Saturday, April 12, 2008

the link between duct tape and summer

Well, I guess it’s unofficially summer because today I ripped off the duct tape that has been covering the mesh on my bike shoes and protecting my feet from wind and cold all winter. That, and it’s ninety degrees today. Because of the heat I rode the lower and easier creek trail today that has several creek crossings in the shade at the bottom of the canyon. In the winter I generally tiptoe over the steppingstones to cross the creek - so that I don’t end up with colder feet that I’d have anyway - but today there was no need to think about keeping warm. The shin deep (from a bike) water felt so nice. I’d forgotten about the duct tape on my shoes until the ride home from the creek. Riding downhill on the road at about twenty miles per hour I caught a glimpse of the tape and just couldn’t resist the temptation to reach down and rip it off – nor could I resist the temptation to continue along at the same pace rather that slowing down or stopping for the procedure. Probably not the safest thing I’ve done on a bike, but it all worked out okay and now all I have to do is remember that there’s a wad of duct tape in my pocket before I do the laundry next.

2 comments:

amidnightrider said...

How cold does it get there in winter. I would think in the mid to high 50's. Not commenting, just asking.

mindful mule said...

50’s sounds about right for the middle of a cold winter day here. Overnight freezing temps occur a few times per season. It’s a little colder up on the mountain at elevation. 60’s are pretty common, too, and 70’s and 80’s – which makes it tough to really bundle up for a ride because you never know what kind of heat might break through a few hours later. I know it may sound a little ridiculous for me to be commenting on the cold or even calling it winter, but don’t worry, it won’t last long, pretty soon I’ll be back to complaining about the heat…

Here’s a laugh for you: I just bought a pair of waterproof/windproof socks!