Coldest Ride of Autumn

This Ride: 21.6 miles
Kona Distance: 5,176.7 miles
Month to date: 135.6 miles
2010 Total: 5,668.1 miles

What have I gotten myself into?  This morning as I left the house it was 21 degrees.  By the time I returned, it was 19.  I’m out riding my bike with 8 other crazy people.  We were so layered up that it took us a while to recognize one another.  We are getting into the temperatures where we have to be careful of frostbite, especially since we are generating our own constant wind.

Did I say yet that it was fun?  There is a good deal of muffled conversation.  We are very aware that there are additional hazards in these temperatures.  Car drivers don’t expect to see cyclists out.  Damp spots in the road are sheets of ice.  A flat tire means getting real cold while changing it.  Ear coverings means it is harder to hear vehicles approaching.  But still, it is fun.

This morning I warmed water in the microwave before putting it in the water bottle.  It wasn’t hot, but it was warmer than room temperature.  I had ice in the bottle when I got back home.

Tomorrow morning is the highlight of the week.  Breakfast in Annapolis with the group.  The forecast is a balmy 22 degrees.