Winter is making a late arrival to Vermont this year – the cold comes and goes – but the snow is nowhere to be found. I’ve been taking some short spins and mixing in some runs as I’ve finally starting to feel recovered from the month+ long viral mystery I’ve been battling. 4 weeks off the bike after a season wind down has dropped my morale – as well as my strength, cardio fitness, and confidence on the bike. I’ve been feeling slow, heavy, and uninspired to ride.
Saturday I had to ride – something in the mind and body needed me to get out. After injesting some pre-ride calories I fussed with the 520 (winterizing it with some cross tires and moustache bars), and then tweaked on the IF. My handlebars seemed to be loosening on each ride – and after some fussing I discovered a stripped bolt at the bar clamp. Panicked that a long road ride wouldn’t happen (the 520 is in pieces, the LeMond is tuned for Jen, and now the IF’s stem is bust) I headed to SkiRack (local bike, ski, hike, board shop) to rummage through their stems. Nearing the bottom of the box (my anxiety creeping) I found the same make and model of my busted stem… Less than an hour after discovering the problem I was suiting up – Ibex woolie base layer, bibs, tights, jersey, thick socks, ear warmer (with balaclava stowed in my pocket), long fingered gloves, shoe covers, jacket, and vest. I carried an extra hat and an extra wool layer… both of which I didn’t need.
I needed a long ride – I didn’t really care how long it took – but I knew I needed to explore a bit, perhaps getting in a mountain view or two. Battling the wind and the temperatures I rode 60 miles out to the shadow of Mt. Mansfield and back. Temperatures dropped 3 degrees every hour over the time I was out – starting at 45 degrees and finishing at 31. It seemed the entire ride was spent negotiating a crosswind or headwind and according to the weather service winds gusted to 35+ mph throughout the day. Battling the wind and the cold on my return leg along VT 15 I enjoyed the finest (defined as warm and edible) gas station hot chocolate in recent memory. I packed just enough food, 1 too many layers (but was glad I carried it), and could have used a thicker pair of gloves (maybe these) and some warming packs (thicker socks don’t seem to help) for my toes. Views of the mountains were elusive this trip out – hiding in clouds and I assume being dusted with snow. I caught one glimpse of Mansfield – but by the time I found a place to stop and snap a photo she disappeared into the sky again.