That Warm Fuzzy Feeling

Shortly after the video, the winds increased, the temps dropped and the clouds thickened. So much for weather forecasts.

49'r

It didn't seem that bad this morning with temps above freezing and winds below 10 mph. No need for double layering. I wasn't expecting bright sunshine but I was hoping for an enjoyable 40+ day. 17 miles into the ride I stopped to chat with a couple of cyclists on the side of the road. One of the guys, Bob, I see quite frequently when riding this area but never had the opportunity to talk. I was amazed to learn that he had 16,000 miles for the year and this was not his best year. I don't total that my miles in all my modes of transportation. After about a half hour we moved on and I was reminded it was still Winter. The sky was overcast and my body cooled down. My face was cold and I regretted not bringing my balaclava. Having the fairing is a great asset in the cold. I am able to tuck my hands behind and keep them warm. The extra speed barreling down hills is a blast and I don't freeze my buns off.  5 miles down the road and I was warming up again. I continued the ride as planned taking detours to add miles. I added panniers to the ride for needed shopping before returning home. I may just leave these panniers on.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Etra lake

Shopping at Wegmans

Caught In The Rain

Getting caught in Winter rain gives me anxiety. I fear I will become too cold and unable to complete the ride.  If there is a threat of rain I try not to be too far from home. Between life's obligations and the extreme weather I was unable to get out the last few days  My plan for today was to do a 35 miler and get home before the rain. 20 miles into the ride the winds picked up and the skies darkened. I decided to cut the ride short and head home. 7 miles from home the skies opened. It was not as bad as I imagined. My layered clothes kept me warm and dry, electronics went in a plastic bag and bike light turned on. I used a bit more caution and slowed the pace. It was kind of fun watching peoples expressions as I pedaled by. I made it home safe and sound.

Favorite 50

What else would I do on this fabulous mid-50's day, but, ride my favorite 50 mile loop. By the time I finished the ride there was almost no trace of snow. Doesn't get much better. Unfortunately, the cold and snow return tomorrow.

 

Like Peanut-Butter and Jelly

I finally got around to buying a new Windwrap fairing for my Stratus. 42 miles for it's maiden voyage on this beautiful, unusually warm, Winter day. It looks and rides sweet. Fairing and bike go together like peanut-butter and jelly.

After The Blizzard

We were lucky and only got 6 inches of snow. 2 days later the roads were clear and a short ride was planned. Expecting ice patches, a sure footed three wheeler was in order. I did clover leafs close to home in case things got ruff. Temps at freezing and no wind made for a warm fast 20 miler. Nice!!!

Winter Woes

Last nights snow dusting melted with the morning sun  With temps in the mid 30's and bright sunshine it promised to be a great day. Winds out of the northwest at 18 mph made for a slow go but I was not complaining.  My fingers and toes were not arguing. 30 miles into the ride clouds thickened and winds picked up. The air had that cold chill and my toes were no longer happy. I stopped and stomped my feet trying to get blood circulating again. I made another 10 miles to the store where my feet were able to thaw. As I look outside, after my 2nd cup of hot coffee, I see the sun shining bright once again.

Home Made Toe Booties

For years I have been trying to figure out the secret to keeping my feet warm on those cold Winter rides. I read that cyclists would stuff their shoes with paper, wrap their feet with plastic bags and even duck tape their shoes. I have tried a few suggestions like sandals with 2 pair wool socks, hiking shoes and even wrapped my feet in plastic. The only real solution seems to be arctic snow shows but not really practical for pedaling. So far the closest thing to working is 2 pair of wool socks inside loose fitting shoes. In my case wide Sketcher sneakers. I figured 2 pair wool socks almost work so how about adding a pair of wool socks outside the shoe and wrapped with duck tape. Seemed like a plan and in less than a half hour I had instant  toe booties. I rode with them yesterday behind the fairing on my Greenway and today on my unfaired Stratus. So, how did they do? Sorry to say, not much better than just the 2 pair of wool socks. Back to the drawing board.

Manasquan Reservoir

I did something different today and headed east. Too cold to ride all the way to the shore I stopped at Manasquan Reservoir. I took the Greenway for fear of ice patches from yesterday's snow. I rode half way round the perimeter on the gravel multi-use path. It was a bit sloppy in places with snow cover. I didn't run into an other cyclists but there were quite a few people enjoying this cold Monday. The 17 mile ride home was work with the 15 mph westerly head winds. It was cold but the sun was shinning and this 33 mile day proved most enjoyable.