These rides are getting fewer and further in-between, but the conditions haven’t been the best for riding lately, so it can be expected.
We haven’t had a lot of snow this year yet, so not a lot of ice to deal with. Micha keeps telling me they expect a mild winter, although the temperatures have been down in the teens most mornings lately. Still, nothing to keep me from my morning commutes — although the cold can be quite a bear in certain aspects. I can’t figure out why my eyes water so much, but maybe that’s just a natural reaction to keep them from freezing. I’ve got some goggles around here somewhere…
But Saturday was supposed to warm up, and it did I suppose. Started out in the 20s, but low 30s by the time we finished. And the sun wasn’t very consistent. That, along with the microdust levels, made for a bit of a dreary day. But it was still a great ride, looking back on it. We really puttered along (only keeping about 13mph overall), and didn’t stop anywhere on the way. There were certainly times when I was hoping for a cup of hot coffee, but it was getting late, and we were never too far from home, so we soldiered on.
Had a full crew too. In addition to Joon, Lisa and Wil came along. I wonder about some of these guys I follow on Strava who average over 20mph on their rides. I don’t begrudge them at all, but I just can’t see the enjoyment in it (other than maybe the testosterone boost one would get from the exertion). We’re more of a “ride and chat” group, and that makes things all the more interesting. And with four of us — all with different personalities — there’s always variety in the conversations. Spend a little time with Joon, it’s one thing. Drop back and hang with Wil for a while, it’s (quite) another. Same with Lisa. You just can’t get that when you’re freight-training it in a line doing 20.
I almost want to get out again today — it’s supposed to top 40 with the sun shining around 3pm. Unfortunately, the air quality is going to be even worse than yesterday (it’s in the red at 180 right now at 11am), so it’s unlikely. But like Sean Connery learned all those years back, never say never.
