Blue Toes

I love riding bicycle outdoors. Even if Vitamin D from sunlight is in short supply from November through March in the northern hemisphere, even if it is foggy and 32 degrees as it was Friday, even if the only other bicyclists on the streets are ones who have recently received DUIs, I love riding outdoors.

I dress in my regular bicycle gear and then add a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt, wool cap and winter gloves. Then I jump on my bike. Before long, I get up to speed and generate plenty of heat.

I try to do intervals once a week, usually Friday afternoons, and that adds to the warmth. My mode of operation is to ride as fast as I can primarily concentrating on my right leg from one telephone pole to the next, then my left leg one telephone pole to the next, then coast one telephone pole to the next. Repeat. To get the full hour in, I ride up the modest hill at the east end of the course three times. It's a challenge, especially when a south wind is blowing in my face.

I love my Milton-Freewater course. Only problem is, when I get home and get off the bike, I notice my toes are cold. I go through a painful few minutes while they thaw. Next time, if I remember, I will wear two pairs of socks to avoid the blue toes.