2 by 2

It has been down right cold. Today's temps in the low 20's. I wasn't sure whether I could enjoy a leisurely ride today so I took my Greenway for some errands. I new if things got too cold, I would not be too far from home. I find in this weather doubling up is the way to go. 2 shirts, 2 pants, 2 pair of wool socks, 2 pair of gloves, a balaclava and wool hat with earmuffs, scarf, hoodie and finally my new windbreaker jacket. It is a lot of preparation and not easy to just get up and go. It also makes walking around in stores more difficult as you have to undress and dress. When shopping in these cold temps I am not as conspicuous. Most people look like the Abominable snow man also. One thing about the Greenway, it's an attention grabber. I get a lot of "Cool Bike". It does seem a bit nuts riding in such cold but I find it COOOL!

20 miles around town

New Windbreaker Jacket

Like some of you I am not a big fan of Walmart.  I do however like their Starter brand apparel. I find them a good value and quality athletic wear.
I purchased this windbreaker jacket. It has 2 zippered pockets, a storm flap for the front zipper, extra long tail, a vented back, reflective stripes, nice fit and stylish. $15. I wear this over some layered clothes and am quite toasty on those cold rides.

Nice Start

The first week in January was cold but I managed to get 8 consecutive days of riding. The second week warmed up a bit and I only missed 2 days. I am halfway through the month and have 370 miles. Not bad! The weather is turning seasonably cold again. Today's 30 mile ride started cold and ended colder. Freezing temps are predicted. I may have to shorten my rides if I want to go out.

Birthday Challenge

More than a decade ago I set myself a challenge. Ride my age for my birthday. For the past few years, I promised myself, that I would take this challenge down south. This ride has become one of my longer rides of the year. I have to plan this event based on the weather. It has been quite cold this early part of January. Forecasters predicted a warming trend. Today seemed like the day with temps climbing into the 40's. I got an early start. It was cold, just above freezing. The winds were feisty at around 15 mph. They were with me for the first 25 miles. All I could do was put my head down and pedal slow and steady. I was determined. The sky was blue with few clouds and bright sunshine. The wind was no longer nagging and the day got warmer. A smile came to my face knowing I would again succeed. I made it home, grateful for another year.

Frozen

Happy Birthday!

Winter Riding

Winter is not a favorite time for cyclists. It doesn't mean you have to hibernate in your cocoon until the Spring thaw. You do have to plan more. Checking the weather first helps you decide what and how much layering you will need. Don't completely count on the weather forecast as you know how that goes. Overdressing is my motto. Don't expect to break any time trials. The air is thick and will slow you down. In fact I suggest you leave your fast road bike in the garage. You will be more comfortable on a hybrid type bike. All those extra layers of clothes will weigh you down. Thick warm gloves will make shifting more difficult. A roomy pair of shoes or boots with wool socks on Bmx pedals will keep your feet warmer. I don't believe you need to purchase expensive Winter cycling clothes. Fleece sweatpants, gloves and hat over your ears work well for me. You will look like the abominable snowman. Also don't expect to do any high mileage. My rides seem to average around half. For me windy grey days are the worst. Temps below freezing are also a struggle.  I would rather ride 6 miles to the store than not at all. Today's ride was 25 miles and temps never got above freezing. It was difficult but doable. When temps reach 40 it will seem like Spring.
Old Man Winter will not get the better of me.
KEEP RIDING!!!

2012 Stats

Year                                       2012      2011      2010      2009      2008      2007


Total miles                             6169        4714     5354      3185      2861      3328

Total rides                                199         159       183        126        108        109

Average speed                           11           11         10           11          11         11

Average miles per ride               31           30         30           25         27          31

Bikejournal standing                 460        829       655        1643      1968     1516

Bentrider standing                      13          24         17            49          76         76

Mileage Breakdown                  

Greenway                                2455

Stratus                                     2105

ICE T                                       1552

Fuji                                              57

Utility                                       1669 

My car                                     7000
FWIW 1200 of the 7000 miles was a trip to Ohio for a week long bike trip.

12-31-12

I was fortunate to ride 28 miles on this last day of 2012. It completes an epic year of 6169 miles. 

Thank you for sharing some of my adventures around New Jersey. I wish all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. A toast to what new Adventures lie a head for 2013.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Ice Capade