Winter Solstice
Monday marks Winter Solstice, which is the day when the sun is the lowest in the horizon, for those of us in the northern hemisphere. It lasts only an instant in time, and marks the shortest day of the year. It also marks the first day of Winter.
If you're a pagan, Winter Solstice means rebirth, holidays, gatherings, rituals, celebrations, and all that crap.
If you're a bike commuter, it marks the beginning of the end of the dark night of the soul, also known as winter bike commuting. Don't get me wrong, winter bike commuting is still better than driving. In fact, I've read several article lately extolling the virtues of winter commuting, and I'm going to try to write about them here in the coming days. So I don't want you to think that I don't like commuting on my bicycle in the cold weather months.
Its just that warm weather riding is so much better. It is lighter, and therefore faster. You're not all bundled up. Your body doesn't have to decide whether to sweat or freeze. You don't have to worry about hitting a patch of ice. And you don't have to worry about riding home in the darkness. My resolve is not nearly as strong when it is cold and dark in the mornings. The fireplace is like a magnet, and knowing that I can be to work in less than twenty minutes if I wanted makes it very tempting to leave the bike at home.
When you're a winter bike commuter, you hang on to every little bit of good news.
"Sure, it's 35 degrees outside, but at least the sun is shining."
"There is a strong west wind today that should carry me straight to work."
"I shaved my legs last night, and I don't want to waste it."
Or the always good, "School is out this week so traffic will be light."
But there is no better motivator than December 21, Winter Solstice. Its like, we made it to the top of the mountain, and it is all downhill from here. From Monday on, each day will get a little longer. Darkness will come a few minutes later. And before we know it, the weather will be warm again.
I can't wait.
If you're a pagan, Winter Solstice means rebirth, holidays, gatherings, rituals, celebrations, and all that crap.
If you're a bike commuter, it marks the beginning of the end of the dark night of the soul, also known as winter bike commuting. Don't get me wrong, winter bike commuting is still better than driving. In fact, I've read several article lately extolling the virtues of winter commuting, and I'm going to try to write about them here in the coming days. So I don't want you to think that I don't like commuting on my bicycle in the cold weather months.
Its just that warm weather riding is so much better. It is lighter, and therefore faster. You're not all bundled up. Your body doesn't have to decide whether to sweat or freeze. You don't have to worry about hitting a patch of ice. And you don't have to worry about riding home in the darkness. My resolve is not nearly as strong when it is cold and dark in the mornings. The fireplace is like a magnet, and knowing that I can be to work in less than twenty minutes if I wanted makes it very tempting to leave the bike at home.
When you're a winter bike commuter, you hang on to every little bit of good news.
"Sure, it's 35 degrees outside, but at least the sun is shining."
"There is a strong west wind today that should carry me straight to work."
"I shaved my legs last night, and I don't want to waste it."
Or the always good, "School is out this week so traffic will be light."
But there is no better motivator than December 21, Winter Solstice. Its like, we made it to the top of the mountain, and it is all downhill from here. From Monday on, each day will get a little longer. Darkness will come a few minutes later. And before we know it, the weather will be warm again.
I can't wait.
Thanks for the reminder! Can't wait for the long days...
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Since I only live less than a mile from work and don't have access to a shower, I don't commute in the winter or summer. However, I do ride at lunch time and look forward to those warmer days when I don't have to wear so many of those confounded clothes. Seems to take forever to get ready. Also glad that I am not the only one who feels heavier and therefore labor a little more. Bring on the spring!
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