Evening Bike Ride on May 4, 2015: A 36 km Loop on the Bergamont Helix
Yesterday evening brought great dry weather, so I headed out for a short bike ride around Kharkiv and the nearest suburbs. Of course I would have liked to ride farther – for instance, along the classic “Triangle” loop – but my daytime errands left little room, and heading out on a long route late in the day felt risky since rain was in the forecast at any moment. So I went for a compact 36 km loop instead.
In short: a calm 36 km evening ride around town and the outskirts with no rush for top speed – just the right format to clear your head after a workday and get home before dark and rain.
I kept an easy pace, rolled along unhurriedly, took in the fresh air and sunset sky, and sorted out my thoughts. On a weekday evening, a spin like this beats a draining weekend marathon: you don’t wear yourself out before the next morning, yet you still stretch your legs after hours at a desk.
Photos from the Bergamont Helix Route
Along the way I snapped a couple of photos of my Bergamont Helix – the handlebars, bike computer in place, and a trusty wheel out on the suburban stretch of road.
What Helps Before an Evening 30–40 km Spin
Even for a short trip just outside town, it pays to bring a minimal kit so nothing spoils the ride:
- Front and rear lights: spring twilight drops fast, so a headlight and red tail blinker become essential halfway through the loop.
- Weather buffer: if rain is in the forecast out on open roads, stick within reach of city transit or pack a light windbreaker.
- Water and basic tools: one bottle of water, a multitool, a mini pump, and a spare tube are plenty for 36 km – walking your bike home outside town in the evening is no fun.
It turned into an upbeat, unhurried ride – I made it back right on schedule, stayed ahead of the rain, and came home in a good mood for the rest of the week.