~ biking in the cold and dark of winter ~
Mountain biking in the cold and dark of winter offers unique thrills and challenges. One thrill and challenge is the opportunity to spend a lot of money on gear. Another thrill and challenge is doing what you love (ie, mountain biking) regardless of the pain and suffering.
As a sidenote, one drawback to mountain biking in the cold and dark of winter is that it does not lend itself well to photos, which explains the lack of blogging around these parts.
Normally, winter coincides with enhanced depression, gym attendance, and feelings of cabin fever while we live vicariously through our fond memories of wild outdoor adventures when the weather was warmer and sunnier. My committment to riding through the cold and dark of winter coincides with my realization that mountain biking even when it totally sucks outside is infinitely more fun than going to the gym. In fact, with the right gear and attitude adjustment, mountain biking when it sucks outside can be downright awesome.
I have been consistently going on several night rides a week; the cold weather hasn't stopped me. As I augment my cold weather gear selection, I hope for my winter riding to increase in both fun and quantity.
On Wednesday, I went on a group ride hosted by the bike shop folks. Most everyone who had committed to riding cancelled because of the weather - - the temperature registered at 28 degrees, with a "feel like" rating of 23. Arguably, while this is freezing it is not too cold to ride. Okay okay, my fingers became painfully cold on the descent, but otherwise I felt great.
On Friday, Josh and I jetted out on a bike ride right after I got off work. The temperature was 27, with a feel like rating of 18. BRRR, right? Wrong. Dressing for the weather is a science that I almost have figured out (see above, re: spending lots of money on gear).
We rode up Sidewinder, Fat Tire, and down Trail 5. The sun was set by the time we reached the top of Sidewinder, at which point I illuminated my new helmet light, the Stella 200. BING!
We then proceeded through the traversing turns of Fat Tire and I had so much fun. The darkness beyond the focus of my light was eerie, and the snow crystals on the trail were magical. I imagined the mountain lions lurking in the distance, too afraid to pounce because of our powerful helmet lights.
Bombing down Trail 5 was too awesome and fun for words. I had my light pointed at the perfect distance in front of me, and it felt so smooth. My vbrakes maintained sufficient braking (though, I was worried for a bit as I sensed them icing over). I remained totally warm and cozy in my nest of cold weather gear... except for my fingers. On the descent, my fingers became very cold. It's a science, dressing for cold weather night rides.
Maybe the beauty of the city as viewed from the foothills at night just weren't meant to be fully appreciated by anyone not actually in the foothills at night. I can't think of any other reason why its impossible to take a good nighttime photo. (then again, I'm not a professional photographer, and I have a point and shoot camera)
My favorite part of the ride was when you declared that riding at night is..um...um..."cool!" I wholeheartedly agree.
Posted by: Josh Travis | December 4, 2009 8:36 PM