cold is relative. someone in saudi arabia might have thought yesterday's high of 84 was chilly. someone in siberia might think this morning's 51 was balmy. in a few months, i might agree with the siberian. today 51 was cold.
fingerless gloves are wonderful in the spring and summer. not so great in the fall and winter. the first thing i noticed as i rolled out of my driveway - besides the nasty bumpy street and the feeling of life in my legs - was the chill in my phlanges, those tiny bones that give my fingers structure. it was that dull ache, that slight stiffness, that slow burn. in the winter when it's really cold, those sensations are alarms set off to alert the brain to impending digit loss. on the first brisk morning of autumn, they're just a gentle reminder that warmth is not a cyclist's inalienable right. life, liberty and the warmth of extremities is not promised to all. not even in the land of the free and the brave.
the ride itself was a really pleasant one. the sky was as clear as crystal. a dark, dark blue with bright silver dots. i wish i could capture the starry skies of kansas on film for those of you who don't live here. beautiful! huge! no hills or trees to obstruct your 360 degree outdoor IMAX dome. wow! it was awesome this morning.
my legs were awesome too! yesterday's recovery ride turned them from lead to quicksilver. i had mercury's wings on my feet and helmet. i sped up hills (there are a few) and flew down them. beautiful! the way out was a breeze. the way back pure joy despite the coolness in the air! yippee! life is good! (16.04 miles @ 18.4mph)
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