Consecutive bicycle work commute number 1795:

17°F this morning, but the crosswind was only about 10 mph so it wasn't bad at all. Most days our high temps have been above freezing, so we're having an unseasonably warm December so far. No snow currently in the forecast. Starting to look probable that we're going to have a brown Christmas.

I try to commute at least 3,000 miles by bicycle every year. This morning I hit the 3k mark right as I reached the office, so took a photo to commemorate the occasion.

Speaking of commemorating the occasion, my son is going to finish high school today. It's been an extremely rough road to get him to this point, but he finally made it. He doesn't want my wife and I telling anyone because he's embarrassed that everyone else his age graduated three years ago. We're abiding by his wishes, but it's really difficult because this is huge and we want to tell all our friends and family. I figure it's safe to tell you all because nobody knows him personally, and at least that way I can share it with someone.

Still calibrating my winter clothing selections. Doesn't help that it's been warming up nearly 10 degrees, from freezing to 40F, during my commutes the past few days. I was wondering why I felt so cold, colder than I expected, starting out, and then was sweating so heavily when I got to work. Finally checked the weather service history -- now I get it!

Surprised by a train this morning. I can usually hear them coming, but today I was right in front of the main line locomotive blowing his horn (though two blocks away, and the track curves). So I jumped (while riding along), my instincts yelled "Get off the tracks!" for a moment, then my rational brain replied, "Huh? I'm not on the tracks. As a matter of fact the crossing is a block that-a-way!"

After that wake-up, the rest of the ride was calm, cool, and collected. Wildlife for the day was the big white fluffy dog, in his fence, who's always happy for company.

Consecutive bicycle work commute number 1802:

Final day of commuting in 2023. I'm off work for the remainder of the year, taking my wife to see her family in Ohio. Assuming I ride my normal route home tonight, my total commuting miles logged this year will be 3,107.

This morning was about as easy as a "winter" commute in South Dakota can get. 28°F with a very light crosswind. No snow on the ground. Occasional patches of ice, but nothing that hindered me from taking the road bike. I made it the 8 miles to work in about 35 minutes. Usually by December I plan on at least an hour because I'm on a slower bike, bundled up and fighting the elements.

We're supposed to get about 2" of rain over Christmas. Rain in December. That's really weird for us. This has been the warmest December I can remember. Morning temps have been below freezing, but probably only a half dozen mornings have been below 20°. Usually by now we've logged a few sub-zero days. Highs most days have been above freezing in the 30s and 40s, which again is very unusual for us.

I have my winter bikes prepped and ready to go once real winter finally decides to hit, but so far they sit unridden. I'm not sure if this is going to be an extremely mild winter, or if mother nature is just saving it up to slam the crap out of us starting in January.

See you all in 2024!

I rode today. I work at an elementary school, and today is Pajama Day. Um, no, I won't be coming in wearing pajamas, and I don't own any, anyway. I decided wearing athletic clothes is enough of a change. It was cold and windy, and I ride along the river which is colder and windier than the rest of the City. I decided to try without wearing a coat. I layered up with baselayers and cycling tights and jersey. That worked, but damn, my fingers and toes got cold. Classic problem. Maybe I should get those chemical hand warmers. I have a pair of shoes they might fit in.

Rat tally:
Dead: 1
Alive: 0

It seems every time I ride in the City, I see at least one rat, dead or alive.

I work with 4th graders. They seem amused to see me dressed this way. I'm amused to see them dressed in colorful pajamas.

GPS tracks

Merry Christmas, everyone

I got no bike stuff this year and, know what? I didn't miss it. I'm all set for now.