When I was about 10-years-old, I had a speaking role in a small "B" movie starring a semi-retired Shirley MacClane, and Teri Garr.  It was called, "Waiting for The Light."  It's been a while since I'd thought of the weird '60s period costumes they put us in and the awesome AFTRA pay-scale wages that I ended up blowing on a college trip to Mazatlan... but I digress.   The title of the 'film' encapsulates my feelings on bike commuting in pre-daylight-saving Autumn. 

(See - it was a real movie!  Aw, no mention of the role of "Bobi" on the poster?"

Anyhow, never before have I so anticipated the extra hour we all will gain on November 1st.  This year, something so mundane and routine will genuinely make a difference in how safe I feel on the roads.  Currently, when I hit the pavement just after 6 p.m. -- a heavy blackness has already crept up on the Loop.  By the time I'm 15 minutes into the ride, it may as well be the middle of the night.

This, as you might imagine, makes all the normal perils of road-riding more pronounced, more risky.  Of course I have lights, and yes, I am extra-aware of making sure drivers know I'm there.  Yet I will pedal with so much more ease and enjoyment -- beginning Monday!