J.O.Y.B.A.G!

[Novara]

Otherwise known as: Jump On Your Bike And Go!

I recently moved to a northern, cold climate and I haven't done any outside cycling for MONTHS. I had been dutifully riding my trainer every day but hoo boy, that's boring. This morning, with 50F degrees and climbing, I pumped up my tires and I JOYBAGged! OMG, it felt so good. I've missed it so. I moved from a climate where I rode year round and lived car-free for years. How I missed hearing the birds as I pedaled, how I missed waving an acknowledgment to drivers who give me a wide berth when they pass. How I missed the fresh air on my face and yeah, I even missed the thigh burn when riding into a stiff wind (get back to me after moths of stiff winds and I'll feel differently about that, I'm sure). It felt so good to get outside and ride. I suppose I could have gone out in the coldest part of snowy winter but since this is my first winter here, I just didn't have the nerve. Maybe I'll ride more next winter.

How about the rest of you? Looking forward to better weather and more biking?

[olddots]

1. we get high winds in L.A.

always a challenge but I like them because it feels like nature in this sprawl .

[happyslug]

2. Snow never stopped me from biking in the winter...

But the switch from my studded tires to high pressure slicks makes biking a lot more enjoyable. Last week I put the Thule Bike Rack back on my car so I take my bike with me. Hope you have fun biking this summer.

[hibbing]

3. all season cyclist

Hi,
Glad you have been able to get out. I ride most every day, think my coldest was -17 wind chill. I actually like riding in the winter better. My optimal ride weather is low 30s and sun. But yes, it is warming up here and always have to deal with the wind here too.

Peace

[Novara]

4. I lived car-free for 6 years....

....and I did everything by bike, year-round. But I lived in a much better climate. I always loved riding in the winter because I had a great trail system and usually had the trails to myself.

But here, there are no trails and no biking infrastructure. How I've missed riding over the cold, crappy winter. I also didn't want to get road salt on my bike, so I rode my trainer inside all winter. But I did pretty well - I'm in fine cycling condition still, which surprises me. No soreness, no starting slow. But nothing beats riding outside.