Why does cold weather riding make me look like a failed superhero?
Watching the thermometer climb this morning, I didn’t really have any specific plans to ride. This weekend is all about housework – both inside and outside – as I know there are just a few opportunities remaining to be fully prepped for winter. I have leaves to collect, a pool cover to secure, windows to clean, and a host of other things that need dry, above freezing temps to accomplish. Thus, when the temps looked like they would at least stay inside the 50′s with only gentle winds, I changed my plans and hit the road for an outdoor ride.
My current fitness is only in survival mode – where I try to carve out any available time to get some exercise. Earlier this week, I was in Washington DC for work and got a nice workout in the hotel gym. But that’s been it this week. I have had a few rides on the indoor trainer over the past few weeks, so I’m not in totally lousy shape. With this, I knew the ride would only be about enjoying the two wheels under me, and not set any new land-speed records.
I bundled up with a few layers and planned a route that would yield a nice, longer ride (at least 25 miles). I was motivated not only for the physical challenges, but really needed the mental escape as life has been a little troubling for me lately.
The sunshine led to a much warmer ride than expected
As I hit the road, I could feel the temperatures continue to rise. As the temps moved into the 60s, I ended up shedding some clothes – mainly my gloves – as it became downright warm. It’s amazing how different it is to ride in the 60s versus riding in the 50s. There is a fine line in clothing that translates into “just right” body temps versus “sweating my &%$*@ off” body temps.
Ride stats were not really important and I seldom looked at the computer during the ride. Regardless, here are the numbers:
- Saturday, November 7th, 2009
- start time: 10:30am
- distance: 26.6 miles
- speed: 18.0 mph
- duration: 1:29
- odometer: 1299
It's not easy taking these pictures at 20 mph
On the road, I definitely wasn’t alone today. Everyone with a bike appeared to see the same opportunity as me and was enjoying the chance for an outdoor ride. Mostly road riders, with few triathletes – thus interactions were generally friendly. It still amazes me how many riders will “size me up” as we pass each other in opposite directions. This is obvious when the rider doesn’t make eye contact, but instead seems to be looking at my bike. I would venture to guess they aren’t riding for the same reason as me.
I rode with my iPod and single headphone earbud today, so I didn’t have a single Song Of The Ride™ (SOTR™). While in shuffle mode, the player stumbled upon “Such Great Heights” from The Postal Service. I’m not even sure how I got that song on my iPod, but it is an awesome song. I wished I could have reached back on put it on repeat, as the Song Of The Ride™ usually manifests itself during a ride. The version of the song I really like comes from Ben Folds – where I specifically remember finding it on YouTube sometime back when browsing popular videos. Here it is for you enjoyment:
