Actually motivated for winter season again.

[jagman.2003]

A couple of weeks ago I mentally had to accept that the warm dry weather would soon be changing.
The fast commutes & weekend blasts on dry roads may have to give way to damp, cautious & poorly lit excursions in the coming months. I know we are enjoying an Indian summer, but I am preparing myself for the switch over regularly forecast.

But for the second year running I have found myself getting motivated to the seasonal challenge.

• It's been fun to review & refresh my winter wardrobe. Including lights & bike.
  
• Instead of speedy rides I have started thinking about more exploration & steady hill climb options.
  
• The idea of defying the elements & riding off into the misty landscape appeals to the social rebel in me.
• The possibility of maintaining & further improving my fitness ready for next year has got me smiling.
• Maybe the change in weather is a good thing to help me appreciate the better weather.
  
• Great opportunity to apply rule no.5.

Disclaimer: Any reference to this statement may be ignored during the darkest & coldest parts of winter.

 

[format]

I've decided I'll be riding fixed gear on a heavy bike all winter. My shiny bike will be put away til spring. Think I'll be doing 1 or 2 50/60km rides a week, just to keep some juice in the legs.

Last year I had 2 months off the bike and suffered big time getting back to it. Hoping this year I'll come back to the road bike with stronger legs!

 

[DCLane]

Winter riding can be fun; I've been up on top of the Pennines at 9am when there's deep snow and I'm the only one up there*


* probably for very good reason. Everyone else is still in bed!

 

[simon.r]

I charged my lights and fettled my Winter bike last night.

A slow and steady 10 mile ride certainly made me realise how much difference the extra 10lbs or so weight makes! Still enjoyable though and it will make the occasional ride on my best bike (on those rare dry and sunny Winter days) seem even better

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Me too. I had a 6 week break doing very little but have been back a few weeks.

I almost feel ready for long steady winter rides, refreshed maybe

 

[Archie_tect]

Going up a slippery road is OK, just don't enjoy traversing or coming down again.

I like the early morning rides as the sun is coming up and everything's still and quiet... so many wintery Saturday mornings in Northumberland start off bright and clear, by the time I get home again people have begun to yawn their way downstairs and their days shuffle in.

 

[jagman.2003]

Going up a slippery road is OK, just don't enjoy traversing or coming down again.

I think that's the fun in planning the route with all new rules for winter. A steep climb with a shallow descent perhaps.

 

[cyberknight]

My commute average speed has dropped certainly, taking it a bit steadier on unlit country lanes even with an xml t6 as you can never tell what you might find at 5-6 am .

 

[BigAl68]

I have been doing the morning commute in the pitch black now for a month and my wardrobe is slowly changing. Now in 3/4 most mornings and arm warmers every morning. I have been picking up a few sets of winter bib tights and a nice merino jersey but have yet to have need for my winter boots apart from one very cold morning. I quiet enjoy winter riding as there are less people and I enjoy the change in the scenery.

 

[potsy]

Strange isn't it, I've hardly been out these last couple of months but am actually looking forward to commuting once the weather gets a bit cooler.
A few new bits of clothing and a bit of bike fettling has seen my motivation come back, here's to a cool but dry-ish few months cycling

 

[steveindenmark]

I like Winter rides on sunny, snows mornings. Getting wrapped up and heading out with a flask of coffee is a great way to unwind.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

That's a winter Scoot Steve

 

[steveindenmark]

That's a winter Scoot Steve

I dont have so far to fall when I slip. Im just hoping we have a mild Winter like last year. We would like to ride Jogle next year and need to get the mileage in on the Koga.