Emerging from hibernation

I REALLY admire those of you that continue cycling even when there is snow on the ground and the air is cold.

I have been a wimp this winter season.  Yes, a wimp.

I’ve tried to continue riding but the cold has beaten me and I’ve hid inside my home, warm and cozy.

The shorter daylight hours make it difficult. I’ve been watching for a very small window during the warmest part of the day (mid-afternoon). When it arrives, I’m able to find an excuse – the school busses will be out, the wiff of wind is too much, it really isn’t warm enough, etc…  I admit it, simple laziness.

I’m writing this as a warm(er) stretch appears to be coming and I’ve got to get back to riding. The hibernation must end. Committing to it here helps. I know, all physiological but still, it helps.

The good news is that I haven’t been a total bum during the season.  I am making good progress on bikepacking gear for my mountain bike for the coming season.  I told you about my new Frame Bag for my bicycle but a couple of other bags are in the works as well as a bar harness to hold a dry bag. Additionally, I now own a cheap hammock that I’ve been toying with/learning about. I was attracted to the hammock because of its small packed size and weight. There is an amazing amount of information about these things on the web (HammockForum.com). There are quiet a few people detailing their do-it-yourself work which is very kewl. Everything from different types of suspension systems to shelters to bug shields to warmth systems.  I’ve also started collecting down pillows with which I am going to make my own down sleeping bag. A down sleeping bag is the most compressible type of bag but also the most expensive.  Being a cheapskate, I find it hard to spend $300-$500 on a sleeping bag so a DIY approach is the answer.