February Gift

Once in awhile on a February day, you catch a break and the roads are free of ice and snow, the temperatures are reasonable, and the wind is forgiving. On these days, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity. Therefore, I pulled out my cold-weather cycling gear, changed out my trainer wheel for my road wheel and at long last, I let the rubber meet the road. It’s always a different experience going from trainer riding exclusively, to riding outdoors, and it’s an experience I look forward to. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the opportunity to train on my bike through the winter months in the warmth of my basement on my trainer, but it’s all a rather fabricated and thankfully, temporary substitute for the real thing.
I started out easy, but steady. I had to adjust my glasses, so I rode no-handed for a moment. I was relieved that this skill was still intact. I felt a bit restricted by my additional apparel, but it was still worth constriction. When I arrived at the first hill, I couldn’t resist getting out of my saddle and attacking it. What a rush.
The light wind from the NE challenged me slightly, but it was good to feel it because it reminded me that my ride was authentic, but I did look forward to returning with a tailwind.
Other than the temperature, there is something very cool (read “crazy” by most) about cycling down roads that are surrounded by snow covered fields, trees, houses, and ice covered ponds and lakes. There is almost a feeling of getting away with something. The whole experience prompts a never ending grin.
People in cars looked at me like I was crazy. Not too many years ago I would have agreed with them and stared with the same look of equal parts awe, pity, and judgment. I didn’t mind the looks. In fact, they were inspiring because I knew I was doing something most were not willing to do. However, not only was I willing, I was stoked to be out doing my thing.
It felt great to be free again on the open road. I look forward to being out again, but as odd as it may seem for a guy who cycled 30 miles in temperatures in the mid-30’s, I’m a fair weather rider, so I know I’ll have to wait. Tonight the forecast is calling for a fresh batch of 5-9 inches of snow.
Carpe diem.