I could ride in temps < 50; after all, I do have wool socks, nice tights, fleece outerwear, and full-fingered gloves, but truth be told, I just find it too hard to get motivated to head out when it's really cold. And so often those lower temps bring even colder winds -- not much I can do to keep my face warm. I think winter is nature's way of reminding us that life isn't all about cycling. I like hiking and walking -- and reading! -- more in the winter.

I did finally make it out today, but the ride was much shorter than I'd planned. It was so incredibly foggy I didn't dare go out until the fog lifted at around 3 pm. By then the sun was trying to peak through, and the temp had risen to 60! So I donned my bike clothes (tights and windbreaker over shorts and long-sleeve jersey) and headed out. Felt great at first, but when I turned around to head in the opposite direction of our loop here, I realized that the fog was rolling back in -- and it was getting chilly! I went as far as I felt safe, but when it got to the point that I couldn't see cars because my glasses were so fogged, I didn't want to take any chances on them not being able to see me, so I ended up with only 37 minutes of riding. Pffffft!

It's always something, I guess. Not used to dealing with the type of pea-soup fog we're getting lately at the NC coast.