RULE NINE

If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period. This according to The Velominati rule 9.

According to the list of rules, this might be my favorite. Just behind Rule 5 of course. http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/. If you’ve ever found yourself on a bike in extreme conditions you embrace that rule. And quite frankly, you know that the word “badass” could easily be swapped out with a number of other words. Bonehead, dimwit, moron, idiot or any number of even more colorful descriptors usually reserved for those lacking any sort of common sense, that might keep one indoors when unfavorable comes calling. But unfortunately for my self and my son, in regards to our cyclocross intentions, common sense isn’t all that common.

Angry New Year

New year’s resolutions can be fickle initiatives that quickly dissolve as fast as a New Year’s Day Alka Seltzer chaser. In years past my resolutions were long forgotten by the time Groundhog Day came around. But this year my commitment and resolve need to take priority one as it will completely affect my life. It is time for a new body, a new soul and to embrace the process of change itself, not just the results that I hope to accomplish.

Looking Down

Finally on the bike again this week after a 6 and a half week hiatus. Interesting how much mental processing goes on during a bike ride. I’ve replayed my crash as well as many thoughts about my injury and recovery. I also battle with the fact that I should not be riding yet, or to put it in clearer terms, shouldn’t be risking another fall. Technically, I am not recovered to a level that would permit me to train at full effort or full speed, but in my case I feel like I am risking more by not riding at all.

Stark Yet Sublime

Sometimes the perfect birthday gift is something you cannot buy. In this case it was the perfect early spring day for a road ride. Forty five degrees, and a mid afternoon sun that warmed the cheeks and nose. All while simultaneously being challenged by a sharp little headwind that tested our legs on an early season scoot. My cycling sensei felt this perfectly stark backdrop captured the spirit of our day’s ride.

As usual he was right.

The Eve of a New Season

When I drove out to pick up my kids from their mid winter activities tonight I looked out across the neighbor’s front yard. The street light was shining and a sheen glistened over a glossy frozen crust that had developed over the snow that had been sitting there for the past 2 months. Actually it was quite beautiful and even a bit appetizing. Like glazed vanilla icing over a freshly baked Krispy Creme doughnut. But, still in it’s mouth-watering beauty it was a reminder of the cold winter that had pummeled me.  For the last 3 months it might have affected me as a slightly disheartening reality. Not tonight. Tonight it was merely a gift.

Fat-Biking on Ice

I learned two things today. Number one was a lesson that was taught to 12 year old boy scouts all over our wonderful land but failed to be engrained in my small, feeble yet under-developed adult mind- probably because my scouting days were limited to a half year of of activities, none of which had ever allowed me to achieve my merit badge goals. I digress. The credo I speak of is “Always be Prepared”.

Adjust Your Winter Ride Mindset

therapy after dark

Fatbikes are not fast. Yes, there are more nimble options for navigating trails. Yes, they may feel a bit clunky. Yes, believe it or not there is actually a learning curve on how to set up and ride one to get the most out of it. And yes, and if you are out to find the most efficient all around ride for the most part, this is not it.
 But if that is what you are seeking then you are missing the whole point.

WINTERVISION

wintervison is clearly the way to go

This week I tested out my new goggles. I picked up a pair of Oakley A Frame Goggles- Shaun White Signature series. I’ve been riding with a pair of Oakley Jawbones but they’re just not working for me in the deeper temps and falling snow. You’ll find that with the colder temperatures the Jawbones tend to fog up pretty bad at every stop and in many cases when I slow down. Yeah I know I’m not supposed to slow down but it does happen! Overall, these rock! They do an amazing job with ventilation and anti fogging, not too mention keeping the better part of my face covered and warm. I plan on putting a few more rides in then will post the full scoop.