What to do about the weather

The old saying, you know, the one that says if you don't like the weather in Chicago, just wait ten minutes, has not been holding true this year. After a long wintry season, many of us were eagerly looking forward to the glorious warm spring days, but those have been few and far between. It seams that winter and springs have conspired to make us extra miserable this year.

I don't know why it is that the weather can affect our mood and actions to the extent that it does. Many decisions about our social engagements, recreational activities, fitness and transportation are influenced by the weatherman. Our outlook is subject to the whims of the elements. Our media both assume and dictate that people respond in predictable ways to the weather: if it is cold, we're supposed to feel lazy and crave comfort food; if it is sunny, we're to attack life with zest and vigor; if it rains, we're to stay indoors with a cup of tea and a good book until the skies clear.

But weather isn't good or bad; it just is. And since you can't change it, you might as well change the way you respond to it. We can learn to enjoy different types of weather at different times of the year. For urban cyclists who ride year-round, climate control has as much to do with gear as it does with attitude.

And here is where cyclists have an edge. Your attitude is practically guaranteed to change as soon as you get on your bike. If you ride out of doors and it's pouring rain, you're not going to get very far thinking: "I'm so miserable, it's raining..." More likely, you're gonna clench your teeth, brace yourself and take a determined plunge. And there is nothing like that can-do feeling of independence to give your attitude a healthy boost. By the end of the ride, you may even feel like that was really fun. On my best rainy rides, I've felt like a kid who got away with splashing in a puddle.

On the practical side, you may find that having a good rain suit and fenders on your bike helps your attitude remain positive throughout your ride. Similarly, a waterproof bag will protect your papers and belongings, so you don't have to stress about them as you battle the elements. A dry change of clothes is essential. Shivering in wet clothes all day might spoil your outlook on life.

It's not just cold and rain that keep people off their bikes. In the summer, you're more likely to be concerned about sweat and grime when you're on your way to work. Take a clue from a Japanese restaurant with their pre-meal steaming washcloth treatment. Make room in your bike bag for a small zip-lock bag filled with a washcloth (I vastly prefer this to baby-wipe type disposable cloths), and a small bottle of refreshing cleanser (Sea Breeze, witch hazel, or tea tree oil come to mind). Now, given some hot running water, your washcloth and five minutes at the sink, you'll come out looking clean, smelling fresh and feeling great.

Comments

[Dottie]

Good tips.

I enjoy all the weather changes, as they remind me that each day is unique, even as I trudge into work to do the same thing over and over again :)

[Chris]

hmmm, driving rain that is on the edge of turning into snow will test ones fortitude. I am glad to finally see a high of 70 today. On the other hand, crappy weather lets us know we are alive. And if the weather stayed 70 degrees all the time where is the challenge? Some climate can not be controlled. Just grit your teeth and and tough it out. The trick is finding a way to enjoying the challenge. That way you won't change into a marsh mellow puff.

[Scott]

Great tips. I'm going to try your wash cloth idea, as that sounds much nicer than the baby wipes I've been using.

I too have found that once I get over my frustrations with bad weather, and just embrace the adventure of being out in it, almost defiantly, that those rides have become memorable fun. I blogged about one of those rides here... http://drivemybike.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/snow-ride/

Thanks for your post!

[electric bicycle]

Meeting a bad weather is the worst thing that can happen to somebody when riding a bicycle. That has happened to me once, I hope it does not happen to me a second time.