Hey. Guess what? It's still cold outside.

    Today I went on a ride with teammates AJ and Pete on what was a simultaneously beautiful, and unrelentingly cold day. Usually, if the temperature dips below 20 degrees, I shut myself in for yet another mind numbing hour or two on the rollers. But, as it was 21 degrees when we departed at noon, I was willing to overlook protocol to avoid spinning inside.

      The sun shone brightly all day, and in between my complaining about my worsening case of frostbite, and picking mud out of my teeth, I couldn't help being a little awe-struck. We were riding down roads we had ridden hundreds of times before as if it were the first time. It was gorgeous. We only pass two sets of other hard-men the whole ride. Everyone, it seems, has the same mentality when it comes to passing someone else on a potentially pneumonia inducing day such as today: "Hey! You are a total monster too! Have a good ride!" I am a bit of a stickler about when people don't wave or say "hi" as we pass on the road. I don't understand it... We are both doing the same thing! It's awesome! Hooray bikes! The point is, you almost never pass anyone out riding this time of year that won't first commiserate, and then acknowledge your general bad-assery. The cold makes it's own selection, and generally, only the heartiest will take up the call.

    Riding in the winter is a funny thing. Obviously, it's miserable. On the right day, you will lose all sensation in your hands and feet, not before, however, they provide you with an intense amount of pain. Your water bottle will freeze solid before you are 30 minutes from home (you may add vodka to a drink to avoid this... but you need to add enough so that you are constantly reminded of the mistakes you made the night before). You will be covered in mud and water, which in the cold, is more than a little unpleasant. Your nose is instantly useless, and your lungs will burn with each breath.

     On the other hand, riding your bike in the cold is what this ridiculous sport is all about. We don't have picturesque mountains in the North East. We don't have endless col's or cobbles. We have snow. A ton of snow.  All the time. Yes, it makes for challenging training schedules and arguably dangerous conditions, but it also makes for character-hardening, soul strengthening experiences with your friends. It's supposed to hurt. You're supposed to suffer. And at the end of your trial, you will be rewarded beyond what many others will experience in their lifetimes. Cycling is grueling and painful, but also devastatingly beautiful, not unlike this time of year...


I'm just now regaining feeling in my toes. I can't wait for tomorrow.