I rode Palomar Mountain today with the Descenders. We went all the way to the observatory and I would have enjoyed myself a lot more if I was warm.
It was warm at the bottom, I was sweating in my undershirt and long sleeve jersey. By the time we reached Mother’s, I had my vest on and was very chilly. On the way to the observatory, we descended a little and I froze. Froze like Mr. Freeze. Even climbing the 3 miles up to the observatory couldn’t warm me. On the way back, it was just funny how cold we were. At Mother’s again, I stuffed real estate notices (cause they’re free) under my jersey to block the wind in the descent. Descending 14 miles of twisty 7-8% grade was horrendous. I shivered so bad I had to slow down cause I was afraid of losing control! My hands were so cold, I felt like I was wearing wool mittens.
Ok, enough pity. You know why I was so cold? I don’t own that much cold-weather gear. No shoe covers, full-fingered gloves, full-length jacket, headband thingy, etc, etc. How do you buy cold weather gear in April in San Diego? It’s always about 75F when I’m at the bike store and it feels plain retarded to shell out $100 for cold weather gear on a sunny day.
Not that it’s super smart to freeze all winter saying, “But it’s April, it’ll warm up soon!”
And by the way, I felt great today. I did the 14 miles of climbing (from cafe to cafe) in 1:27:48 which I am proud of. I set the pace with Voris the entire climb and really enjoyed myself. It’s nice to feel my form coming together a little.
2010 Leadville Trail 100
2010 Julian Death March
I Do Not Ride Alone
My Secret Leadville Plan
Previewing the Leadville 100 MTB Course
2010 Triple Bypass
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Pitty nothing… I know exactly how you felt. Two weeks ago when I was in San Dimas I climbed 5.5 miles up Glendora Mountain Rd in the pouring rain and fog. It was fun going up, but coming down I got so cold that it took most of the day for me to get the feeling back in my feet – and I was wearing a jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, and full fingered gloves.
Hey Arlyn! You have a birthday coming up, right? But it’s April, it’ll warm up soon! Doh!
sweet! I’m taking cold weather gear to france (alpes do strange things)
Man, a ride up to Palomar! That would be so awesome! I’m an amateur astronomy buff on the side and to be able to bike up to an observatory would be so cool.