Saturday morning I pulled on my underlayers and knickers and hit the road in time to be at trailhead by 8am. I rolled into the parking lot and realized there were probably good reasons why I was the only car in the parking lot. I sat there for a few minutes considering my decision to go for a ride on this 15 degree morning. I slowly started pulling on my shoes and gloves, turned off Doug Stefen and threw my leg over the borrowed 29er X-caliber and hit the trail.

The usually muddy trail was in great shape due to everything being frozen and hard packed. I follow the tracks left by a couple of brave souls that went before me and started picking my way down the singletrack. This was the first time I had ridden this loop on the 29er and in the snow. I was surprised at the ease I took to ridding along the iced over obstacles, however I began to get punished for my lack of correct winter clothing. My fingers began to get cold, especially my thumbs. My breathing was getting more labored due to quickly sucking in to much cold air.

I kept riding hoping the pain would pass and my body began to warm up but I could tell my breathing was getting restricted. That’s what I get for riding in 15 degree weather when I am not in the best of shape. So I decided to turn back towards the car. I was by myself and doubted anyone else was on their way out to the trail so there was no reason to be stupid.

When I got back in the car I immediatly started getting hot and shedding layers. My breathing was still very shallow. All the cold air must have caused my lungs to constrict a bit and it took me a couple hours before I was breathing normally again.

It was a good ride though. I love early rides when I have the trail to myself. The cold made it a little painful but the snow was fun to ride in. I’ll dress a little better and hit the trails again come Saturday. I can’t wait.