Sunday November 16, 2008 – Cold Run

[snoof]

Don’t get much freezing weather here; last December 27 was the only time I rode here in less than 32 degrees. It was 37 degrees here a little after 6:00 and I headed west to the Hills, hopefully to catch some freezing before today’s warmth rolled in.

So I went to Oak Hill to Dripping Springs to Johnson City and back via Pedernales State Park. About 120 miles.

I wired the electric clothing together and headed out. Seems to be a big difference on the bike between 47 and 37 degrees and I needed to turn on the heat within a few minutes of hitting MoPac Expressway. Then I was fine and warm.

In Oak Hill a bank sign said it was 31 degrees which I accepted as official that I’d hit some freezing. So I wouldn’t need to keep riding far and north. I decided to go to Johnson City, have a cup of coffee and head back home for a day of chores and work.

Place seemed to be more bar than restaurant which meant it wasn’t exactly hopping at 8:00 when I arrived. There were three friendly women working there, which was nice, because I had to holler at them from behind the restroom door asking them to bring me some toilet paper. I was as you say indisposed. They were apologetic and I was embarrassed but we soon had a good laugh about it.

I’d come in trying to tuck in the connectors from the heating clothing that was leaking out. Reminded me of the story about the good old boy who wasn’t allowed in a club because he didn’t have a tie. He went out to his truck, grabbed some jumper cables and wrapped them around his neck. When he returned the bouncer said, “I guess I’ll let you in …but don’t start anything.”

OK cup of joe and back to the bike. I had three or four people tell me that it must be cold on that thing. Naw I said, which was the truth but they didn’t believe me.

I took the back road home and since I’d never been there I rode into Pedernales Falls State Park. Nice views just getting to the entrance. I didn’t pay to go into the actual park which I will sometime this winter, but I stopped and had my own little Sunday service. I thanked God for the lives of the poor dead deer that I seen on the roads and that Uncle Obama will deliver us from evil, economic, and health care woes. Amen.

And then I rode home. By the time I hit the city limits it was warm enough to turn off the heat. Cold shouldn’t be a factor this winter unless it’s combined with precipitation.

Bring on the week.