I did a quick look back at my ride stats for 2010 and saw that I only had six outdoor rides in March. Today’s ride marked my fifth ride so far and I will likely get another one in my legs before the month closes out. It’s interesting to note that I am on pace for last year’s ride even though it feels like I am grossly behind.
Of course, I also noticed that pictures from a ride on March 27th of last year showed the lakes being nearly open. This year, we’ve had a long, cold stretch at the end of this month that will not allow the lakes to melt, so there is easily another 2 weeks left before any signs of ice-out begin to appear.
I blame global warming.
The ride itself was standard fare. I had a minor debate with myself regarding if I should even try it, as the temperatures were hovering right at my limit for riding. The “official temperature” online said 32F, while my outdoor thermometer was telling me 37F. Either way, it was cold and right at the limit in which I feel that I can be comfortable on the bike without feeling the affects on my various extremities (most specifically, my face, my toes, and my hands).
Eventually, I convinced myself that I bought all of this specialized outdoor gear for cool weather riding (any Minnesota cyclist needs a cache of advanced fabrics in their closet), so I put on a few layers before stepping out to survive the experience. This included a thin base layer, a fleece, a cycling jacket, a set of cycling tights and additional pair of shorts. I also ensured I had my thicker wool socks and wind covers for my shoes.
On my head I included a skull cap that also covers my ears. On my hands, I dug out my cooler gloves. For all the assortment of clothing I have available, I find that I struggle most with my hands. I have yet to find the right combination in cycling gloves that gives me cool weather protection, while still breathing to rid myself of moisture. The cold-temperature gloves I used today are overkill, as they work just right for the steady 20mph winds that beat on them, but my hands heat up and start to sweat since they are completely wind blocking. This can actually make my hands a little cold, as the moisture eventually cools down and works it way to my skin. The thinner gloves I have do not provide enough insulation for the 35F temps I endured today. Somewhere out there is a glove that combines the best of insulation with moisture control so that cycling in the high 30s and low 40s is comfortable.
The route I chose was a typical out-n-back loop I take toward Medina. By now, I know every individual bump and crack in these roads, so they can be passed over fairly mindlessly. Speaking of mindless, I rode without music. This was not due to some formal statement that I wanted to make – I simply couldn’t find my iPod. In the past, I have talked about the dangers of riding with music, but I feel that I have a safe balance by incorporating a single headphone in my right ear (away from traffic noise) – leaving my left ear nearest the traffic open to listen for the sounds of danger. I also don’t play the music very loud. It’s mostly there for a mental distraction as can be needed during multiple one hour plus bike rides within a typical week.
Today’s ride also provided an atypical wind direction from the east. This meant that I had the wind at my back for the beginning of the ride, but had to push against all the way back after the turn. Given the Spring condition of my legs – this is not a favorable force to battle.
I need a few more weeks in my legs before the wind becomes less of an element for me to curse.
On the way back, I was forced to traverse a snow-covered park that separates my local neighborhood from my riding area. The other roads around my house are rather dangerous for a cyclist (especially around rush hour time), so it is worth the slow-down required to get off my bike and push it. Fortunately, I thought ahead and remembered to pack my covers for my cleats. This means that I avoided stuffing them full of snow – preventing me from remounting the bike.
I can’t wait for a few additional weeks of springtime weather to arrive – both to avoid the clothing circus I perform for each ride and to at least allow me to ride my bike all the way to my doorstep.
