Bicycling in Bloomington

 I rode outside only two days this week. Monday, I commuted to campus. It was 12^o when I left home. When I started up the street, I noticed that my chain and cogs were completely rusty. The last time I rode, it was muddy and wet and I forgot to clean the bike. Also, my front tire had little air. I forget about maintenance when I don’t ride often.

The low air was a benefit in a way. Gravity usually takes me up to about 27 mph going down the hill on Sare Rd. Monday, I reached only 20 mph. It was so cold that I was grateful to go slower.

I was warm riding in with a sweater and a windbreaker. But, my hands got cold after 2 miles. The third mile really made them cold. When I got to campus, I struggled to make the cable and lock work in the cold and with cold hands.

I also commuted to campus on Saturday. It was a nice day, so I was happy for another chance to ride to work. The rest of the week, the road conditions were not so good or I had commitments that required a car.

As usual, I rode on a trainer most mornings. So, my bicycling is doing fine, even if my riding isn’t.

This coming week looks like more of the same. Wet weather predicted for tomorrow. It’s possible to ride through the winter in Bloomington because it rarely gets too cold but the wet, cold weather makes riding on the busy roads a bit challenging.