This was only my second winter in Memphis but it seemed long. I rode through the cold, wind, cold and rain and a couple times, through the ice and snow on the sidewalks I ride next to a busy road. Today, I finally road both to and from work in shorts and T-shirt. Strangely, this week I both road in shorts and T-shirt and on snowed- and iced-sidewalks. Such is the weather in Memphis.

My lowest temperature ride this winter was 12^oF. Not exactly eye-brow raising for northern bike commuters, but very respectable for us southerners. Certainly, the undesirable vehicle commuters were somewhat shocked. They suffered on the way from their vehicle to the door. I told them I still worked up a sweat on my way to work.

Last fall, I converted my Schwinn Homegrown from a nine-speed to a single speed (no, it’s not a fixie, I’m not that cool). After six months on the uni-speed, my legs hurt. While I seemed to get tired riding a multi-speed, I didn’t have constant pain in my thighs. I do now. I don’t care really though. Sometimes, when I flex my thighs I get a really good buzz – from the pain and fatigue radiating from my thighs. Seems weird but I like it. I tried massages for a few days but I didn’t feel much difference. Now, on days when the thighs hurt bad, I use the hammies the entire way.

This winter I learned reasonably well how to do track stands at stoplights. It helps that I’m on a mountain bike with fatties but I’m still happy I can do it. It’s not easy to find an appropriate place at every stoplight that provides a little roll-back so I can shift the bike beneath me. At least I don’t almost fall over while trying it like I did before. I found that practicing without clipless peddles helps a lot.

I also learned this winter that I don’t have to shower just before I walk into work. A friend, who rode with me a few times in the fall, didn’t belong to the gym I belong to which is close to work. So, naturally he couldn’t shower before he dressed for work. I took the same approach the entire winter. I usually shower the night before or in the morning before I start. Then, I do a quick sponge bath in the work bathroom before I change in one of the stalls. Seems to work well and I don’t notice that I stink. At least no one has told me that I do.

All and all it was a good winter of riding. At least I’m not taking the bus like I did last year. I didn’t feel much on those trips. I’ll take another long winter anytime. It’s definitely biking with a feel.