Last week the clocks sprung forward giving us an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon. Great news, right? Now I can squeeze in a few miles of riding after work. With the time change my mind tries to convince me it’s spring, but my eyes (and skin) tell me different. Last Tuesday I pack my bike to take to work – I have great routes around campus (Keuka College) to ride. So, I head out for spin but everything is still frozen over – ice jams on the lake, and a full covering of icy, crusty, snow on the ground. Oh, yeah its still in the mid-thirties too. If road racing is a spring/summer sport, then what’s wrong with this picture? But with less than a month until the Wheelman’s Cup, I HAVE to get in road miles – the rollers can only provide you with so much.
So off I go. My joints never really loosen up. All the layers of clothing end up pinching, pulling, and feeling too constrictive. My nose becomes a spigot of snot – valves open wide. This is not fun. Maybe it was when I was younger but at 44 years of age, this starts to become a chore. But I have to do it. I can’t not ride when the opportunity presents itself. I have to ride only because the other guy is out doing the same thing, except probably twice as hard and twice as long. If I didn’t ride now I hate myself even more a month from now.
It’s all your fault. You eager-to-race-gonna-kick-some-butt psychos on the bike make it so I have to do the same.
Yes, it’s March, and I hate all you bike racers this time of year.
April 1, 2008 at 8:22 pm |
What’s this wheelman’s cup thing? Is it in Wilkes-Barre or on the Test Track?
April 2, 2008 at 12:36 am |
Hey John –
I just got word tonight and the word is…we’re not sure.
If it all works it will be at the Hanover Township industrial park hosted by Wilkes Barre. They are still trying to get insurance and road use. If all fails it will be at the test track. I’ll post an update as soon as I hear.
BTW – I’m digging “The Long Ride.”
April 2, 2008 at 2:54 am |
I’m going to be back home in PA. Is this open to outsiders like me? :p
The Long Ride is fun.
April 3, 2008 at 12:28 am |
It’s a team thing between us and a handful of other local clubs to sort of kick off the season.
April 3, 2008 at 2:10 am |
ahhh, well good luck to you and the Dutch Wheelmen then. I used to race against you guys years ago and it was alot of fun, Frans and Bob Shultz in particular.
Maybe I’ll get up for a few races this year and run into you guys.