What's Cooler Than Being Cool, part II
In light of the current weather conditions in New Hampshire as well as the blog entry title from a few weeks back, I've dubbed this particular entry What's Cooler Than Being Cool part II. But by in large my readers are an educated bunch, so you probably figured that out already by reading the title above.So for starters, the frigid weather here in New Hampshire is certainly cooler than being cool. However, per doctor's orders, I'm still restricted to the trainer, so whether I'm riding a trainer here in NH or CA or Switzerland or Beijing, a trainer is a trainer so it really doesn't matter that much. Right? Right.Although last night my friend Tom and I brought a new level of dorkery to riding a trainer. I was pedaling along, sweating a gallon an hour, watching the '08 Giro on DVD (thanks Exeter Cycles!), and suddenly my computer's Skype function started tweaking out. With my sinewy long arms, I reached forward, answered the call, and there in front of me on my computer screen is my friend Tom riding his trainer staring right back at me! It was actually pretty cool since our ongoing conversation extended my ride about 20 minutes longer than I would have ridden. All sorts of phrases entered my head as we Virtual-Trainer-Group-Rode like "Misery loves company" or "Oh my God, you guys are complete dorks!" The latter was courtesy of Tom's girlfriend who entered the video screen behind Tom and said it, followed moments later by Robbie entering my video screen and saying the exact same thing. BIKE DORKS UNITE!When riding a trainer twice a day is simply too tedious, I've been known to hike. Last Sunday/Monday New Hampshire received about a foot of snow so I seized the opportunity to hike the mountain called Pawtuckaway. At roughly 1,000' above sea level, this is no walk in the park. Actually... wait... umm... it is a walk in the park. Literally since it's part of the NH State Parks system. And after hiking mega 14'ers with Garrett in Colorado back in the fall, one thousand feet is pretty darn tame. That said, I do have a broken arm and with about 18 inches of snow on the ground, it was a great workout and (partially) rewarding with a (very obscured, snowy) vista atop the mountain.
FYI those cross bars are three stories up the fire tower.Here's a pic of the snow I trudged through.
I backed up that hike with another two and a half hour adventure up Pawtuckaway the very following day with my friends Melissa and Ryan, although this time we were treated to bluebird skies and a few other peoples' tracks to help plow through the snow. Plus the winds were 20 mph calmer and 20 degrees warmer. Much more pleasant to say the least. The hike was preceded by homemade blueberry, wholewheat, dark chocolate chip pancakes made by yours truly in honor of Melissa's birthday. On numerous occasions while chowing away, she said they were the best pancakes she's ever had. Now that superlative is saved only for the FINEST of fine foods. Thanks Melissa for the lofty praise!
Here's a funny picture of Ryan busting through the snow like a man on a mission as we near the windblown summit. Funny, because there is a well worn path just ten feet to his right! But we had a good time busting trail and making circuitous paths, while bushwhacking our way up and down the mountain. That ensures anyone following our tracks would thoroughly confused.
Two days later, today is Robbie's birthday, which is nothing short of awesome! Good things come in pairs, so I made more of the same pancakes, except this time I added granola to the mix. Delicious? As if you had to ask. So be sure to wish him a happy day, and if you have the memory for it, ask him to show you the card I gave him because it's a riot, but slightly more than PG-rated for this family friendly blog.Time for a three-a-day workout. Trainer, errands, trainer, gym. BAM.