November Mind Reset

Revisiting the November mindset.

I've been think about November and how it's the most difficult time of year. I get blindsided by the darker evenings, forceful winds, and looming snow/ice. I am euphoric, riding in October's colorful embrace then suddenly plunged into gloom. It's the dramatic shift that gets to me. I have eagerly accepted the Happy Light, boosted vitamin D, and walk during lunch breaks to soak up the only available weekday daylight. And yet, I feel unmoored.

Because I ride year round, the cold doesn't bother me. I dress well, often boosted with chemical warmers. I welcome the studded tire life, headlights lighting a snow lined bike path, the quiet, with a blanket of starlight. Sublime winter evenings.

It's the transition that's awkward.

Cycling is my happy place. In November, I suddenly pay particular attention to weather forecasts. Is it near freezing with precipitation immanent? Ugh, is it raining and 40F - how bad do I want to ride? Will the temperatures plummet when I'm out there in darkness? Has it been howling and should I be concerned with fallen tree limbs? After snow begins to fall, have both towns responsible for path maintenance completed their plowing? And as last resort, is it best to go for a walk? 

Getting over the hump, shifting to less frequent outings and safer riding, is a process. I'll get there.