I was happy to have ridden to work this morning. My new boots kept my feet warm, so no part of me was too cold. The wind was harsh, but some days just work out that way.
After work, I was riding home, and although the temperature was warmer, the wind was a lot worse. The wind was mostly a cross-wind, but it kept changing directions, sometimes pushing me from behind and giving a welcome boost in speed, other times, blowing right into my face and slowing me down horribly.
After 8.5 miles of my 16.5 mile commute I called it quits, and called for a ride. I could have finished the ride, but I just didn’t want too. The weather was bad, idiot drivers were everywhere, and I was hungry.
After getting home I went out to (over)eat instead of having a sensible meal at home.
The weather for the rest of the week looks to be extremely cold and windy. I don’t think I’m riding again this week.
These decisions aren’t helping me with my goals, weight loss, or car-use, but sometimes I need a break. I’ll have to do a lot more riding to make up for it once the weather warms a bit more.
I rode to work all three days this week, but Lisa came and picked me up at the office. Partly because of the cold and wind, and partly because we had to get to church on time. Fair enough. I figure if I can get in three or four days a week when the weather is cold, I’m not going to beat myself up. Warm weather will be here soon. I hope so, anyway.
I really need the warm weather to get here. January has been demoralizing.
However, the wind is supposed to let up substantially tomorrow, so I may ride even though I’ll be setting out in 2 degree temps. Don’t hold me to that though. 🙂
Idiot drivers are everywhere regardless of the weather, but cold weather with threat of snow seems to make them more idiotic somehow.
I wasn’t even going to try it yesterday–had to drive to Crestwood after the day gig anyway. On the way home, I stopped at the thrift store to pick up Jenn–she’d been shopping in there for a few hours and found all manner of treasures.
Tom,
I really should have rode on Monday, the one decent day we’ve had this week. Then I would have felt better about not riding the other days.
My ride in yesterday, although cold and slow, wasn’t too bad. Morning drivers are always better than evening ones.
I wish TARC came all the way out to Charlestown, then I wouldn’t have to drive.
If TARC came all the way to Charlestown…. you wouldn’t have to drive, but would you ever ride?
It’s quite simple if you aren’t enjoying it don’t do it. Far better to relish and look forward to your rides in the good /better weather, than to force yourself to struggle through the bad. Since I had a couple of bad falls on ice, my confidence was knocked pretty bad, so I got myself a trainer that attaches to my bike, and I can pedal until the ice goes away.
Nick,
I could still ride on good days, and take the bus in bad weather. I’m trying to wean myself away from the car.
WelshCyclist,
I don’t ride on ice yet, I might once I buy studded tires (next winter?). Bitter cold, wind, and cold rain are things that often prevent me from riding. I don’t have a trainer, and I’d probably find it boring.
My eventual goal is to move closer to work, and riding in harsh conditions won’t be as bad.