Biking takes on a new low

So the calendar says November, therefore it must be time to put your bicycle away for the winter. Not so fast. For the die hard cyclist or triathlete, the date on the calendar really doesn't impact the decision to bike outside. In fact, if the weather looks enticing, the threshold to go can be just about anything.

For my friends and me, we used to set the threshold at 40°. This, of course, was barring any precipitation either present or already on the roads. Windchill really did not play a role in the decision to go. That may have all changed this weekend!

Certainly with the advent of the new technical clothing, outdoor activity in the cold weather is not the challenge that it once was. Sir Edmund Hillary or George Mallory would probably laugh at our concerns. However, safety and comfort need to be considered.

With the fall weather hitting temperatures in the 20s early in the morning, consideration for an outdoor ride came to the forefront of our group discussion. To a person, a unanimous thumbs up was given to our morning ride. The temperature was a chilly 26°. Fortunately, there was very little wind to contend with. So after recommitting ourselves, and bundling in multiple layers, we headed off for the hour long bike ride. It was delightful to say the least. In fact, it was much more than that. It was an hour spent with friends, communicating with each other and the outdoors, in the most simple way. At times, the obvious chill in the air went unnoticed by the group. However, after an hour or so, the harsh reality of the cold morning air took its toll. We were all ready for a cup of hot coffee.

So what does this all mean? Well, for one it means that if the conditions are ripe, take advantage, because there may be not be another opportunity in the near future. More importantly, however, if you can share your experience with other willing individuals, the experience often times is not so intimidating and it can fill you with the warmth of friendship!