Laying Low, Pedaling in the Cold, and Perhaps Some Tweediness

Burrrrrr . . . . has it been cold in the high country, except during the middle of the day when it is in the breezy 50's and sunny. The fluctuating temperatures make dressing for a bike ride and work a bit confusing. On top of that I felt very disinclined when on my bike to either stop and gaze as the snow capped San Francisco Peaks, beautiful though they are, or take the time pull out my camera and seek out photographic muses of either the human or bicycle variety.

The Planner Guy, aka First-Place-in His-Age-Group-Triathlon-Guy, still has not purchased a new tire and tube for his commuter bike so I've been riding in to work more than I'd like in the Element. Still though, with only one car and often juggling two schedules, I am enjoying numerous evening bike rides after work, which are truly lovely and mysterious on the urban trail by the light of the stars and the head light on my Breezer. Yes, the temperature drops quickly and deeply once darkness falls but I've learned to keep an extra layer in my pannier to put on for the ride home, and during the fall and winter I almost always wear a nice scarf around my neck.

Three times this last week and a half I braved the evening cold on my bike by focusing on only on the stars but also on the image of a bowl of piping hot French onion soup lovingly prepared from scratch by the Planner Guy (aka Chef Bob).

Unfortunately, Flagstaff suffered the death of a 23-year-old Army veteran, NAU student and cyclist this week. Joshua Pete's bicycle collided with a City truck making a right-hand turn. I know few of the details but am deeply saddened for everyone involved. I have nearly been hit as a cyclist and as a car driver nearly hit other cyclists in similar circumstances. Behind the wheel of our car or sitting upon my bike, I am doubly attentive to what is going on around me and conscious of my choices; this tragedy could so easily be repeated.

Long-Range Goal Set Into Motion!
Relatively uninspired these days with the total lack of bike fashion in the last few weeks, likely the result of the return of frigid temperatures I decided that I needed a goal to maintain my motivation to both bike commute and blog. Mid-week I recalled my unfulfilled intention to organize a Tweed Ride. What could be more fun that a large group of smartly attired bicyclists hob-nobbing their way over the urban trail and into town, pedaling from gallery, to restaurant, to bar (for drinks and dancing). If I set out a goal for targeting a date in conjunction with Bike to Work Week and had some enthusiastic cohorts I just could pull it off. I shared my idea with two people who I thought would be likely stakeholders in the event and got the thumbs up for further investigation and planning. Perhaps, the event could also serve as a soft fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Flagstaff, further motivating me to be the active Board member I desire to be.

I love having a goal. Happily, I know that my fellow bike commuting bloggers will be more than willing to grant permission to borrow ideas! So, all you Tweed Ride organizers out there, let send your wisdom my way. Pretty please.