Hey NE girls

[tygab]

I rode the weekend before this one, in a race. But I really have ceased outdoors riding at this point, not sure if that's a good thing to admit. In part, just other things have come up. In part, I've got the bike hooked up to the trainer (but I could take my old HardRock out and might just do that this weekend).

I don't feel compelled to ride in colder temps, but I know once I am out there I'll probably enjoy it... just a motivation thing.

As a fun aside, I was in northern VT this weekend. Here are some observations....

How to tell the seasons in VT (and all of the northmost part of our region).
As you know there are 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and summer. But there are subtle signs that signal to the attuned it's now winter up there....

10. The snowblower is parked conveniently next to the drive.
9. The road cyclist you're passing is wearing every type of warm gear including a balaclava, and still looks like he's freezing.
8. The jeeps have their plow frames and even blades mounted. [Pick up trucks don't count, see, because some never even come off.]
7. The mountains are all capped with snow.
6. The ski shops are not having sales.
5. You see telemark skiers returning from their day on the mountain (no lifts are open yet).
4. You have experienced your first mountain squalls of the season.
3. The Lincoln Gap road is closed.
2. There is an eerie quiet in town that exists for only about 3 weeks all year. Cold enough to ski but no people...
and.... the number one way to know it's winter in VT:
#1.... The horses in Massachusetts have blankets!
[if you don't get this, drive around in VT for a while ]

Add: I could also add 'you have to turn on your headlights at 4:00'. Also, a little closer to home, I noticed my parking lot at work is now festooned with reflective poles around every bend/angle... yeah, the plow markings are out... guess they don't want to get caught off guard. As for me, my car's snow tires are going on this week...

Also, I think Thursday is looking like it'll be above 60 in many areas of MA, so those who can, plan to take advantage of it.