A bicycle rolls down into the valley, and from rough pavement to a gravel road. A stiff wind lays down, replaced by silent stillness. A sun’s warmth is overcome by a crisp chill. A blue winter sky turns grey, then darker yet. A man’s workday pace relaxes into dawdling. And the bicycle climbs out of the valley, behind a small beam of light, as darkness covers everything like a blanket.
Pondero 
That is incredible! I believe that is the written explanation of why we ride. Poetic!
"small beam of light"More and more, I'm a fan of a "blinding beam of light." Of course, that would have been a different sentiment entirely…
Nice.
Funny you should mention the lighting, Steve. I'm planning a lighting upgrade. Out here on the prairie, my beam of light will still be comparatively small…but brighter.
Beautifully expressed! Thank you!- Chris Kostman