Originally Posted by
mjw16
Quite possibly the hardest, most frustrating commute of my 6 years. Not only was it bitterly cold but, there was a constant, unrelenting headwind that kept tearing at my ears and pushing againts me, my chain squeeked mercelessly the whole way in and my legs completely abandoned me (stiff, tired, etc). I struggled, cursing all the way, againts these conditions. The bike felt slow and heavy, the hills were killing me, and there was absolutely no coasting or catching my breath at any point along the way. I also felt totally carb and calorie depleted. I felt like getting off the bike and tossing it into the woods, I barely made it in. I hope things are even slightly improved this afternoon.
For some reason I just love this post. It says it all.
It's rides like that one that actually make you a better bike rider. In about 4 months you should read this post again after you've ridden in on a 78〫day with clear skies, a mild wind at your back and broke your record for getting to work. It's because of days like the one you describe in your post that those spring and summer days will be all the sweeter.
and farmerlee- also glad you are okay! yikes.
my bike ride was far less eventful. Left the house and it was 8〫F this morning and the wind was howling. I have no idea what the windchill was. The wind was at my back a good portion of the ride but there were some cross winds that really nailed me.
Crunched, squeaked and crawled my way home tonight in 8〫weather but thankfully the wind had abated so it was quite pleasant.
A warning- never try to remove your rain pants in an empty elevator in the hopes they will be off before the doors open on the 6th floor. Even with a pair of jeans on it's still awkward to be caught with pants around your ankles and have to waddle out through a crowd of amazed onlookers.
Unfortunately, I had removed my face mask so I was easily indentifiable.