The temperatures on Saturday were forecasted to be almost 20 degrees above the seasonal average 0f 42⁰. My original plan on Saturday was to get up and go to the gym in the morning to ride a stationary bike for 20-30 minutes. Once I read the forecast however, I decided to wait and ride my bicycle in the afternoon instead.
I’ll be forthright and admit that I’m usually not a fan of winter riding. But since I’ve decided to try and embrace winter more than I have in the past, I figured riding outside on a near spring-like day had to beat riding a stationary bike inside a fluorescent lit gym.
When I set out, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the temperature was a balmy 64⁰ with no wind. I put on pants, a long sleeve t-shirt under my short sleeve t-shirt, and packed my cold weather bike gloves and a lightweight watchcap that I wear under my helmet to keep my ears warm.
My ride took me into Cherry Creek State Park. By the time I rode up the reservoir spillway and into the park itself I was already getting too warm. I had to stop to take the watchcap off and switch out the cold weather gloves for the fingerless warm weather ones.
I hadn’t been on my bicycle since early October, so I knew I had to take my time and use easier gears than I would of just a couple of months ago; especially on the hills. I also planned to stop for a few breaks along the way. Riding a stationary bike helps with cardio, but it is rather pale imitation of a real ride. I found that taking it easy made for a relaxing and relatively comfortable ride. I guess wisdom does eventually come with age.
The hills still sucked though.
I feel it in the air,
The summer’s out of reach,
Empty lake, empty beach,
The sun goes down alone…“
Boys of Summer – Don Henley
While I was taking the last few pictures, I became acutely aware of the silence that permeated the world around me. The only sounds I heard were from a couple whistling for their dogs, the honk of the geese when their formations flew overhead, and the occasional caw of a solitary raven. Even though I have seen many a winter, I still sometimes find such stillness eerie.
I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed this late autumn/early winter ride. It really brightened my mood and put a little pep in my step. Perhaps it’s time to mentally toughen myself up a bit and go on more bike rides this winter.
