Enough is enough. It's California for heaven's sake. Hey, I did my time in
the midwest, riding indoors while staring at the TV playing old Tour de France
videos. Bicycling is supposed to be fun, not work. Those trainer sessions just
seemed to be endless studies in boredom. I want to be out on my bike and not
freezing my butt off and getting drenched by rain.
OK. If you don't live in California or some other warm winter climate, you
don't need to get out the violin. In fact, I am not looking for any sympathy
from you all locked in a white winter. I understand that we have it better,
weather-wise in Arnold-country, but I am just tired of dreary skies and gloomy
weather forecasts.
The weather-liars told me last night that the rain wouldn't hit my area until
late in the afternoon. Then why, pray tell, was I topping out on the first
climb of the day before noon in pouring rain and 40F temps? The only thing
worse then riding uphill in the rain is going downhill and when you are wet
and freezing and a long way from home, there is not much you can do. Self
pity doesn't turn the pedals and even though I was headed downhill, you can
only coast so far. Sticking out a thumb is a total admission of wimpiness.
Being a guy, that is definitely the absolutely last resort!
So, I soldiered on, not really hating life, more wondering why it always seemed
to be raining on me. Obviously, our maker isn't singling me out for any extra
grief, but sometimes it seems like I am being punished for the sins of others.
Philosophizing does take my mind off of the wet and cold and as long as the car
drivers behave, it always seems like I get home somehow and will all my body
parts intact.
Don't cry for me Argentina. My memory is pretty poor. I am sure this latest
episode in unpleasantness will not have any noticeable affect on my behavior
and sooner, rather than later, I will find myself once again, soaked to the
skin, shivering like mad and wondering why I decided to head out for a ride
on a day like this. Your mileage may vary.
Bruce
Active Expert: Bruce Hildenbrand
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