Wide Load

My view over the handlebars. There is plenty of clearance for fenders and front lowrider rack.

For a couple years now I've been using front panniers on the Trek. My husband has always rocked this set up. Curious, I then tried it, and it's been my preference ever since. It frees up the rear rack for life's little pleasantries, like bringing a pie home. With low rider front racks, the weight hugs the front wheel, keeping steering stable. It's perhaps a bit sluggish at times too. But that's never bothered me. As a matter of fact, I prefer weight up front; it reminds me of touring. And if I can get that feeling pedaling to work, well, all is right in my world.

I also equate an unencumbered bike with unprepared, non-commuter types. I know it sounds silly. Really, anyone who rides with a backpack certainly falls into the commuter category. But still, they are not serious commuters, equipped with first aid kit, pump, extra clothes, tool kit, and the ability to haul a sack of groceries home.

Today, my wide load, full with clothing, lunch, and personal stuff, was like a sail in a morning tailwind. While snow spit in my face I was carried along until the last mile when I turn back into the wind. But that's what low gears are for. Shift. Keep going. Spy a garter snake on a pile of snow. 

Say what? A cold blooded snake that I normally see in summer. Weird. I stop and walk my bike over. Notice a forked tongue, slowly slide out and back in. Poor guy. Groggy. I still can't figure out why his two foot length is resting on snow and not on nearby brown grass.

Later, wide load heads into stiff headwind for 11 miles. Builds character. Or so they say. I call it tough. Brutal, in some parts of my ride without tree cover.

Until I hear my first geese in 2014, Overhead, honking. That sound never ceases to make me smile.