Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Novara

(6,115 posts)
Sun Apr 12, 2015, 09:08 AM Apr 2015

J.O.Y.B.A.G!

Otherwise known as: Jump On Your Bike And Go!

I recently moved to a northern, cold climate and I haven't done any outside cycling for MONTHS. I had been dutifully riding my trainer every day but hoo boy, that's boring. This morning, with 50F degrees and climbing, I pumped up my tires and I JOYBAGged! OMG, it felt so good. I've missed it so. I moved from a climate where I rode year round and lived car-free for years. How I missed hearing the birds as I pedaled, how I missed waving an acknowledgment to drivers who give me a wide berth when they pass. How I missed the fresh air on my face and yeah, I even missed the thigh burn when riding into a stiff wind (get back to me after moths of stiff winds and I'll feel differently about that, I'm sure). It felt so good to get outside and ride. I suppose I could have gone out in the coldest part of snowy winter but since this is my first winter here, I just didn't have the nerve. Maybe I'll ride more next winter.

How about the rest of you? Looking forward to better weather and more biking?
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
J.O.Y.B.A.G! (Original Post) Novara Apr 2015 OP
we get high winds in L.A. olddots Apr 2015 #1
Snow never stopped me from biking in the winter... happyslug Apr 2015 #2
all season cyclist hibbing Apr 2015 #3
I lived car-free for 6 years.... Novara Apr 2015 #4
 

olddots

(10,237 posts)
1. we get high winds in L.A.
Sun Apr 12, 2015, 09:51 AM
Apr 2015

always a challenge but I like them because it feels like nature in this sprawl .

 

happyslug

(14,779 posts)
2. Snow never stopped me from biking in the winter...
Sun Apr 12, 2015, 09:35 PM
Apr 2015

But the switch from my studded tires to high pressure slicks makes biking a lot more enjoyable. Last week I put the Thule Bike Rack back on my car so I take my bike with me. Hope you have fun biking this summer.

hibbing

(10,402 posts)
3. all season cyclist
Wed Apr 15, 2015, 03:03 PM
Apr 2015

Hi,
Glad you have been able to get out. I ride most every day, think my coldest was -17 wind chill. I actually like riding in the winter better. My optimal ride weather is low 30s and sun. But yes, it is warming up here and always have to deal with the wind here too.

Peace

Novara

(6,115 posts)
4. I lived car-free for 6 years....
Wed Apr 15, 2015, 06:47 PM
Apr 2015

....and I did everything by bike, year-round. But I lived in a much better climate. I always loved riding in the winter because I had a great trail system and usually had the trails to myself.

But here, there are no trails and no biking infrastructure. How I've missed riding over the cold, crappy winter. I also didn't want to get road salt on my bike, so I rode my trainer inside all winter. But I did pretty well - I'm in fine cycling condition still, which surprises me. No soreness, no starting slow. But nothing beats riding outside.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Bicycling»J.O.Y.B.A.G!