Winter Blues

I go to dance, fitness and yoga classes. I go climbing; running, skiing. Everything, and my body and soul still yearn for a bike ride. None of the other drugs clear my head quite like biking does and I need it. Every bone in my body is aching for it. It looks nice out, barely any wind and sunny, but the thermometer reads temps far below freezing. I could bundle. I could layer it up to prevent my limbs from freezing in the first mile of riding. That’s when the excuses start. My pump is broken. I can’t find my booties. I don’t have good enough gloves. The list goes on.  

I went riding at Rays MTB park to try and scratch the itch and it did help. It curbed the cravings for a bit, but nothing compares to a long ride on the road or trails. There is a certain clarity that comes on long rides. Each mile pushing harder and harder, slamming through the perils of life with every pedal stroke, acid burning through tired muscles until everything is gone. There’s no more pain in your legs and all the stress melts away. Everything is clear and it’s just you and the bike. No bills, or deadlines or to do lists.  What I wouldn’t give for a long bike ride with the sun on my back. Don’t get me wrong. I love winter. I am a skier and a snowboarder, but when life gets overwhelming my favorite remedy will always be a bike ride.

Just placed an order for gloves suitable for riding in sub zero temps. No more excuses. Rain, wind or snow, it’s time to ride my bike.