Spring is almost here

Given the recent spate of nasty weather how can I make such a bold statement? No, I'm not related to prognosticating rodents from PA, but I do have a pretty decent method for discerning the change of seasons. My barometer in this case is the local liquor store. Last weekend I stopped in and found not only Mike Bike, but my favorite springtime beer in the world; Harpoon Hibernian. What does this have to do with bikes? Plenty. As we all know beer and bikes get along uncommonly well. Well, Hibernian and bikes go together even better. Nothing could make riding on an icy night, while flirting with hypothermic shock, better than knowing a really great beer is lurking in my fridge.

Unless you're this guy you're most likely experimenting with new ways to keep yourself warm, or riding a trainer. More often than not our rides nowadays are cold, raw and windy affairs that offer frequent opportunities to get soaking wet, and freezing cold, all at the same time. Dragging your ass off of the couch to ride in a cold and dark environment requires some motivation. While new wool clothing and winter gear are always nice the novelty wears off after a bit (somewhere around the moment the blood flows back to your frozen extremities). So why not give yourself a good reason to ride in February and March? Buy the beer, drink the beer and ride! Just not necessarily in that order...

I know what you're thinking. “Why can't I just skip the bike riding and down a few every night to stave off the winter doldrums?" You most certainly could, but that would leave you a little on the portly side and definitely not ready for this fine event on April 6th. I suppose you could fill out a bit, and just "ride into form". But you know you want to be the real King of Burlingame, and not the guy sporting a muffin top because he can't fit into his lycra. Besides, nicknames like the Sausage King of Burlingame probably aren't flattering. Unless your real name is Abe Froman.

Speaking of events, RI NEMBA is hosting it's first ever Winter Fun Ride on 2/17 at Burlingame SF. If you've never ridden in Burlingame, and you live in RI, drag yourself down for some guided rides, a raffle and some chili and hot cocoa. $5 gets you a guided tour of a really great trail system. If you're a racer type it'll give you the chance to scope out the terrain prior to the previously mentioned KOB TT. All proceeds go to charity, as per usual. Get the details here and/or here.

That's all I've got for now. Get out and ride your bike, even if it is just to the liquor store dammit! Springtime is coming up quick...