FYI…..Winter is Here!
Guess what everyone? Winter is here. I’ve been denying it for so long and have finally given in. Fall went by too fast. The leaves are no longer falling, they’re now saturated and on the deck. The short sleeve jerseys have ventured to the back of the closet and have been replaced by their long sleeved wool brethren. Gone are the days of being able to jump on my bike and head out in 3 minutes. Now I’ve got check, recheck, and cross reference the weather report to make sure I choose the appropriate clothing in addition picking the driest and/or warmest route. Layering is now my mantra prior to even opening up the garage door before departure. “Balaclava, check, should I go with toe warmers or full shoe covers?” It’s 34 degrees, I wonder if it’s going to rain like predicted? It’s not raining now so I shouldbe okay.” The mental dialogue is draining. Should I just bag it and jump on the trainer and watch another stage of the TDF or TOC? Man, make my head stop. Just get out and face the music. Today’s LSD (long slow day) ride is “scheduled” to be take me over just a few of Sonoma County’s majestic hills and should last 4 hours or so. That’s the plan right? Now I’ve just got to get it together. The head game is starting to really mess with me. Am I the only one who’s just not into this weather?
All doubt and discouragement shatters as I roll out. At first, the crisp air burns all exposed skin and I quickly adjust my jacket and gloves and limit the searing pain to the circle of skin on my face. The complaining is replaced with joy as I embark on another long day in the saddle. It’s funny the effect that cycling has on our psyche. One moment I’m all bitter because of the weather and now I’m stoked but remain bitter cold. I purposefully neglect my ipod today in an effort to embrace the silence and experience the beauty of Sonoma County. The hours tick away and I realize I’ve got to turn back and get back to life. I’ve got responsibilities at home.
I’m so blessed to have such a supportive wife, healthy kids, and a job that pays the bills. Life is good….no, life is great! It’s amazing, not just the physical benefits of cycling but so much more the mental.
The weather report calls for freezing rain…..bring it, get out, and experience it! Before we know it we’ll be donning our warm weather kits and complaining about our unsightly farmers tan.
Mike Harrison
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