December 18, 2013

Winter's Arrival

You might have noticed my absence from the blog world. That is easily explained: winter has arrived here, and road cycling has ground to its seasonal halt. Riding is now all indoors, on a trainer, with bike computer in sight and heart rate monitor on. But there is (for me) a bit of exciting news that goes with this season. For the first time ever in my cycling history (and the first time at all since I was on the children's swim team) I am working with a coach. How cool is that! Specifically Coach Rob, known to some of you from Gerry's site Vicious Cycle.


That is one thing I like about the coming winter season: the promise that this structured approach brings, the opportunity to become a stronger rider, and to challenge my cycling limits.


There are things that I like less, such as the -4F temperature here yesterday morning, better than the -13F that the thermometer read at the bottom of the hill. Cold air drops. That is not including wind chill. Also I didn't much care for the 49F temperature in the little room where my trainer unit is set up. Indoors, me with a wool cap on. At least there is no wind in that room.


But I do like the patterns that winter can bring. Here are two images from the outdoor world today.


A detail from the garden. In the summer there is thyme and sweet marjoram
 in the planter, raspberries on the brambles, blueberries on the bushes. 


The apples remain, now adorned with little caps and bordered by
mini drifts on top of the bridge rail.

From time to time I will post photos, from here or France, hopefully finish up the lodging section of my last trip, and reorganize, edit the local rides section. By then spring will have returned.

I close wishing you each a happy, peaceful holiday season.



12 comments:

  1. Beautiful photo of the apples. Now all you need are some Bohemian Waxwings to eat them. Minus 13? Let me know when it warms up to zero.

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    1. Thanks! Yes, I'd love to see waxwings, but I think they are mostly still further north. You likely know the exact spot ... next to the little stream near kingfisher's home. By the way, why doesn't your photo show up with your comments any longer?

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  2. A nice post. Stay warm and motivated. Happy Holidays to you too.

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    1. Thanks Karen ... Enjoy your winter in beautiful Colorado.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Gerry ... and the same to you! And where is your image, also? I don't think it is a blogger/wordpress issue...

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  4. Enjoy the positives of the season!

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    1. Absolutely, it would be long and dreary without them.

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  5. A personal trainer? I am very impressed. The temperature is quite impressive too. We forget what it is like not to live in a temperate location and moan when the thermometer hits 4C. A post like this is a good corrective.

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    1. Hadn't thought of it that way, but I could...And I continue astonished at the beautiful photos you take and of the temperate weather you enjoy. In my ignorance, I had imagined your world colder and drearier. Be well!

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  6. Enjoy the Holiday Season Suze. Looking forward to working with you in the New Year. Enjoy the Ride....Coach

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Coach. Same to you, both the Holiday Season and the upcoming season.

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