The Long Cold Winter

Although my Vegas trip was fun I rode by myself so it’s been nice to get back home where I can ride with my friends again. The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder. This usually means shorter rides closer to home as I try to maintain some level of fitness through the winter. Riding to me is more than just exercise it also very social as I usually try to do a least one ride each weekend with some of my friends. I have been with the Princeton Freewheelers for almost 20 years and have come to know a lot of people in the club. Even though I don't see most of these people out side of biking when you ride 3 or 4 hours a week with some one over the course of many years you get to know them pretty well and become good friends. I am lucky because I have a good core of people that I ride with that I really enjoy being around.

During the winter I don’t see as many of these people because of my shorter more local rides. It’s always fun in the spring to reconnect again. This year unfortunately I will not be able to reconnect with one of my friends, Joe McBride, who was killed in a tragic bike accident just over a week ago. Laura posted a good Eulogy about Joe in words and pictures that describes him pretty well. There is also a Facebook page that has similar words about how much he will be missed. I really can’t add much more about Joe that hasn’t already been said. He was a great guy who's colorful language and sarcastic nature made him unique and fun ride with. Although riding during the cold weather can be fun and interesting in its own way, it is a little tough at times and makes you wish for the longer days and the warmer weather of the spring and summer months. This winter will be a little tougher as I know during some of the rides my thoughts will turn to Joe and how much I will miss him.