Bad Breath is better than No breath at all!

OK So I bet that title got your attention - What on earth could Bill be writing about this time. 

Well, today's topic is addressing what anyone who calls themselves a "Cyclist" knows as "the Winter ten", or is that "the Summer ten" for those cyclists in the southern hemisphere. 

As  the days get shorter, and the cycling weather gets less attractive (cold, snow, wet and or icy road conditions) the tendency is to ride less, as there are more excuses not to go out.  Spinning classes and cross-training provide an alternative, but a lot of folks go out on their first ride of the next cycling season "a little shorter for their weight" - or put otherwise, ten pounds heavier.  Some of the more entrepreneurial among us have built businesses around the phenomenon of putting on weight in the winter season  - there used to be a custom bike jersey "Old guys who drink beer and get fat in the winter.

This winter I am trying something new - whenever the roads are dry, and there is enough sunlight - I will go out and get at least 10 miles of riding in.  On days I would normally ride, I will try and toughen up the ride (read more hill work).  The important thing is to have a goal, and try and stick to achieving it.  

To this end, this morning I took a different route than my usual Saturday AM "Shop ride" and added in some hill work - loads of fun, and it kept me warm despite the chilly temperatures.

We'll see how things evolve over the winter.

Happy Holidays!