Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lovely Michigan Weather

Ah yes, the wonder that is fall in Michigan. Sometimes it's beautiful, with all the leaves changing color, a slight chill to the air. I don't even mind if it's a bit grey, it adds to the feel a little bit. Days like today, however, are no fun to deal with.Weather like this is very difficult to dress for. Rain isn't bad in the summer. Special care must be taken to make sure your bike doesn't turn to a pile of rust, but otherwise you can get away with a light rain jacket. Your legs will get wet, sure, but it's somewhat warm outside and your legs are hot from riding anyways. It'll feel nice to cool them down. Plus the water kicked up by your tires isn't too cold either.

The cold is even easier to dress for, in my opinion. It's all about layering. In the winter I'll wear wool socks, full length bibtights, overshoes, baselayer, jacket, maybe a balaclava if it's windy and some gloves. Some embrocation too, if it's especially chilly, I put a bit on my feet and hands, and of course, on my legs. Mad Alchemy is the best for this. Smells great too.

But days like today are hard. It's raining, but its almost freezing. Not cold enough to snow, so the flakes just blow past you as you ride by, but soaking rain. Hypothermia is a definite possibility. But days like today, when done right, can make you tough. You'll learn things about yourself that you never knew. You'll learn how your bike moves when conditions are tough. And maybe, if you're lucky, for that brief moment on a remote dirt road, dodging potholes while the rain pours, you'll be transported to another world.



I love days like these.

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