We’re not really supposed to have favorites, but everyone does. Just ask your parents. So while I’m not supposed to have a favorite, I do, and its Rule #9.
Bad weather immediately separates the wheat from the chaff, and so the weekend warriors stay indoors and leave the roads to the devout. I talk most often about riding in the rain, with the drops of water dripping from my cap acting as my personal metronome as I carve a path through the chaos towards a happier self. But sunny days in the cold can provide their own glorious solitude.
On Keepers Tour 2013, we had unseasonably cold weather, and some of the best rides we had were early morning spins before heading off to the races. With the sun hanging low over the horizon, we rode through our frozen breath, together in close formation yet each of us retreating inward as we steeled ourselves against the cold. These were beautiful, peaceful rides.
This winter in Seattle has been relatively dry, but also cold. On the weekends, the country roads are nearly deserted and all that is left is the silent, still air and the burning of cold air as it enters my lungs. On a recent solo ride on Whidbey Island, I spun down the same roads which only a few months earlier I had ridden with friends on the annual Whidbey Island Cogal. The island seems a full place then, now it looked like an entirely different place – empty and beautiful.
There is something about the way the bike handles in the cold. The tires are firmer, the rubber less supple. The connection between bicycle and road seems simultaneously harsher and more fragile than in the warm. The muscles in my arms and hands are also more twitchy in the cold. Not twitchy like I can suddenly sprint; twitchy like I have difficulty controlling what they are doing – where normally I pride myself on holding a clean line, in the cold a small bump in the road might trigger a spasm that sends the bike into a wobble. Its an exciting way to ride.
Quiet roads, a still harbor, an early morning sunrise; these are the gifts reserved for those who ventured out when others stay in. These are the gifts of Rule #9.
Vive la Vie Velominatus.
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@frank love the photo, looking very pro. Was that the morning of the Ronde?
Not only are the tyres firmer and less supple but the noise cold tubulars make is even more special.
I was punished yesterday on my first club run of the year for not braving the wind and rain over the holiday period; my bike refused to let the chain of the big ring on any of the hills. My out of shape legs were completely cooked and I was rather unceremoniously dropped after the tea and cake break.
To be fair there was an element of Rule 65 fail going on there as well, if I'd riden regularly over the holidays I would have been on top of any shifting issues.
Rule 6 would have to be my favourite. Get that right and Rule 5, Rule 9 and Rule 10 fall into place. I'll need it in the morning, commuting starts again tomorrow and there's a bit of a wind going on out there at the moment.
@scaler911
For weak, earth-bound mortals like me (not my VMH, who is divine) selecting the right kit for the ride is right up there with choosing your parents and avoiding unwanted pregnancies. Our New Year's Day ride was cold and damp, but we didn't suffer unduly from the conditions. Similarly, I've been sea kayaking a lot lately, including in sub-freezing air temps, including practicing self-rescues in very damn cold water. I'm not going to do that wearing Froome's new mesh teddy.
It's been a tad chilly here in WI the past few days. Got the first ride of the year in on Saturday - a cold, damp, windy 28 degrees. Needless to say I saw no other riders. Today was a Rule 9 for the books: with an outside windchill of around -40 degrees or so, I headed for the garage and the trainer. Merckx knows what the temp in there was but I could see my breath as clear as day. I'm thinking it was in the teens. Even with tights, jacket, gloves and a hat I got warm but not hot. It might not truly qualify for Rule 9, but in my book it does. Going outside was not an option, no matter how loud Rule 5 might be ringing in my ears.
Supposed to be low 30s by the weekend. THAT'S riding weather!
@strathlubnaig
Kudos to you sir! I have family in Scotland and I hear the weather has been, to use the meteorologically-correct phrase, utter shite. Also no need to apologize for the mudguard - just good manners for winter riding in Scotia.
#9 - these days are the best, especially solo !
Delve deep and discover some stuff that on fine days in a bunch just doesnt surface.
Maybe my favourite day on a bike was a wet and cold solo ride not that long ago.
Everything smells fresh and sounds are much clearer I find
Oh yes, rule #9. I do actually draw back the curtains and upon seeing rain, smile. No sub zero cold here (tropical) though, thankfully as that would truly test me. Plenty of hot however and 80% humidity is normal. 90% is not uncommon.
We did a 5hour/1500m ride the other day and it included much debate as to whether it qualified as rule #9. Wind was up sure but average temp was only 33°C since we started before dawn, but it did reach 40°C. If the entire ride was in the high 30's, sure, but avg 33... I say no but then I live in the tropics and my companions were from 1000kms south (colder).
Determination then of qualification for rule #9 would depend on the person. If the temp get's much about 5°C, I claim rule #9. I'm sure however that those in colder clime's would disagree.
@El Cannon
In fairness to the yeller tape, if you'd kept it clean properly I don't think it would be nearly as bad as that large bidon.
I find that I experience a unique feeling, for the most part indescribable, when riding in crap weather. Be it the bitter cold, or relentless downpour of rain, there is a certain undertone of indignation to the conditions, as if to say "...to hell with you, you can't stop me..."
Starting a ride in such conditions is always an internal struggle, especially (for me) in the rain. But once you're out there, the evil excitement of giving mother nature the bird feels instinctual for some reason.
@scaler911
Kit up and go. Thinking's got nothing to do with it.
@Ron
I was in NYC during the first big storm. Needed to get a cab to see Betrayal and not a cab in sight. Snow rules, but fuck me if anyone outside the midwest knows what the fuck to do with it.
The small pleasures are what makes riding an art. I love all that stuff too; being cold when you start, wondering if you shouldn't have added more kit...then sweating later on and unzipping a layer. Then stopping for a minute and zipping everything back up and wondering if you shouldn't have added more kit.
I love that shit. VLVV for fuckin' sure.
@wiscot
Amen, brother. Being a few miles north of you similar weather. Thu 2 Jan did some evening ski patrol training at the local hill west of Oshkosh at -7F. Today was 4F in my garage this a.m. so I'm in the basement on my rollers.
Got outside Saturday 4 Jan as you did, and had the roads to myself. I took advantage of new pre-owned winter shoes and the great Showers Pass softshell trainer Santa left under my tree for a comfy 90 minutes. I felt quite proud of myself for picking the right day for my first 2014 outdoor ride...