Base miles

To many cyclists, winter means short days, crappy weather, and long hours. Motivation is hard to find when ze program calls for a bunch of miles spent staring at a spot of pavement lit up by only a headlamp...but we all make it happen anyway. I personally think we find the ability to get out there in the elements because winter, even here in Norcal, makes us feel tougher than we actually are. 

Every car that passes reminds us that there's an easier way. Each time we ride and see no other cyclists on the road makes us feel alone...which can be a much-needed stroke to the ego when there are no finish lines to sprint for. This kind of riding also reminds us that we're not doing it for anyone else.

There are also plenty of little things about riding in the elements that you just don't get to experience much the rest of the year:

• The satisfaction of pulling off sopping wet cycling shoes
• The misery of having them still wet when you pull them on again
• The type of rain that calls for the glasses-or-no-glasses decision
• Fenders...yes, I love fenders
• Dreading the coming descent
• Keeping your fingers off the brake levers because it makes them cold
• The point at which you literally cannot get any more wet
• Discovering your lights are still on when you finish a ride after sunrise
• Enjoying a commute bag because it keeps your back warm
• A dirty road bike
• Hairy legs

Still, I can't wait for April.