Cycling in November, 2004

Brr. November cycling is cold weather cycling (or, at least, very cool weather). Here in Southern New England, that means temperatures ranging from the low thirties to the upper fifties. Most of the summer riders are preparing for hibernation rather than sticking with their regimens, so it gets a little lonely on the open road.

Then there's the wind. With the leaves off of the trees, the wind is much stronger than in mid-summer. Plus, where do the leaves go? Onto the sides of the roads, of course, where they conspire to cause the rider's wheels to slip as he rounds a corner. All it takes is a momentary distraction.

The weather is less predictable, but the rewards of just getting out there are real and tangible. The longer I can continue riding, the better position I'll enjoy next season. Plus, as cool and windy as it may be this month, a big motivator is the phrase, "you ain't seen nothin' yet!" Obviously, the next few months will make November seem awfully warm and cozy.

Page last updated: 12/9/2004