That’s what I thought on Saturday, when I went outside to clean out the old dog kennels we’re putting into the garage sale. After the warm weather we’d had all week, the cold snap was reminiscent of Autumn.

This morning continued the trend, and felt, not like fall, but like winter. I broke out the toe covers and thick gloves again, knowing that I would regret it otherwise. My thinking ahead paid off. Not only was it in the mid 30′s, but the slight SE breeze was all the stiffer and colder for heading into it. Again… cold is fine, and wind is fine, but cold wind is *not* fine.

Fortunately, it looks like KS has given me a reprieve when it comes to tormenting me with headwinds both morning and evening. The wind will remain steady today, giving me a tailwind on the way home.

Tomorrow is supposed to be much warmer at 06:30. Up towards 50°F vs. the 35°F of this morning. I don’t know if last night was a record low or not, but it was cold coming in. Looking at the mid 60′s on the way home, so there’s no doubt we’re still very much in the bitter morning rides, complimented by warm to hot evening rides…

Preparation is the key. Us wily commuters have to dress for the cold of the morning, and pack for the warm of the evening. It makes for slightly bulkier panniers and backpacks, but it’s a small price to pay when the only other option for many of us is to drive. I’ll take the extra weight, thank you very much. It’s like a little extra weight on the bar during strength training…