started again and after close on four kilometres of riding I realised that, despite the rain, the glasses weren’t getting covered in water. It was then, of course, that I realised I was not wearing the glasses at all!!!

There was nothing for it! I spun the bike around and retraced my soggy tracks to Rocky Ponds. And, sure enough, there were the glasses sitting on the ground amongst the leaves, less than a metre from where I had leaned the bike against the tree.

So if you want to be sure not to ride further than necessary, leave the protective eyewear in your backpack. The alternative, of course, is to leave them in your helmet or on you backpack when you dismount.

See previous post for a totally different perspective on the topic!

Have to say, the glasses look safe enough on the seat but there you go – you just can’t be too sure out there in the wilderness