Heat Wave

The lyrics aren't about a bike ride, but the Linda Ronstadt version of Heat Wave is in my head as I type. 

It was in the low 40s yesterday, which led me to do something I don't think I've done before: take a road bike out in January. After some deliberations (we always deliberate *something*) over which streets and trails would be most clear, my friend Matt and I headed up River Road from Fort Snelling, along the Cedar Lake Trail to Hopkins, and then along the Greenway back to the river. This is a reliable route - one that I have done often as either a season opener or a season closer. 

River Road was clear, but the Cedar Lake Trail was a bit like riding on cookie dough or sand, with some icy patches buried beneath. Considering how exposed that trail is to the sun and the fact that it technically is a plowed trail in the winter, we were rather surprised at how much snow we rode in (many miles of it) and how much slush gathered up by our brakes.

I thought the ice cream truck was an interesting backdrop,
and Matt pointed out that it was fitting
due to it being almost ice cream weather.

Given the cool fall, the icy winter, and the lack of good snow for fat tire bikes, it was so very nice to just be moving on our bikes, to kick off another year of riding, and to spend time with a friend. This will be a different year for me, ridewise - - some new goals, some new rides, some new people to ride with and some riding things that won't be happening due to life events. 

I like this picture that Matt took of me overlooking the lake by my house. Not only does it capture a great bike ride, but I think it reflects the optimism I'm embracing for 2019. 

Yes, people are ice fishing. There were others skating
with kites, which was cool, too.

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