As any musician will tell you, the more spare the motion, the greater the efficiency. It’s true of bass playing and guitar playing, it’s true of piano playing. Because the more efficient the motion, the less stands between you and your goal, which is to make music.
Query: How important is it to me to look like I belong on a bike?
Answer: Not very. My main goal right now is to stay warm so that I can keep riding.
It’s bracing out – 23˚ - as I head up to The Promenades. The Hudson is beautiful, though I’m grateful not to be on it.
Query: How important is it to me to look like I belong on a bike?
Answer: Not very. My main goal right now is to stay warm so that I can keep riding.
It’s bracing out – 23˚ - as I head up to The Promenades. The Hudson is beautiful, though I’m grateful not to be on it.
There's plenty of black ice, but it's easy to spot.
And mostly easy to avoid.
Happily, I make it up to the tennis courts with no ill effects. In fact, I have it better than the tennis players - no volleying on these courts today.
Happily, I make it up to the tennis courts with no ill effects. In fact, I have it better than the tennis players - no volleying on these courts today.
So how did I do it?
Well, if I only have to dress for warmth, why would I need 4-5 layers of bike-related clothing...
Well, if I only have to dress for warmth, why would I need 4-5 layers of bike-related clothing...
When this will actually do the job better?
And those New Balance shoes? Even if I could find booties to cover them, they’re never gonna keep me warm as long as the wind is blowing through the canvas. So, instead of wearing all of this:
I've found I can just wear these (batteries not required).
Yes, they're snow boots (toasty too). Yes, they're heavy. As is the jacket.
But what about speed?
That's a valid objection to be sure. And I admire people who can maintain speed in this weather. But Winter riding for me is not about speed - I'm not taking Lola out in this weather. It's about being able to enjoy a bike ride regardless. The heavier the tire tread, the heavier the weight on the bike, the better (within reason of course). Additionally, the lower the center of gravity, the better. Which is making my Brompton Lucille my go-t0 bike for now. And I am overjoyed to have her.
I've made some other substitutions too.
These
But what about speed?
That's a valid objection to be sure. And I admire people who can maintain speed in this weather. But Winter riding for me is not about speed - I'm not taking Lola out in this weather. It's about being able to enjoy a bike ride regardless. The heavier the tire tread, the heavier the weight on the bike, the better (within reason of course). Additionally, the lower the center of gravity, the better. Which is making my Brompton Lucille my go-t0 bike for now. And I am overjoyed to have her.
I've made some other substitutions too.
These
for this.
And these
For these:
Yes, they’re battery-warmed but much quicker to put on and take off. And that matters in aggregate because now I can get dressed in 10 min instead of a half hour. And with the light fading, that’s a real advantage (plus it’s also easier to blow the nose).
On my first or second ride with L, I remember her saying to me, “Every ride is an improvement over the last.” And that too reminds me of music. Because inherent in every practice session is the assumption – the hope at least – that you will be improving; that the next time you play your instrument you will be closer to making music.
This is a great approach to cycling for sure. My Winter prep has taken a major turn for the better. With that out of the way, I can now concentrate on the ride.
On my first or second ride with L, I remember her saying to me, “Every ride is an improvement over the last.” And that too reminds me of music. Because inherent in every practice session is the assumption – the hope at least – that you will be improving; that the next time you play your instrument you will be closer to making music.
This is a great approach to cycling for sure. My Winter prep has taken a major turn for the better. With that out of the way, I can now concentrate on the ride.