As the adage goes: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.
Well, we gave that theory a test ride today. With winds in the Maryland area gusting up to 20mph, Paul and Jeff bundled up, hopped on our bikes and took off with a wind chill of 16-20 degrees Fahrenheit.
We must admit, our approach was in part inspired by a recent interview with Scott Carney, author of What Doesn’t Kill Us: How Freezing Water, Extreme Altitude, and Environmental Conditioning Will Renew Our Lost Evolutionary Strength.
Check out his work. It’s worth it.
Sure enough, about 30 minutes into the ride I actually began to regain feeling in my fingers; and at the midpoint of a 41 miler, taking in a view of the water high above the picturesque little town of Deale, MD, I snacked on a banana and realized how hot I felt — with plenty of sweat to prove it.
That moment of heat was quickly offset by a 30 mph downhill into town, with winds in our face and any notion of warm weather a distant memory.
Still, despite the headwind, which feels like a sea anchor tied to the back wheel, we managed an average of 18.7 mph. Not bad!
It’s a favorite, go-to Saturday ride. Let me know if you’d like a more precise route. But more importantly, get outside today — regardless of the temperature.
Your body needs a job, so give it one!
Never Stop
