193rd ride of 2017 - Tuesday, 12/19/2017

Total mileage for 2017: 3010.5

Today I rode my first time outside since my ride in the snow on Saturday, December 9 that put me over 3000 miles for the year. I wanted to ride yesterday, but a very busy day combined with a daylong light rain and crossings at intersections that were still not completely cleared of snow to make me decide to let it go.

When I ran Michelle out to school a bit past 10:00 (she had an unusual schedule today), it was sunny and so warm that it felt like a spring day. I joked to her, "I may have to change out of this hoodie before I ride today"—and she strongly agreed. But then clouds moved in, so that when I rode at 12:15 in 45° very humid air, I was none too warm wearing the hoodie over a turtleneck! I think if I can ride outside tomorrow, I'll likely wear my winter coat.

Anyway, I was happy to be able to settle for a single round trip to Marsh Park, reflecting on what a gift from God it is to be able to ride outside in Michigan in mid- to late- December. I covered the 10.2 miles in 1:13, and took this picture at Marsh Park, as I prepared to head back home. A touch of snow still remains at crossings over roads, and encroaching onto the trail at times, but it was nothing I was unable to punch through.