Winter? Now what?

By Luxo-D

Just like that...Mother Nature flicked the switch. So now what? Oh sure I'm a little melancholy about the whole thing. It was one of the greatest spring, summer and fall riding seasons ever! Epic in awesome. So what's a cool guy supposed to do, huh...blubber in his beer? Yes. But not so fast Von Schlaunager, there are more than a few ways to skin the ol' exercise-cat, indeed.

This Big-fat-cry-baby isn't going to take it sitting down. Seriously, there are plenty of exercise opportunities for a sorry sap like yours truly to do. But WHAT is the question. Surely, we all empathize with the challenges. Or, do we all just knuckle under and surrender to the flab...? No dammit! Well...maybe, okay yeah...

Now, as much as I would like to claim the cycling hardcore-high ground in this matter – I for one, am not much of a winter cyclist. Yeah, there are dudes that ride non-stop like my work colleague 'The Stranger.' But this guy rides year round in some of the worst weather, most people would skip for the car. On the other hand, not giving away to being a total puss, I will go out if the temp is right, for a zip or two around the hood, or down to a favorite watering hole. You know, get the 'show-on' with some proper winter gear and some public attitude to show commitment to the sport...

Let's face it though, it can't be denied...cycling does have its seasonal miseries too. The indoor season is not something to be cherished that's for sure. Who can forget the torment of the bicycle trainer? An exercise device that instills a droning exercise monotony. An unsatisfying spinning to "Nowheresville." A virtual velo-purgatory, vexing, and sick. It is...the Iron Maiden and Rack of cycling. A fixed hellnation on wheels...

Luckily, there are options that suit the fair weather rider. After all, winter does have some classic recreational activities that get the blood going and the heart pumping. I for one turn my attention to hockey, downhill skiing...and shoveling. My neighbor Roy – turns to curling. Other TEAM SPROCKETS™ members I know, do other stuff...like setting mouse traps.

In the end, do what you need to do. Indeed, I think it would be wise to use this time wisely, to re prioritize. Prepare for the Spring and a better day. Kinda like...Luke Skywalker, contemplating shooting Wamp Rats in Beggers Canyon...

"Embrace the POWER of the Season."