To begin..... A brief appreciation of all who rode for Cranks giving. The bicycle is well adapted for the purpose of utility and cooperative effort.

That was readily demonstrated by the  enthusiasm on everyone's faces. The bicycle is often the most efficient means for  transport of goods and services ,that we overlook in our auto satiated culture. It was a wonderful showing of good natured competition and service. Let us not forget the  inherent utility of  the bicycle. H.G. Wells "Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race." This event was not about a rider or ride, it was about an effort to provide distribution of the very sustenance that provides us with the means to pedal.

 Now that Cranks giving is in the books (and make that the record book due to the outstanding numbers we had for a November day) it is on to my favorite riding season. Winter; as in colder and darker to some, but serene and seductive to me. I am often astounded at our reluctance to adapt to conditions as they present themselves. Our adaptation is more often than not, a retreat  indoors, and an increasing gloom descends upon us because of this retreat. Crazy ,you say; counterintuitive you proclaim.  Perhaps I need to offer a different perspective. My perspective is that the more we retreat, the more depressed we are apt to become. We are at 43 degrees and some change north latitude in the middle of a big frickin land mass, which lends itself to these conditions year in and year out. We have evolved and flourished due to our adaptive proficiency. Winter cycling is but one aspect of the winter wonderland, and since this blabby blog is about cycling, I shall constrain myself to that subject .

Objections to riding outdoors in the winter   are all to obvious to me..... It's too cold/It's too dark/It's too dangerous/ It's too lonely out there, etc.

To counter some of these objections, I would propose that a fair number of people feel it is too dangerous to ride a bike anytime, and it was not too many decades ago when it was considered  immature to ride a bike once one had attained a drivers license. Perceptions do change, along with our ability to adapt. Riding in the winter does take some thought and preparation absent that in the summer. A bicycle that is simpler in nature with wider tyres and an upright handlebar will do wonders to improve your outlook on  riding in the cold. Change your route. Don't ride on the paved roads when there is an abundance of gravel to ride on with little vehicular traffic. Less traffic and surprisingly,often times the roads are in better condition. 

Riding back to Clear Lake from Cranks giving with Isle Royale Ranger Rob on 15 November, I was reminded of how tranquil and patient a setting sun can be. When the sky becomes a consonance of color, I am reminded of a longed for  moment of harmony. That transition time is the cinematic magic hour that every cinematographer longs for. Why not experience it for yourself  by riding into it, instead of being frightened by it. It presents itself every night as  the best show in town that most of us never view. I know that some of you share my views ;others have become recent participants. A couple of you who thought  they would not find kindred spirits in such endeavors now know of others. Welcome aboard. The rides are not reserved for  only bright and sunny days ;rather  embrace the experience of  novelty and challenge as the night sky revolves above our wheels.

That ,my readers was the soft side of NIBU , as experienced  through a wonderful day of  of cooperation and novelty in an ever changing world. Don't get too complacent though as we are all a bit of Max at times , and once this maternal meal of bliss wears off, we shall once again return to the wild rumpus

that lurks within.  

Thanks to the women who participated on Cranks giving  who  keep us somewhat civilized.

Faithfully submitted.  This day, the 17th of November, 2009 by Russell Rayburn, Sergeant at Arms.