I have the opportunity to year-round commute so that keeps me on the road in almost any weather, including a few days of single degrees F and occasionally slightly below zero. The worse the weather, the more likely I will be asked that question at work, “You didn’t ride your bike today, did you?” Enough “no, of course not” answers and I’ll lose my reputation as The Road Warrior.

I have come to enjoy (somewhat) meeting the challenges. Dressing up in layers and adjusting the gaps in clothing on a dark early morning imparts a sense of adventure like an astronaut suiting up for lift-off. And while the solitude of space is more profound, the solitude of winter morning riding is more intense than in the summer, and I like cocooning into myself as I ride.

Cycling is my only real exercise and I do miss the additional miles for training in the nice weather that I add to my typical 14-mile commute. I have the further advantage of needing to cycle only one way and take a commuter train home, though I am seriously trying to do the round trip, but there has been too much work this week. By about 9:00 PM, the train is too inviting.

I planned on putting on the studded tires in mid December, but reading the winter threads may push that up to this weekend. I think that standing up (or shall I say straddling the saddle) in the face of winter makes it easier to tolerate, especially for non-cycling activities, like even just going out the door.