Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Times Change

Yes, I rode to work today.

And . . .


This morning my alley was much improved.

I really do enjoy these brisk December rides Downtown. A deputy asked me what was different in my genetic make-up that, "...allowed me to ride when it was so cold." I told him it wasn't a matter of genes it was a matter of having the right gear. That said, there is probably something about how I'm made that calls me out on these chilly mornings. I'm aware of others who ride in much colder temperatures. I wonder what he'd think of them?

I've been leaving a little earlier in the morning and skipping the stop at the cafe. Between the Bible Study Groups and the adding of a drive-thru, it just hasn't been as interesting of a place to spend time in the morning. I used to love going there. There was a group of us. It was a "They Know My Name" sort of place. Actually, it is where I met Heather. Alas, times change. For now, I'm enjoying some solitary time before my workday begins.

When I got Downtown the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon.


One of my favorite things about Downtown is sunrise time. I love the ways the the light plays on the buildings . . .


. . . and the windows, even if the windows are facing West, as are these.

It was almost toasty for the ride home.

  • 22F/-5.5C and mostly clear for the ride in.
  • 47F/8C and some cloud cover for the home ride.

8 comments:

  1. A nice glow on those windows.

    Are you looking for a new cafe stop for mornings? One a little quieter where they too will learn your name?

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    1. I'm not sure what I'm going to do in the long term, but right now it is feeling quite comfortable just riding in. I started doing it because the bike didn't have to set out on those couple of cold mornings we had while I was having breakfast. This meant I didn't have to rewarm it up before riding to work. Now, it is just seeming simpler.

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  2. Circle Blue, Keith....it is a bit of a question isn't it? Why we ride when most others put away their motorcycles/scooters for the winter. Is it a challenge to be met? An aversion to cages? A different perspective on what it means to be a rider? Lack of a cage? For me, its fulfilling a promise I made back in 2007; never again would snow stop me....from there it was just a "slippery slope" to riding no matter what the conditions. Truly though, having the right gear and mental set are the key elements.

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    1. I do know some of it is the challenge. I, also, know it makes a difference in my mood and ability to cognitive cope with my surroundings when I'm riding. If I have a layoff, both Heather and I see a definite difference in my functioning. Fortunately, the last couple of winters have allowed me to ride nearly everyday.

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  3. Keith, Dom, Richard, and Steve, you make those of us with our bikes on life support look like the wimps we must truly be.

    Very nice post Keith, but I just don't have what it takes to ride through a Montreal winter. My black Honda Civic is a single shade of gray and I wouldn't get 20 feet and still be able to see through my visor.

    My very best wishes to you and Heather for the holidays.

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    1. David,
      My climate is very temperate. Yes, it can get fairly cold, but in a day or two it's warm. Yes, we get snow, but in a few days it is usually gone. Like you, my hat is off to Dom, Richard, and Steve.

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  4. The addition of the sidecar has turned the old motorcycle into regular, functional transportation. I'm just curious if it'll work year 'round. The addition of heated gear pretty much makes it warmer than driving.

    It's a way to turn your commute into recreation and think "street legal snow machine (aka snowmobile)".

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    Replies
    1. Oh, I have thought about a sidecar rig. Alas, I have no where to keep it securely at home. I barely have room for the small bikes I have. For now this and money are the big hurdles. Maybe a day will come ...

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