Crap It’s Cold!

Besides the unseasonal temps (we’re typically 10 deg. warmer this time of year), I’m not as fond of the cold as I used to be.

Don’t know what happened.

Don’t know when it happened.

Don’t even know if it will change back, but I don’t have the same bravado I used to have when riding cold nights.

An hour or so before the start, some anxiety sets in. Thoughts of just going home become prominent.

Upon arrival to the ride start, I change in my car with the engine/heat running. Once changed I get out and do that painful “trying to stay warm while waiting for the slow pokes” dance.

Finally we head off. The cold hurts. Our fingers and faces are numb. There’s that little shiver going on in your gut.It’s nothing like that quick jaunt to the cold car in the morning. This aches your bones all over.

All the while I’m thinking what’s the point. This sucks. I don’t care. I wanna go home. This isn’t worth it.

Sure enough a couple climbs in, threats of calling the cops and trespassing has everything warm and toasty. I’m completely comfortable and even hot at times for the rest of the ride. I don’t think twice about the cold.

You always warm up. Being cold at the start momentarily is hardly an issue in the realm of the ride.

What bothers me is my change in attitude. Three years ago (yes. it’s been that long) when I quit all this, this wasn’t my attitude. The initial cold simply was and I got through it without thought.

How do I get back to that? What happened?

A lot. A whole lot happened.

I’m by no means who I was three years ago. Some good, some really good and some bad.

Will I get that cold weather attitude back? I don’t know.

But I will keep riding.

– b

ps. the same goes for hills. I just don’t care to climb (i.e. attack) them like I used to. Maybe that will come back too?