It was about 26 degrees outside when I started. Not cold enough to freeze the water sloshing in my bottle, but cold enough to accumulate ice where the water splashes.

Pavement was clear and dry. My first thought was to take the Glacial Drumlin Trail west to Wales and back.

Very soon I realized how strong and cold the wind was, coming from the west. While I typically ride against the wind when leaving home so that I get the benefit of wind on the return trip, I decided to go east toward the GDT trailhead. Then I turned around and went west, part of the way to Wales.

It’s always a challenge figuring out what to wear in the cold weather. I was uncertain about the warmth of my choices so I didn’t want to end up with frozen toes too far from home. With the route I chose, I was never more than about 3 miles from a warm house.

I took my road bike today, thanks to the Pedro’s Bicycle Tire Levers that I received for Christmas.

On my last ride of 2014, using my own bike, I got a flat rear tire. I knew that using the tire levers I had would not be worth the effort so I called for a ride home. (Last time it took me 20 or 30 minutes to change the inner tube because my levers kept bending.)

Instead of changing struggling with the tools I had, I decided to ride my wife’s bike for the final ride of 2014. I figured I’d get better tire levers before Spring.

With these new tire levers I was probably done in 5 minutes. Piece of cake getting the tire over the rim, both removing it and putting it back on. Ah, the right tool for the job!

While on the trail I noticed these birds sitting on a wire. It’s cold, it’s windy, and they’re sitting there completely exposed. Doesn’t seem like a good idea to me. Then again, I’m out riding in this creating my own extra wind chill.

15.19 miles.