Question: Why do we ride?
Answer: For days like today!
Yes, we ride to train, to race, to get fit and fast and to gain all the other health benefits cycling provides. But there are other reasons why we ride, and while these may be intangible, they are every bit as beneficial as the physical training benefits.
The weather here in MN is typically cold and windy at this time of year. The days are short and there’s always a biting, raw edge to them. There’s also a very good chance we’ll be getting some rain, sleet or snow on any given day. In other words, riding outside now is “iffy” and when we do get out, it’s not always pleasant.
Unlike today.
It was nearly perfect. The temperature was about 45, it was sunny without a cloud in the sky and most importantly, it was totally calm.
My route took me into the rolling bluff country of the beautiful St Croix river. On my way there, I passed famers working in their fields. I love the sights and sounds of combines working. I also love the country smells at this time of year. The smell of fresh cut corn and soybeans, of newly turned dirt and the smell of cow barns were all heavy in the air. These are among my favorite smells in the whole world.
The traffic was non-existant, so I had the whole road to myself. And I only saw one other cyclist. We said hello to each other and commented on how lucky we were to be able to be out on such a perfect day. Which it was.
We only get a handful of days such as we had today. I’m fortunate to have been able to take advantage of the day and memories of today will help carry me through the long, cold days of winter and the many hours of indoor riding prior to next spring.
I didn’t go super long today (though I rode further than I planned to) and I definitely didn’t ride very hard. But that’s OK. It was one of the most rewarding rides I’ve had all year, and sometimes we have to put aside the heart rate monitor, the power meter and the concern about speed and simply enjoy being out.
My riding partners and I will rip our legs off tomorrow with a hard indoor interval training session. But for today, riding in the crisp fall air of an unexpectedly beautiful day was glorious. Sorry you couldn’t join me.
But you CAN join me for our indoor cycling training sessions. Take a look at the “Training” tab or contact me about it. Then GET OUT AND RIDE!
| 
Sunday was pretty nice as well. I started too late, as I ended up with lights on at the end, but ran down to Prescott, then back to Hudson on the WI side.
Hey Pete,
We’re in a great strecch of weather, aren’t we? Sunday was great, today was awesome and tomorrow’s supposed to be the same. Hopefully you’ll be able to get out.
ps…….you should think about joining us for the indoor training sessions. Email or call with any questions.
Thanks Pete.
Bob
I had the very same experience on Sunday afternoon, just got out and rode, taking in the scenery, and found myself taking a few new rodes I had never been on,just to see where they went. I absolutly agree, that some days it’s great to just ride!
November is an excellent time of year to get on your bike.
Whent he sun is out and there is no wind it has to be the most perfect conditions of the whole year.
But getting caught in the odd shower isn’t so much fun…
Yes! I rode 20 miles on Sunday, and commuted to my carpool today for another 20 miles, and both days were fabulous, as you aptly described! The farmers were scampering around their fields. The shiny combines are catching up from that wet month of October. Near Lonsdale, I crested a hill and heard a vintage corn picker with golden ears of corn plunking into the metal wagon… a sight and sound from my youth.
I am continuing a couple bike/commuting days per week, and plan to until it gets icy. Yes, today was ideal, and calm. In my pre-dawn commute, it is about 25 degrees.
Bob — Your class for “pre-Ironman” readiness in March 2009 continues to help me, especially in cold mornings. I bought several wind-proof and thermal layers, and I am perfectly warm inside those layers!
I have it down to a science; booties in the cold mornings, and less needed for my afternoon commute home. Yes, 45 degrees was beautiful this afternoon too.
After our wet & rainy spell in October, I grew courageous, and cycled in a windy, rainy, 35 degree day. I often pack that yellow rainsuit, and that day, I declined 2 rides home. It worked okay. Yet, it also put this week’s beauty so I can appreciate it.
In November’s brisk mornings, I layer for warmth of course. But, what a surprise I had one 20 degree morning; my water bottle froze! Here’s a tip: “When the temperature is under 30 degrees, I fill the bottle with warm/hot water!”