Spring - when do you get back outside?

[climbergirl]

Here in the Great White North (aka Minnesota), cycling can be tough in the winter. Sure, I see folks out commuting on those awesome super-fat-tire winter bikes, and mountain bikes, but when it's 6 F and the roads are a rutty mess, I'll drive or walk or stay home, thanks. Or take the bus. If there's an accident, the bus will win!

Anyway, my partner and I committed to riding every month this year. January we got two good rides in, but February was looking like a no go. It's been SO cold and snowy! But the last few days have hit above freezing and the main roads (with bike lanes) looked pretty good, at least on the north side. We got in a 17 mile ride, but it included some NASTY patches of deep puddle, slush, and mixed ice/slush. Came home muddy, soaked and cold, but very happy! Neither of us went down, so life is good.

We took the mountain bikes out. I can not WAIT for the roads to clear and dry a bit more so I can get back on the road bike. I miss it! Also, in late December I got a new steel-frame light touring bike (Cinelli Gazzetta della Strada, OMG) and I'm SO EXCITED to get out on it! I haven't even really had it on a test ride yet. But she's too pretty and too new to take out in the slop. Here's hoping things dry out in March!