Tag Archives: Cold

Balance in All Things and the Mid 40′s Cut Off

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As much as the last couple of weeks has been characterized by increasingly aggressive and downright rude cohabitants of the roadways, yesterday was characterized by increasingly accommodating and pleasantly polite cohabitants. No less than four times a driver at a four way stop gave up his or her rightful turn in line (at no risk to myself or anyone else) to allow me to go first. Each time was given with a smile and a friendly wave. In spite of an eroding trust in my drivetrain, it was one of my more enjoyable rides home.

This morning, while not unpleasant, was cold. I can’t speak for others, but for me, the mid 40′s is the cut off for my thin gloves and feet without wind breaking plastic bags. I made it fine, and without major difficulty, but I could have been warmer. I did have the presence of mind to wear long sleeves under my wind breaker, which kept my upper half warm, without being too toasty, however, I think I could have also done with some sweats to keep the legs warmer. As easy as I take it in the mornings (to avoid getting too swampy by the time I get to work), I just never quite warmed up. Besides, it’s only a 30 minute ride… that’s hardly time to warm up anyway.

Speaking of eroding trust in the drivetrain, I’m riding the equivalent of a Yugo right now. While I have full use of the wide range of gears the triple up front and the 9 out back give me, I’m unable to hammer it without the chain slipping off the badly worn cogs on the rear. It screams in protest and just won’t do it for me. That’s ok. I’m kind of in the mood these days to slow it down and take it easy. One day I’ll actually bring my camera along and snap some pics. Don’t expect much though, when I do, my routes don’t generally involve much in the way of scenic, unless you find Suburban Neighborhood, USA to be scenic, that is.

Checking the Weather Before You Leave

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When you drive to work, unless the weather is seriously severe, you can usually get away with not checking it. After all, you’ll have the benefit of being able to control the conditions within the confines of your car. If the temperature outside is cold… you can turn up the heat. If it’s hot out, you can blast cool air until you’ve cooled down. That is, unless your AC is busted, or the fans don’t work anymore. Even then, you’ll be out of the wind. Unless you’re missing a windshield, or your side windows are stuck down. But if your AC is busted, and the fans don’t work, the windshield is busted and the side windows are stuck down, what are you doing driving that piece of frell to begin with?!

On the other hand, those of us who choose alternate forms of transportation can benefit from checking the weather. In fact, if we don’t make it a normal part of our daily routine, then there’s a chance we’ll pay dearly for it. Or at least pay a little bit, anyway. Over the summer, I’ve fallen out of the habit of checking, since pretty much every day was warm enough not to have to worry about it. On those days it rained, it was pretty obvious from looking out the window and I adjusted accordingly. I was lucky in that there were very few days with dry morning rides and wet evening rides. However, I can’t rely on mornings being warm any more.

Take this morning, for example.

I donned my normal riding clothes… that is to say, those clothes that are normal for me on warm days, stepped into the garage and opened the door. I noted that it was a touch on the chilly side, but I didn’t sweat it too much. I figured I’d be chilly at the beginning, but warm into the ride the closer I got to work. That, strictly speaking, was true. I did warm into it, and went from outright cold, to uncomfortably cold. What felt chilly standing in my garage out of the wind, turned into downright cold once I got going.

But did I turn around immediately and get warmer clothes?

No. Of course not! That would have meant… well… turning around! Turning around means admitting defeat, and I was not going to admit defeat. No way. So, as the temperature hovered around a downright chilly 45°F or so, with my speed pushing the wind chill down into the 30′s (and even the 20′s if that chart is to be believed), I bravely pedaled on in my shorts, sleeveless workout jersey, and thin (but long fingered) gloves.

I saw two others out this morning. Both were bundled up as if facing an arctic morning. Quite the contrast to my free and easy summer gear. “Silly people… I bet they’re hot and sweaty in all that” I thought, shivering to myself.

Looking now at the weather, tomorrow morning appears to be much the same as today. Mid 40′s in the morning, mid 70′s in the afternoon. Maybe I’ll consider wearing something more appropriate tomorrow.