Last week, Jan 21-25, it was really cold around here (central NJ). I got out for a short, 4-6 miles, ride every weekday. The temps were 14-18 F and I had on many layers including a ski mask! With lined full fingered gloves, my hands would hurt before the end of the ride.

When the weekend came, I was just so tired of the cold, I didn't go out on Saturday and we had other plans for Sunday, so I missed my usual long ride.

This Wednesday, Jan 30, the temps got into the 60s! I went out for a ride with bike shorts, jersey and a jacket. Also, open fingered bike gloves and a sweat band under the helmet instead of the ski mask!. Got 31 miles of which half were without the jacket! Just like spring.

Thursday, it cooled off to the low 40s, but I thought it was still warm enough to get a nice long ride in. No, it was really really windy, 25-30 mph. I started out, but aborted right away.

Today, Friday, the wind was down to 15-20 mph. The temp was also down - around 28 F. But I gave it a shot. 26 miles, but with fighting the winds, only averaged about 9 mph.

There was a point where I was riding in the tailwind direction, but didn't feel the tailwind since I was between two small hills. As I crested the top of the hill, I was suddenly in the wind again. It felt as though someone put their hands on my back and gave me a push!

There might be snow this weekend, so the long ride may again be missed.

Oh well.

-Ed