I do most of my weekday riding after work. After 6 pm, when the sun is low in the sky, my shadow is longer.
I’ve noticed I have a terrible time learning, improving, practicing if I’m facing away from the sun. My shadow is just long enough to reach out to where I fix my eyes (8 or 10 feet ahead). That shadow of me pedalling gets in my brain and screws up my balance! Last night while riding the curb, there was this image out in front of me…legs pumping, arms waving…Kersplat! Off I go.
So, if I must ride east in the evenings, I don’t fix my stare. If I keep my eyes moving around, I’m fine.
If I’m learning something new (idling, one-footing, etc) I must ride into the sunset. (insert Western harmonica music).
Just an observation. For what its worth. Is it just me?