John’s Ramblings

It was c-o-l-d yesterday, but we got our ride in. I had 4 other riders show up for the 38 degree start to the ride I dubbed Turkey Jerky. Tony, Rod, and Bob of the fabled Green River Riders, and one other fellow that was enticed by the prospect of freezing his little bits off in late November.

We actually had sunshine for much of the ride, which made the cold feel less so. As we headed up Auburn-Black Diamond Road there were pockets of VERY cold air during the climb. As you pass through these little pockets of chill your breath would suddenly make great puffs of steam, then just as suddenly it would stop. I am fairly certain we never passed below the freezing point, as I never felt that our traction was compromised.

We stopped at the bakery at Black Diamond for the customary pastry and/or coffee. The bakery and restaurant were more crowded than I expected on such a cold morning, but perhaps folks were getting out and about to get Christmas Trees and to start their holiday shopping. I stripped off a couple of my layers to get comfortable and noticed that I was pretty well soaked with perspiration from doing that climb. Since I was wearing so many layers to keep warm, the drying effects of riding were negated. Donning the wet jacket, gloves, and balaclava, then stepping back outside were not the highlight of the day.

We headed back to the cars by riding down the 218th Street hill to Green Valley Road, which we then took west to Auburn. Traffic was fairly light. The only traffic was the occasional family with a freshly cut tree on top of their vehicle. Mosby’s fruit stand is closed for the season, and no one felt inclined to get any jerky at Green Valley Meats. A routine ride (perhaps one might say “boring”), but I really enjoyed it despite the cold. It was a good group to ride with, and the bright blue sky was wonderful.

When I got home I stripped off my damp clothes and noted a decidedly red chest and tummy from the wind chill. I jumped into a hot shower, then had a nice cup of tea. I soon fell asleep on the couch in front of the fire. Not a bad way to spend one’s Saturday.

28.5 miles on the day. 3,979.9 miles year to date. Terri had talked last night about going out for a ride today to get the last 20.1, but since she woke up and saw the light dusting of snow on the ground, I have heard no more talk about a bicycle outing. The forecast for Tuesday’s Use It or Lose It ride looks to be sub-freezing, which will cancel that trip. So, I may not get a chance to break 4,000 until Thursday.

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