Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Motivation During a Dark Season

 


I much prefer moving under my own power. With the experienced I've gained the past five years from winter bike commuting, I have the courage in a 2020 jobless pandemic to continue cycling as the days shorten. It helps to have an objective, of course, otherwise pedaling in 25 degree weather just for exercise is hardly a reason to bundle up, when a long walk or hike would suffice. In another time, I could visualize riding into Burlington to hang out at coffee shops (we moved to suburbia in 2020), but in another time I would've been employed, bike commuting, visiting coffee shops only on weekends during the Coffeeneuring Challenge. So, in this upside down world it still makes sense to ride - for mental and physical equanimity - motivated by errands. I have also embraced night riding again to avoid a crowded waterfront path, but dropping temperatures should soon deter less hardy riders and walkers. 

I'm thankful that between mountain biking on nearby trails and embracing night riding, I have the psychological and physical tools to get through this crazy time.

If you need encouragement, check out the Midnite Bicycle League Challenge.

How is everyone doing as the cold, wind, and darkness descends? Any tips to help other riders continue cycling?

8 comments:

  1. I plan to cycle through the winter as always. I'd built up a good stable of lights to keep me going over the years, but I need to replenish it as I've lost two of 4 lights (one misplaced, and one died). I've got two left but no backup light at home.

    I still have the Rat Trap Pass tires on for now. There's no snow in the forecast so I don't have any plans to swap them for the winters yet, and I'm not looking forward to it. One new thing to consider this year is the brand-new Humptulips tires from Rene Herse. Getting that famous supple ride quality with knobs for traction in snow, in one tire, is a tempting prospect. I'll have to see if the budget allows for (another) bikey purchase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those new tires look interesting, especially for 26" wheels. I have also considered getting a back up light, but I need to see what a future job commute will look like before I decide.

      Delete
  2. Our winters are not as cold as yours so I continue cycling. Many times I prefer winter cycling as the leafless landscape gives you different views and I often see things that I haven't noticed before. For me winter cycling means good lights, tyres and bright reflective clothing. Why some cyclists wear black in winter beats me. Something I am very weary of when cycling on roads in winter is the low sun that can impair a drivers vision and also reflect off the wet roads.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On the flipside our 18 year old commutes by bike, refuses to use a light, and wears black clothing. Ugh.

      Delete
  3. I am not so brave to ride in the dark during winter. I have enough problems with ice when I CAN see it, so braving that in the dark is not something I choose to tackle... though I certainly respect those who do!

    I do ride through the winter, and even though I don't really have many places that I NEED to go right now, it's still nice to get out and ride -- even when it's cold [though I was cursing the cold just the other day, so we'll see if I toughen up as we sink in or if I'll continue to yell at no one/nothing in particular :)]. I have plenty of warm clothing, lights, etc, but I find that the cold does get to me (both physically and mentally), so figuring out how to still enjoy and not beat myself up for not always enjoying the ride often becomes my own little challenge.

    I'm glad you are finding your way in your new home/new surroundings and hopefully the winter will be kind enough to not be too brutally cold.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm wary of riding on ice. We have periods without any precipitation on the ground so I take advantage of those times when I can. So far, the snow that has fallen melted within a day. I woke this morning expecting a couple inches from the current northeaster storm but so far we've escaped any precipitation.

      Delete
  4. I enjoy night riding as much as any other time of the day. Whenever I meet someone at a store for instance, after saying hello the next thing said is, did you ride you bike here? I point to my strapped pant leg responding: My ankle bracelet also works at a pant protector.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wind, rain, darkness - choose any two - if you have the luxury of choosing. I highly recommend wearing a helmet in conditions where slick ice is present. Slick ice is probably the closest a cyclist will come to replicating the conditions under which the helmet was certified.

    ReplyDelete

Due to increased Spam, I am moderating comments. Thank you for your patience.