Rode the coast today with @troymalone, and I must say the weather was nice. From Encinitas to San Clemente we pedaled hard, starting at 8 a.m. We hit nearly 30 mph on sustained flat sections of Camp Pendleton where traffic lights and stop signs are rare and road signs warn of “Tanks Crossing” (there were none this time). The pace was brisk — so much so that I shed a light wind vest and arm warmers less than 20 miles into the 70-mile ride. I did keep my trusty Moots cap on underneath my helmet for thermal effect. I could not believe my eyes, though, as riders rolled southward. For those of you who live where there are four true seasons and real honest-to-goodness cold weather, you’ll may be amused to know that many cyclists out today here wore long-sleeve jackets and full tights. Some even donned full-fingered winter gloves. And how chilly was it on this brutal Nov. 14? High 50s to start out, then warming to low 60s. Not a cloud in the sky.
Southern California is many things funky, that’s for sure. Lots of trends. Lots of fun people. Lots of freedom to be whomever you want to be. Many a fashion movement starts here (like triathletes wearing arm warmers with sleeveless tri-suits). But full cycling tights on a day like this is can only be attributed one thing: Acorn fever. The same feeling that sweeps over locals and prompts them to drive into the backcountry for apple cider and warm pie while donning flannel shirts and running the car heater — even if it’s 75 degrees out. As much as we love the sun, the beach, and being outdoors, every once in a while we wish for dark clouds, cold air and something to fall from the sky to remind us it’s no longer summer.
Did I wear full tights today? Nope. Don’t even own a pair. And never will. Unless I move away from San Diego. Or global warming turns our weather upside down so we’re snowed in while New York City is balmy.
Hello Encinitas. Moots poses for photo before the ride
Competitive Cyclist now sells tied and soldered handbuilts. My LBS built these
Ever buy new water bottles? I did at halfway point -- after forgetting to load mine in car
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