We can all use some Winter zest to perk up cold, gray days. Even if you live where it snows a lot, riding in Winter is still possible; and after braving the cold and wind for a ride, I’m glad I did the ride.

This backyard berm looks like quite a project; and I suppose that not everybody can manage it. I’m sure couldn’t, even if we had the necessary snow. If you have the snow and the engineering skills, go for it! Or check out this site for tips on riding in cold weather.

My usual riding route is totally exposed to the wind; and on a cold, windy morning I need something to provide some Winter zest. Riding fast and hard seems like an obvious solution, but lately I’ve felt too sluggish to do much fast pedaling; and many mornings I’m too sleepy to get going on time. Maybe for my zest I can prepare hot chocolate with some cinnamon in it!

What can I do to add some Winter zest to a long ride; and especially when I’ll have a headwind on the way home? I don’t think hot chocolate is the answer while I’m on the bicycle (scalding hazard); and I won’t want to stop for a picnic! It will be too cold for that.

Maybe a new and different ride food will add some zest, no matter what the season; and now and then I appreciate a break from the same old thing. They do say, though, not to try new foods during a ride; especially not an important event, such as a century.

Incidentally, the notion of doing a century ride is still floating around my head; but I’m not making much progress towards it!