Two days ago, I went for a 14-mile bike ride -- maybe 15 -- and crashed. It was 10 degrees out, and because of the layers I had on it was a little like jumping into bed. OK, maybe not that soft, but I came out of it unscathed. I rode a mountain bike.
Today I went for a 23-mile ride on my touring bike. It was 28 degrees when I started, and about 35 when I finished. It took me about an hour and 50 minutes, so I was slow, slow, slow, but it still felt great.
The greatest thing about it was that, at 28 degrees, it was a pleasant jaunt, one in which I could enjoy my surroundings, cruise along and let my mind wander a bit.
When it's 15 degree or colder, biking takes on a different vibe. I don't feel the freedom of thought on a ride in that kind of cold. Instead, your mind is constantly taking stock of the status of various body parts. Are my feet freezing? No, they're just a little tingly. Are my hands frostbitten? Well, maybe just the tip of my left thumb. Is my head cold? Well, my cheeks are stinging, but that's to be expected. Are my private parts OK? Hmm, well, so far so good.
And then the thought cycle starts all over again. If at any point the internal warning lights go on, it's time to cut the ride short or find a warm library, coffee shop or bar or in desperation, a mall.
On that list my feet are the most problematic. My feet are constantly cold in the winter, and biking makes the problem worse times three. So I use wool socks, neoprene booties that go over regular biking shoes. My feet still get cold, but so far this year it's been manageable.
The wee-wee is the most worrisome. If that gets frostbitten, you're in for a world of hurt. It's happened to me twice,and although there doesn't seem to be any lingering long term effects, it's a private part status I am most anxious to avoid. So when it's really cold, the running list goes like this: Feet, check; wiener, OK; hands, all right; wiener, still OK; head, feels good ... and so on.
My wedding tool worries have dissipated somewhat after my purchase of Sugoi wind-cutting boxer briefs. These have a sort of fleece lining with a windbreaker codpiece. Oh my gosh, but these are life-changing terrific.
Of course none of that mattered today. At 35 degrees, I felt as if I were on spring break. Although it was windy, it was a soft wind, not cutting or biting. The sun shown down and warmed my back. It was heaven.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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