Good Bicycling Weather

When I ride in twenty-degree winter weather, with the wind blowing, and slush deposits growing between tire and fender, it would be easy to concede to the feelings of cold. Instead, I enjoy the interplay of sun, snow and shadow. First, there is to behold, the contrast, of dark lines extended from trees, with the white brightness of the snow they lay upon. Then I remember warm summer days, as I see the sun shining on everything it can. The sight, so bright, is enough to make me feel it is heating the land. Only the slim shadows limit the sun lighting up the snow. When I spend my time seeing these sights from this perspective, the cold is far from my mind.

More wonders await my searching eyes and stories begin to emerge from my reading. There comes a line of punches in the snow. This sequence of holes shows where a deer walked, or ran. Some fields have only a few of these wandering hoof-punched paths. There are other fields that show more than one deer trip through the pristine snow. Only a few openings in the woods reveal what appears as if there could have been a deer party. In these few there are many trails crisscrossing everywhere. I can only wonder or imagine where the paths lead, or from where they came. I only see where they cross my path. Surely, I imagine, these trails of holes are markers of a search for safety or sustenance. The spacing of some indicates a change of pace. A walk seems to have become a run, as the holes stretch farther apart. Fences have interesting hole punches, on both sides of them, that show the fence was nearly not there when the deer passed.

Other warm bright treats along the ride are birds. A Cardinal seems even redder against the white of snow. Its color is like a flame burning a spot on the branch of a bush, or a blaze as it crosses the sky. A Blue jay makes his warning noise, telling all around that I am near. It has been said that the Blue jay is obnoxious with its noise and aggressive behavior. I welcome the sound on quiet winter rides. On January 9, 2010 I saw Robins searching for food in the snow. I know they stay around most of the year, but I associate them with sounds of summer. It is always pleasant to see the "red" breasts of these familiar birds and think of warm summer times. I remember hearing Robins chirping the summer sun up and singing a goodnight to a warm humid evening. Occasionally a hawk will swoop through the sky and pick a tall branch to perch upon. Hawks radiate strength that speaks to me of assurance and swiftness. I need this reminder that returning warm days are sure to come soon. Flocks of smaller birds inhabit the edges of my route. I see small tracks searching for something they need. Perhaps a bit of salt, or the melted snow making water, is their goal. All of the activity lets me know there is life in the cold world, and that is a warming thought.

Soon the ride is done and I am peeling off layers of clothes. Now I know my toes are cold and my nose needs blowing. Fingers feel for a warm cup. It is enjoyable to remember the sights I saw and have my heart warmed by the life that I was just treated to see. "Soon there will be some good bicycling weather," I am told. I just had some great cycling weather and look forward to the next ride.

New Year 2010

My first day of 2010 was 24 miles. The wind was out of the northwest and temperature starting was 14 degrees F. Even with ice in my whiskers it was a wonderful day.

Clothing has improved so much that a rider can be comfortable even in extreme temperatures. I would encourage riders to avoid cotton garments, cover foreheads, fingers and toes with synthetics, and use something that will stop wind on the upper body. Neoprene shoe covers, ski gloves, and a bright vest work for me.

I'm looking forward to a great year with as much bicycling as can be fitted in. We are planning to have an evening event, where tire changing and a few other maintenance practices can be learned, sometime in March or April. I'll try to advertise it well in advance.