I go through this every winter. I get bummed about the weather. Bummed it’s too cold. Bummed it’s too hot and the resulting lack of snow. Bummed about our rain and super sketchy and icy roads, trails and lakes. This crap weather in combination with life ramping up, changes and a few surprises that occupy my mind,  I haven’t found much time to get out to ride. I find myself seeking cave time in my basement or my garage and sneaking in a few things here and there to distract me and relax.  Today, I’ll share just a few things and random images that are keeping me sane in this time of year.  I did build a new bike, but it’s not ready for full public viewing. It’s ready to ride, but I haven’t got any pics out on the snow covered fields or flowy & snowy single track.  Soon I hope.

So, what have I been up too?

My neighbor waxed my skis and they are ready for the next snowfall

I have been looking at natural patterns and colors

I built a new custom painted Salsa Mukluk and dream of riding it on actual snow.

I’ve been driving by a local water hot spot on my way home from work looking for bald eagles without success. Yesterday, I had to settle for this great blue heron.

I have been shooting ice abstracts

Even though all that stuff is fun for me and helps my mind, it can’t replace riding my bike. My mind, body and soul need it. Cycling is both a physical and a mental activity for me and it is the combination of the two that I find great joy. It’s also when I find inspiration.  It may be time to do the unthinkable and actually just try to get some commuting miles in instead of trying to get out in the country or to seek out great destinations. I just need time on my bike. Any time. I gotta make that happen.

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