I\’m pulling the Ursa Major act today; or sort of. The Big Dipper doesn\’t go into hibernation when cold weather comes. I\’m different; and I feel like I\’m hibernating today!

We got that cold front. Shortly after 8:00 am I checked the NOAA site; and decided it would be wise not to go for a ride. The temperature was 40 degrees; and by itself that\’s not bad. But add in a 28 mph wind; a chill factor of 29 degrees; and overcast skies as well! That\’s a recipe for a miserable slog of a ride!

When the wind is that strong, one-handed bike control is difficult; and that makes it hard to eat while riding. Add heavy gloves, which interfere with finger dexterity; and on-bike eating gets even more difficult. Would lobster gloves make things harder; or make no difference?

Pearl Izumi Lobster Glove

I\’d like to get a few groceries today. But it\’s so cold out there! The store I want to visit is less than a mile away; but, I\’ll be frozen before I can ride there. If I walk there, I\’ll get even colder; so maybe I\’ll behave like an ursa major and stay indoors.

Hot chocolate helps me to keep warm; but I can\’t drink it endlessly. The calorie and carb count are too much; and I\’d do better to guzzle plain green tea. Or even plain hot water!

Tomorrow will be another cold day; but at least with considerably less wind. It will also be the full moon! My plan: get up early and go for a short ride to see the moonlight the river; then go back home and get ready for the long ride. Wait to start that ride until about 8:00 am; and hope it will be just a tad warmer by then.