More Tales of Winter Riding: Feeling like a Vampire.

Dear Reader,

For me there are few things I enjoy as much as riding a bike outdoors. Fewer things that I do with some regularity that I like less than riding a bike indoors. Years ago, I was directing the Wooden Wheels team, and I would send out weekly motivational emails and other awesome spam. Generally, about this time of year, I'd pen an email about hating riding the trainers, and getting sick of riding at night- feeling like a vampire. It was all part of the cycle. Mike Kirk pointed out one year, that I sent that similar note this time of the year each year. Ah, winter as a cyclist...

Watching Races Helps Pass the time riding in the kitchen.

I'll be honest, the past two years, the weather has been so mild and awesome in winter, that I don't recall feeling that winter blues at all. Unlike many years where I felt like a slave to the trainer/rollers, I was stoked to be outside riding.

We have had a true winter this year. I'll admit, the dark, cold and wet has started to wear on me. Monkey totally cracked this week. It's been a grumpy week. The good news is that a little sun, and a little time outside cures all. Day Light Savings time will be here in 13 days. As a mid pack masters rider, getting out after work usually means riding at 6 for Monk and I. The next few weeks will be tough, but worth it when the winter finally wraps up and the warm spring is here..

Trainer Face- If any of my Lees McRae friend have an extra hat laying around, Potter may have gotten to my current hat. This hat is one of my favorites.

This weekend we had rain all day Saturday, and better conditions Sunday, windy, but at least we could get out... It was amazing...

You never know what you'll find when you ride outside...

Saturday, I debated and pouted and at the end of the day decided to ride indoors.
I hate the trainer, but I hate feeling like shit on the bike worse...

Monkey's been killing it on the rollers.

Sunday, I got out on Blair's Peoples Ride. Blair has re-started a big group ride out of People's Plaza on Sundays. The large group ends up splitting into 2 groups, a 50 miler and a 65 miler. The rides have been super solid February rides. It's good stuff...

This is Matt. He's one of the strongest riders in our community. He has a reputation for blowing up a group ride or a 1000 in our area. Good Guy, you know aside from making a habit of destroying group rides. I note this because when Matt flatted today, Travis, Dennisbike, and I went back to help pace Matt back to group. I note this because now Matt owes us a day where he shows up to blow up a group ride, and he has to behave himself. It's the rules.

This is Charlie. When I was totally cracked and blown, Charlie drove me home today. Thanks man. Saved my bacon for sures...

thanks for reading.

best to you.

respect
fatmarc