First Times

My first cover for a particular magazine is due tomorrow. Today, actually, as I see it's quarter past midnight. I'm happy with this one — hope they are too.

Now to catch up on sleep that's been harder to catch than a field full of feral felines.

Splittens™

My Christmas present to myself was a pair of winter gloves. Been riding serious for 15 years now, and I'm embarrassed to say it took me this long to "invest" in a pair. I still couldn't get myself to fork up $60+ for some Gore or Pearl Izumi, so I happened upon these on sale (+ another 20% off!). The Louis Garneau Magma split mitten (splittens!) does a fine job of keeping the digits toasty. I wish the liner (Thinsulate) was removable, because the hands tend to get too warm around 40°, but all in all I am pleased with them. Thumb still gets a little chilly since it's left out there by itself, but only when temps get down in the 20°s. 

So two years ago, my buddy Joe & I originally had a rule that we'd roll out on our morning rides if it was 40° or above. Last winter we bumped that down gradually & by the end of winter it was 35° & we still ride. Perhaps when the streets dry off, we can move that down to 30°? 

On second thought, I have a date w/my bike & trainer at 10pm tonight, get wound up for an hour and then go shower & read a bit of Blood Meridian.

Neglected maintenance

Need to be a little better @ blog maintenance!  Mostly it's just been busy and cold and cold. Finally got out on the wet roads yesterday for 25mi. Trainer time has kept me feeling somewhat ready for race season, so the pavement felt easy, but I know I need to work on sprints more if I want to prepare for the early Spring crits. Officially joined the Bicycle Shack Racing squad so I'll be sporting the blue & green for 2010. Most of the fast Tuesday & Saturday group rides done with these guys in the past assures me that I'm in with the right group if I want to get better. Faster.

Speaking of blog maintaining, I need to do the same for my road bikes. Esp getting my old Santa Cruz Roadster tuned up as a good backup for the season in case the BMC goes down.

Anxious to see where I can take my fitness level if I seriously devote the effort. Right now it's obviously not into this site!

Enjoy your ride!