exit17

“If there’s ever a snowstorm during a race in July, we’re all set”

There was word from meteorologists and people with arthritic knees that New England was going to get hit with some snow this weekend. So, obviously, as soon as I woke up I called Josh “I have no internet presence whatsoever and therefore barely exist” Austin to see if he wanted to ride bikes OUTSIDE.

Well, at first I wasn’t thinking about riding outside. But after I called him, he mentioned the idea, and I didn’t dispute it. This was before I spent ten minutes shoveling a set of clear tire paths for my girlfriend so she could go take the GRE.

Asking Josh to ride in inclement weather is like asking a kid if they want to go to the waterpark. At first, you think it’s a good idea, but as soon as the words leave your mouth, you realize it’s a shitty idea, but you can’t say no because the kid is all giddy with excitement.

But it wasn’t that horrible out. High 20s, snowing, very pretty, and I would rather save my roller days for the mornings before work or really, really crappy days.

So that was that. We went out and did a few hours, it was quite a workout, and I was once again happy to have a beard.

A few protips about riding while it is snowing:

1. You need a beard. The less face exposed to blowing, stinging snowflakes, the better. Plus, when your water bottle has totally frozen, you can pull ice out of your beard and eat it for hydration.
2. Deep snow has better traction than slushy, crappy, already driven through snow.
3. Wave at every chick who drives by you, because she is probably thinking “Man, that guy looks tough. I’d like to have sex with him.” By waving at them, you also show said chick that you are nice. Then she will definitely have sex with you.
4. Mock everyone else you know who is riding inside. Because, when they are floundering during Battenkill when it is suddenly attacked by Victor Freeze, you will ride off the front and into the record books.

Upon returning to my abode, I tossed my cross bike in the basement where it will drip-dry until tomorrow’s adventure. Girlfriend came home, informed me of her victory over the GRE, and life was good.

I’m usually a big fan of sitting on the couch and watching TV after a long winter ride. Today, I was in luck, because Juila Child was on WGBH. Have you ever watched Juila Child when you’re tired and battered? Holy crap. It’s the most soothing thing in the world, like a lullaby from your friend’s strange grandmother.

The Juila Child watching was followed by Antiques Roadshow, also a very soothing show, which was THEN followed by a nap. And some blogging.

So suck it, everyone in Tucson. I get to ride outside AND not get stabbed by meth heads.

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