For various reasons, I have parked the Mooseknuckler-mobile and have been pedaling my way around for the past couple of days.
Seeing that the Alliance got its lowly start way back when as an advocacy group, it seems fitting to discuss my weak attempt at being a cyclocommuter. Beside the fact that when living in the Polar North known as Logan, Utah, I did not once drive to school. It was either on two wheels or a pata (that’s Chilean slang for by foot). So, yea, I’m legit. I commute by bike (or at least used to).
Anyway, I suited up Wednesday morning and braved the cold. As I was assembling the various layers that were to be my shield to the frost, I couldn’t help thinking that I was going to be overdressed.
Seeing that I am in fact a legit cyclocommuter (see above for reference), I am aware that the first cold commute of the year tends to be really hot because you ended up wearing way too many layers. With that thought in mind, I pulled the balaclava over my head and decided it would be better to be too hot than cold. Especially considering that I have felt like I was coming down with the flu that has been floating around.
I apologize for the blurry photo, I was being chased by the cops and I’m not too good at being in front of a camera.
Fortunately, it was actually cold enough that my first winter commute wasn’t too hot. I turned on the Garmin that was still attached to my handlebars from a ride the day before and the thermo said 34 degrees. Not quite freezing, which meant that the balaclava was overkill. But it sure felt good to not have the top of my bald head freezing.
After yesterday’s commute, I was ready to bundle up again until I checked the weather. The phone said it was almost 40 degrees. Not one to trust technology for things that are best left to human intuition and experience, I stepped out the side door to see how things really were. To my surprise, it felt nice. I made a quick change to the layering program and headed out the door about 3 pounds lighter than the day before.
I didn’t even wear my winter gloves.
Having had the forecast before my eyes, I was aware of the fact that this morning’s weather wasn’t going to last. With the prospect of snow, I made sure to enjoy my 30 minutes of warm commuting this morning.
And now we can look forward to this:
Feels like 19? I think I’ll be wearing the mask again in the morning.
On the bright side, the snow is just in time for the 2nd ever cyclocross race. Personally, this will be my 2nd race and will also be my 2nd DFL. That is if my training is going as well as I think it is.
I’m still getting a lot of questions as to what cyclocross racing is and to answer that question I give you this.
The best part about CX racing is the fact that people get to stand around and make fun of those who are riding. So if you’ve never been to a race, or just genuinely enjoy berating people who are exercising, come out and ring some cowbells.
Or don’t, whatever suits your fancy.
Now, I’ve got to go wash my mask.
Out.