First Frost of the Season

During yesterday’s bike ride, at dawn, I noticed that grass near Grens was coated in a thin layer of frost. I also noticed that when we cycled in some places it felt much cooler than in others. I also felt the paradox of thicker gloves, and colder fingers. It seems that the thin gloves are more effective.

I noticed the frost because of a conversation people ahead of me were having. They were speaking about the temperature readings on their GPS devices, so that’s when I was primed to notice frost.

A few days ago the first frozen puddle was noticed, so it is obvious that the season is shifting from Summer to Autumn, and now towards winter cold temperatures. People who cycle with this group are often cold at the end of the ride. It’s about layers, but it’s also about the quality of those layers, and experience.

The more we ride in the cold, the more we adapt, either in wearing clothes that we find work, or by wearing clothes that keep us warmer. Diet also helps. The more energy reserves we have, the more comfortable we are during the ride, and on the way home.

I noticed, after breakfast, when riding home, that I didn’t feel as cold. I had made sure to open my warm layer to allow my body to cool, and dry, before getting on the bike.

The coldest part is when I leave home when it’s still dark, and then after the coffee stop. This time, by having the right reflexes I was warm when I left for home, and to write my daily blog post yesterday.

For now I see no reason to stop cycling for the rest of the season.