Fun With Negative Numbers

Doubled up on the toe and hand warmers, then rode to meet Amy at the cafe. We had to change a tube on her Axis, because her tire pressure was low, but finally got out to actually enjoy some good old fashioned Minnesota winter weather. It was slow going, and figured it was because of a combination of the cold and the number of layers each of us had on. Actual air temp at the start was -12. I think this is the coldest air temp I've ever ridden in. I've been out in colder windchills, which, today, was around -25.
We knew what we were doing and stayed plenty warm. We kept it around town not wanting to be far from help, if there was a break down or other problem. These were dangerous conditions. That being said, we had a blast, talking like it was a summer ride with no cares in the world.
It was beautiful out. The snow was so white it almost hurt, and a cloud wouldn't dare enter the royal blue sky over us. We rode along the creek and lakes accompanied by the long shadows of deep winter. The few runners we saw were all red faced, the cold taking its toll. But even they exposed very little skin today. We acknowledged each other, with head nods and waves, understanding that despite our different disciplines we were united by our resistance to the attacks of winter. Today, each of us out there figuratively raised a single finger in the face of winter. 27/??

Nosecicle The Sequel