We have been "blessed" with unseasonably warm weather during this week, which means I was able to get out for my traditional Christmas bike ride this morning. What little snow we got last week has almost completely vanished but for a few patches in those shady spots that never seem to get the sun. Though we had temperatures in the 30s and some pretty soupy fog when I first headed out, the temperatures rose up to the 40s, the fog gradually faded, and by the time I was making my way up the long climb that always ends my rides, there was some hazy sunshine peeking through. It may hit 50 by the afternoon.
I've been getting out for Christmas bike rides since I was about 19 years old, so that's nearly 35 years I've been doing it. The weather doesn't always permit a bike ride - but I manage to ride a lot more often than not. It's become a tradition I look forward to.
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At Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, the former home of F.A. Seiberling -
co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber. I stopped for a photo
on my way home. |
Roads were quiet this morning. All the way from my home in Akron to the little town of Peninsula in the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and all the way back, I didn't see a single other cyclist on the road. There weren't all that many cars either, apart from some chippy sitting at an intersection putting on makeup after the light turned green. With weather as nice as we're currently having, I was more than a little surprised to be the only one on a bike.
With more than 20 miles under my belt for the day, and my famous pot roast in the oven, I'm taking a little break before the holiday madness starts anew. Then it's time for the Christmas Sequel: The In-Laws.
However you're spending your holidays, I hope they are relaxing and peaceful. And if you get a chance, I hope you'll be able to enjoy a bike ride.
Getting a pleasant (64°F!) work commute in central Indiana today, which is much better than no ride at all.
ReplyDeleteSeason's greetings to you and thanks for your blog. i look forward to reading your posts and I do hope you keep it up and post often. Good blogs are few and far between. From a German retrogrouch. You would be impressed (as in shocked) how many fine bicycles, dripping in old-school Campagnolo, get used - and abused- for daily town duty here.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2020 - Just working on a Concorde America's with Tange Infinity frame - Consequently I found your blog - Peace / Gilles, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI would like to get in a Christmas bike ride, but my day was spent driving to family and back. I used to get a Thanksgiving Day ride in by riding to my folk's house and back, but nowadays the family has that meal at my house, so no more riding on Tofurkey day.
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