Winter Blues

What does a cyclist do in the winter? Read Bicycle magazine and dream of warmer weather. As a kid I always loved winter. I'd cross country ski, snowshoe, and slide and until my lips turned blue. Lately, winters do not seem as snowy as they use to be. So instead of snow activities I take to the road with my running shoes and ipod. Running reminds me why I like bicycling so much more. While winter conditioning is helpful for jump starting my riding season, it seems like I need so much more motivation. I guess there is nothing like gliding along the open road on two wheels.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a special time, and this year was no different. Our Christmas was a wonderful day spent with family. The day dawned bright and crisp. This would not be a white Christmas despite recent snows. We celebrated Christ's birth and His precious gifts of family and friends. After sleeping in we traveled south an hour, arriving at our destination. We ate, exchanged gifts, and shared stories through out the day. We watched and laughed as our terrier tore through wrapping paper eager to get to her present; a wrapped ball; always her favorite. We pretended to eat "play food" as the grand children played with their new kitchen and food. My thoughts were with my many friends traveling and visiting their families. I hope that your Christmas was wonderful as well.

"The Weather Outside is Frightful"

 I awoke this morning, to my delight, to several inches of blowing snow and magnificent beauty. While shoppers are stuck at home worrying about finishing their shopping and wondering if they should venture out; I'm sitting inside wondering when I can strap on the cross country skis and hit the trails. The beauty of a snow storm from the inside out is magnificent. As I listen to the Christmas songs of the season so many of them reference "winter" and "snow" and winter activities. I often wonder how people in warm weather areas relate to the songs. But this morning as I sit and look out, the "Dashing Through the Snow", "White Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride" songs take no imagination.

Ride Suspended

Snow and ice has desended upon us. Training and riding is now an indoor sport. Spring is only three months away.

Iced Over

Winter holds many beautiful days. Ice storms contain many beautiful pictures. While traversing the treacherous terraine one can see the beautify all around. Today was such a day. Schools were closed, roads were icy, beauty was all about. An ice storm is cause for a pause. It slows the hurried among us. Take notice of the beauty.