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Even at this time of year, almost every time I go out, I see someone on a bike. I’m sure most of the ones I see simply need that bike to get wherever they are going. But still, in a way I envy them.

I’m really not much of a winter cyclist. I’m not that much of a winter outdoorsman at all. There is something about stepping out into that cold air and feeling the chill immediately sink deep into my bones that sends me back indoors as quickly as possible. The strange thing is though; I’ve learned through the years that if I dress properly, that deep chill only lasts as long as it takes to generate some body heat by becoming active. Most of the experience has come from cutting and splitting firewood. It really doesn’t take long to get warmed up doing that! Cycling is a little more difficult because you have to combat the air movement that wants to strip any generated body heat away from you. Something that stops the wind (I actually use a plastic rain jacket when I go out in the cold) is a must.

Back to the envy part. Since I don’t have to go out and ride my bike, I most often don’t in the winter. The thought of that initial cold blast of air sends me back inside to the stationary bike or rollers. Maybe a good dose of “need” would get me out there more often in the winter.