Its a honor for me to live in the nation you defend. The people that serve our country have a very special character they have developed over time.
Riding out in conditions like today, Enmark would always give me crap and say it builds character. I always responded I had acquired enough character to put on a play! He was right though, it does build character.
I looked at the forecast today, I knew the weather was marginal at best. But I also knew I have been out in worse, and it gave me the motivation to go out and get 3.5 hrs today.
The plan was to recon and complete a new loop, but despite my motivation, the thought of being 30 miles from home on a cross bike in freezing rain led my better judgement to save the recon for another day. I did modify 2 familiar loops to get it done today. I left the house with temps around 38 degrees and the promise of a headwind return trip. I settled into a decent pace and knocked out the first 90 minutes pretty care free. shortly after that point, an occasional section of light sleet dropped, but nothing serious.
It was shortly after the 2 hr mark the sleet picked up but now it was more rain-like. I found a parking garage to dive into for shelter, and put on the rain cape. The last 90 minutes was wet, but I was well dressed and warm enough to not mind it. It was almost enjoyable to have the path to myself and the knowledge that not many others would be out banking the hours I was getting in today.
Now im not sayin i'd do it again tomorrow, but it was ok.
the details to keep warm - sports balm medium on the legs and low back, craft windstopper base and smartwool socks. winter jersey, thermal jacket, and finally a rain cape up top, winter shorts and giordana thermal tights on the bottom. diadora winter shoes and shoe covers kept the toes warm all day ( if you don't have winter shoes, these have been fantastic for me).
3.5 hrs, 82km, 1872kj
ending temp 32 and raining
cheers
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