1.27.2011

On The Road Again...

When living up in the PNW...especially eastern Washington, getting out on the road in January is something special. The weather is just not conducive to get out and ride without a great chance of crashing on ice and or looking like Lloyd and Harry during the scooter scene in Dumb and Dumber. Since the weather has been a bit warmer and dryer than normal, I took advantage and began to process of trying to get outside and on the road again.

I think I might have to create a checklist next time ;)
Honestly, I had completely forgot the process it takes to get ready for a ride in cold temperatures. I began the lengthy process by trying to lay everything out just to make sure I had it all...and still was able to forget a few important items such as toe and shoe covers along with a face guard. Don't even get me started on how long it actually took to get all the gear on, walk around the house 5 times remember this and that and then finally getting outside to remember I have to fill up the tires and add a bike bag. It was beginning to feel like I it was going to take more time to get ready then I would actually spend riding.

Ready to RIDE!!!
With everything FI.NAL.LY done, I was able to jump on the bike and get started on what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for a ride and made all the work to get ready totally worth it. The sun was out, the temperatures were right and the road was clear. Basically everything you would expect about 2 months from now.

Not quite the same without the wheat fields but SO much better than stuck inside.

Thanks GU for keeping me fueled during my ride!
The ride was awesome. I forgot what if felt like to have wind on your face and the asphalt under your wheels. I also realized a few things that you just can't find inside on the trainer.

The amazing smell of cow manure warming up in the sun!
And the leg hairs sticking through your bike tights...Hey don't judge, it's still winter :)
I sure hope this weather sticks around for awhile because me plus trainer is none existent and I am loving getting outside.

3 comments:

jessithompson said...

LOL... at the last picture! Hilarious!

Tiffany said...

Awesome that you were able to get outside in January! The last pic cracks me up too...especially since you're asking people not to judge you because your legs are hairy. Shouldn't it be the other way around? ;)

Rene Guerrero said...

Great job braving that cold weather!