We are running just shy of freezing on our Tuesday/Thursday-morning rides; I suspect within a few weeks we’ll cross that barrier. It seems, without any data to back this up, that “winter” temps are hitting slightly earlier this year than normal. It also feels like we’re going to have a colder-than-normal winter coming up. Can’t explain it, just feels like it. But no, I’m not willing to make any forecasts for rain. Actually I will. I don’t think it’s going to be a storm-filled winter. I think it’s going to be the typical winter, where they show a series of “storms heading our way, lining up in the Pacific” but they all get pushed north just before they arrive. Hey, fine with me if Portland gets more of what they’re so well known for!

Does it really matter? Not much, since I’ll ride anyway. I’m in a bit better shape for the really cold stuff, now that my Raynauds has been tamed (not cured, but no more permafrost hands!), so if this is the winter that brings back the ice age, I’m ready for it.

Today, I thought I was ready for Kings, but Kevin (the kid) and Lanier were more-ready. I suffered through the park but felt not-so-bad afterward, at least until close to the long straight open stretch. Kevin and Lanier rode on, while I circled to make sure the other (pilot) Kevin was doing OK at the rear. He’d blown himself out on the “Dave Stohl” ride yesterday. Karen was in-between, riding whatever pace she determined was appropriate for the day. I don’t think she rides slower if she’s tired or faster if not. She rides according to her own plan.

It was nice riding at such a slow pace up the hill; I could actually carry on a conversation for once. A very unusual thing, that, as I’m usually gasping for air anytime the road tilts up.

Perhaps the oddest thing today was that my peak power was recorded descending 84 into Woodside! There are a couple turns where I push hard coming out; I just didn’t realize I was pushing 800+ watts doing so. Too bad I can’t make use of that power going uphill.