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It is still winter out there with a new layer of snow on the ground.  It’s looking much better for the coming week as temperatures above forty are predicted for four of the next seven days.

Sitting on the couch today playing the guitar and a little banjo.  Nothing new to report.  It hit a high of 19°F today and that is a bit chilly for me.  Plus the roads aren’t good yet.  It will be riding season soon.

I had a great time at the Chili Wiener.  I thought I may be able to ride every day after that.  I was wrong.

That night we had a blizzard that left a thick blanket of snow that is still on the ground.  Yesterday we had a high of 7°F.  I have faith that someday Spring will come.

Today I took my bike to Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin, Ohio for a one on one bike maintenance class with Joe.  He hit stuff like fixing a flat, adjusting the derailleurs, adjusting brakes, lubrication, etc.  It was money well spent.  I plan to spend a lot of time in the saddle this year and this will allow me to do so with a lot less trouble.  If you live anywhere close to Oberlin, Swerve is the bike shop for you.

I got up this morning with the plan to go to the meal after the ride since it had been so nasty.  Then I walked outside and instead of it being 18°F with a bitter wind it was sunny and close to 30°F.  I put on my bib shorts, insulated jersey, tights and shoe covers and out the door I went.

I got to Oberlin just in time for the ride and introduced myself.  The fast riders were just taking off and I joined a group that was going a bit slower.  I was surprised at how easy it was to ride.  We headed east to create a large square.  I was able to keep up and the only problems were a couple of hills.  I had to barrel down one side and barely made it up the other.  I’m sure it would be easier if I was a bit lighter.

The roads were clear and dry but there was still a lot of snow along the sides.

It wasn’t until mile ten that I felt like my old self.  My legs felt light and strong.  I ended up riding 16.5 miles.

We got back to Oberlin and found a feast of chili and wieners.  I had a great bowl of chili and some cornbread and the world felt right. I joined The Silver Wheels Bike Club and met a lot of people.  This will be good for me.

Here are the stats:

I was so comfortable that I know I can ride from now on.  As long as the roads are dry I’m fine.

Here are a few more pics, mostly to show the character of the area around here.

Played poker until 3am.  It was -1°F with winds whipping around.  It felt like acid hitting any exposed skin.  I find it hard to believe that I used to work outside in this kind of weather.

Getting back to cycling.

There is a local group of cyclists that I follow called The Long Distance Cyclists of Cleveland.  These guys put on serious miles and my goal eventually is to be worthy of their group.  These guy ride all the time in horrible weather and their motto is: “No Whining, No Cheating, No Drugs, No Motorized Vehicles, and No Abusing the Organizer”

I was sure they would be out in force this weekend.  Here is what they posted on their blog today:

The road conditions don’t looks so good this morning.  There was also a lot of blowing snow yesterday.  With the temperatures as low as they are, I’m not sure if the roads will be clear by Saturday morning.   I noticed that some intersections are really messy.  In the interest of safety I think the ride should be cancelled.  What are your thoughts?

Ha.  Looking grim for tomorrow.  Worst case scenario, I go to the group, we have some chili and I meet some nice people.  We’ll see.

Now, here is a random picture of a kitten for no particular reason.

I got up this morning to find another layer of fresh snow.  It’s currently 10ºF and look what the next ten days look like!

At least Saturday has upgraded to 29 degrees.

Just to show how messed up Ohio is; Two years ago my brother Terry was dying.  It was the first week of January and I took him to my favorite beach on the south shore of Lake Erie.  It was 70ºF.  It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the breeze was cool blowing off the cold water of Lake Erie.

Can you tell I can’t wait for Spring?

I took my daughter out to eat and on the way home we ran into another snowstorm.  I am tired of winter.  I have friends in the south sending me photos of rides in warmth and sunshine.  They are my friends and they are bastards.

My weight is steadily dropping and I am sure that this year will be the year that I achieve my ideal weight.  As I eat better I am much more aware of the food choices around me.  I can see why I was beyond chubby.  The other day Taco Bell announced a breakfast taco coming out this month.  Take a look at this picture and you can see why Americans are losing the battle.

The weather app on my phone has changed daily on the temperature for this Saturday’s Chili Weiner Ride.  Yesterday it said 18ºF and now it says 23ºF.  I have tights and a thermal jersey so I’ll probably give it a go.  I don’t expect to do any real miles but I’ll be on the bike.

I am excited and soon I will share my big plan for this year.