It being a Saturday, I’d normally be riding with my buds. It being cold as all get out we decided to go it alone today and meet tomorrow morning for a 50 miler. When I woke up this morning, we were into the “feels like” temps. 8 degrees (that’s -13 C). Ugh. I decided it prudent to wait to ride until the sun had a bit of time to warm things up a bit…
In the meantime I read a post written by Dan in Iowa that reminded me of why I dig cycling so much. At noon it was only 27 and with the wind it “felt like” 14. What to do, what to do!
I suited up, decided on 20 miles and hit it. Ten of the first eleven miles were into the wind. A pair of leg warmers and knee warmers, wool socks and toe covers wasn’t enough. My upper body was fine in my Specialized Element 2.0 jacket but everything below my thighs froze and that whole 20 miles was work. None of that ride put a smile on my face.
Still, I couldn’t help but be glad I rode… Tough miles always come in handy later in the season. 
And that’s 20 miles worth of calories too!
Indeed it is… At my pace, 1,086. Not bad.
All in the bank for when you need to make a withdrawal some day!
You are braver than I. Being from Wisconsin I am used to riding in the cold. But DC living has made me soft! I did my miles indoors on the trainer today…and it was 32 degrees here….You’ve inspired me for the next one though!!
Thank you… Something about sunshine and no snow on the ground. I’m like a moth to a lightbulb, only with cycling shoes, a helmet and a bunch of Lycra on. 😎
I just returned from a 50 km ride. It is 13 C here and I have more on than you. Cold is a relative. Your weather today in uninhabitable. Good for you for getting out there!
You and Bike Like Crazy with cold weather!! Good for you! It’s 50 here and I’m sitting on the couch reading a book most of the day! I did clean my bike! On the other hand, I have almost 700 outdoor miles in so far. (I don’t even have a trainer and never train anyway. I just ride!
You’re tougher than I am…I did 43 miles on the trainer. 20F is too cold to ride outside for this girl 😉
Thanks Kecia. 😜
I am still waiting for it to warm up enough to get my first ride in. Hopefully the next couple of days.
I’m sorry you had to wait this long! Where’s that global warming when you need it!
I knew what my day was going to look like, so I forced myself out the door at 9 AM. Our day was identical to yours. My ride was nearly identical, although I forced 25 miles out of my legs. Unlike yourself, I wasn’t going to have the opportunity to ride today. I’m glad I rode simply because it may be a few days before I get another chance.
Glad you got out brother.