[MikeR]

Well, last summer was my first season as a “real” cyclist. I was concerned that being from central Pa, I would not be able to ride much in the winter and would loose the conditioning progress I made in the warmer months.

I contemplated getting a trainer, but I know I don’t have the discipline to keep at it if it is not lots of fun. Instead, I spent the money on warm clothing , slightly wider, slightly knobby tires, and a good light.

It took a while to get geared up properly, but as of the beginning of this month I have been out riding on week day mornings from 4 to 5:30. This turned out to be much nicer than I had anticipated. The night sky is beautiful, and the roads are empty. The only thing I hear is the sound of the wind, wheels and my gears.

It’s so relaxing, and invigorating. The cold air coming into my lungs wakes me up and clears me out. I’m convinced that being outdoors in the winter, breathing cold air somehow keeps you healthier. Maybe sucking in that cold air kills germs.

I Have to go to bed earlier but the anticipation of the early ride gives me something to look forward to. This is so much fun I may get up really early in the summer for pre dawn rides.

BTW I already did loose some of my conditioning. I got’a build my base miles back up.

but - Hey, This if fun!

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[Greg]

My weekend rides all start out predawn and years ago my daily commutes would begin pre dawn.

It's the best time to ride in my opinion.

The kooks aren't out yet and a beautiful sunrise is a great way to start the day.

On weekends I greet my neighbors getting their morning papers after riding fifty miles. It's good for a few "are you crazy" looks.

[MikeR]

"are you crazy" looks.

Yea, I know what you mean. As I'm coming home at 5:30 I pass a few neighbors who are yawning and shivering as they stumble out to their cars.

The sight of me in my tights, a blinking red light on my helmet, and two more on my back really wakes them up.

I’m starting to enjoy this role of ‘bicycle kook’, even if my 12 year old daughter is mortified every time I ride by her friends houses in my bike clothes.

[threadend]

Originally posted by MikeR


...I’m starting to enjoy this role of ‘bicycle kook’, even if my 12 year old daughter is mortified every time I ride by her friends houses in my bike clothes.

LOL, I'm with youMikeR, kids can be so cruel, it's great to get even with them on occasion :D My teenager really loves it when I hook up the BOB trailer and tow my supply of (8) 2 liter diet cokes to the office :rolleyes: