26 degrees F out there this morning --- damn, it's cold out there.

Out Here Low is to be in the 50's.

High around 78, low around 46 forecast for our area today. I lived in St. Charles, IL, for three and one half winters. OP, you have my sympathy. Hang in there.

Was 33 here this morning. 38 at 10:00 when I went for my ride. I could have dealt with the the cold but the 21 MPH wind was too much for me. Called 14 miles enough. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

I though this thread was about getting old.

It is about getting old, at least to me. I used to enjoy winter and the variety of conditions. Now about this time of year I start counting the days to Spring. One problem is my favorite things to do - cycle, run (not do much now), and boating are best in warmer conditions and not snow and ice. I tell people I wish there was something I enjoyed about winter like skiing, but I don't. I shiver and hate skiing, get warmed up on a downhill run, and then shiver while I stand in the lift lines.

"getting old"

Beats the alternative.... then you'll really be cold. Stone cold.

I hear old people move to Sun City, Az because the year round sunny weather seems like time isnt passing so quickly. Here in N Michigan I only want Jan/Feb to pass quickly.

Been hearin' that all my life. No longer convinced. Think out of the box and question conventional wisdom I say.

dad died
If you can still ride a bike, then you're in pretty good shape.

My dad died of cancer at 53 and missed my wedding, kids and my son's upcoming wedding. My mom is 85 and in the past 13 months had a stomach tumor removed, a lung tumor irradiated and a second tumor in her other lung removed. She's not done yet and looking forward to great grand children.

Everyday I open my eyes and my feet touch the ground is a blessing. Able to ride a bike is icing on the cake.

Dad died of C at 61. Each day is a blessing and being able to sing, ride, walk, swim - whatever - is a blessing, no matter the temperature.

Sang with my group I lead Tuesday, Thursday, and today to great bunches of people. Did a 24 mile ride in-between, along with some shorter rides. Went swimming. 2.5 mile walk most mornings this week, did resistance exercises and stretching. Life is great at 75yo

50 degrees and ~30% humidity here today when I rode. Temperature was about normal for this time of year, but the humidity is usually 95-100% at sunrise. The back of my throat was parched.

55F when I went riding at noon today. Sunny and low humidity. That's just about perfect biking weather for me.

I'm giving up on the ski patrolling this year. Old, in that context, means I can free ski at any resort I wish. How are the lift lines lately?; it's been a long time since i stood in one.

What's a lift line?

"Hey Sweetheart, need a lift?"

I'm not sure. I think it has something to do with botox injections or some other plastic surgery procedure. As for weather, it was cold this morning at 57.

,,, Getting old and wiseing up maybe ?? there"s a reason why people don't retire and move North,,,,,,,,,,,,

I hear that. I know so many people with health issues, I am thankful for what I have at any age.

I know people who live by the "Dolce far Niente" (how sweet to do nothing) philosophy of life, but that doesn't resonate with me. I'll have eternity to do nothing when the time comes.

As for the cold, years of doing otherwise has taught me to take what comes. If it's sunny and warm, I'll be on the bike. If it's cold and snowy, I'll be on the skis.

Waxed and scraped my xcountry skis last night. The ski people I know are reporting a dusting of snow in northern New England.

I never liked cold... getting old has not changed that.

I haven't tried XC skiing, but it is on the list!

A few flakes in E. Prov. yesterday.

Turning 57 this coming Friday. Still commuting to work but the weather has been exceptional, just above O C or 32 F for you Americans, in the morning. The commute home today might be a bit uncomfortable because rain is in the forecast. Last year, I was able to commute well into November. There are a few commuters that don't let the winter stop them but I am not one of them. Minus 40 C which is minus 40 F, is really uncomfortable. Also, the streets are icy. I have a cold weather outfit that is one step under a space suit which makes me look like the Michelin man. I can't even get on my bicycle while wearing it. My winter commute consists of waddling like a penguin to a bus stop.

I'm too old to ski at high speed through the woods. It can be very strenuous. But since beginning to snowshoe and ski some years ago, I enjoy winter and have camped down to -20F and been completely comfortable. Last year I went to a nearby state forest right after 10" on new snow with not another soul about. Snow deadens sound so that the woods were very quiet and peaceful and I had a very enjoyable 2-3 hours.

There are several types of xcountry skis (no surprise). There are very skinny skis that would be used at a ski area with prepared tracks and such skis are very fast. Another similar but wider ski, which does not fit in prepared tracks, had some shape to enable some turns in mellow terrain and will also work well in 6-10 inches of snow. This second type is often called XCD for Cross Country Downhill. Just like buying a bike, it is best to have an idea of what a bike of a ski is to be used for. It would be best to go to a xcountry ski area and rent before buying. Actually, for occasional use, renting is a better option. Give it a go.