We’re approaching that awkward time again. You know, when it’s cold in the morning, but perfect in the afternoon…

49°F at departure this morning.

I distinctly remember moments last February and March when a 49°F morning would have been a welcome relief from the below freezing temperatures. 49 sounded warm. Not quite toasty, but definitely warm. It meant not having to bundle up in layer upon layer just to keep the air from freezing my breath. It meant being able to wear just my helmet without worrying about my ears. It meant not having to worry about my toes or fingers. It meant being able to put on the standard cycling gear and just riding.

This morning, 49°F felt cold. And it was cold compared to the mid 70′s we’ve had in the afternoons. I wore my trusty windbreaker and long fingered BG Gel gloves. I was a touch warm up top, but only barely, and my fingers were chilly. Everything else warmed up fine once I got moving.

I’ve been able to ignore the weather for the last few months. That luxury is coming to an end as dressing for the temperature becomes a necessity once again.