Looking west toward a patch of clear sky over the Coast Range on Christmas Eve 2024.
The trouble with riding a bicycle around western Oregon in December is the weather.
For the week until New Year’s, the National Weather Service forecast for the Albany area ranges from showers to 100 percent rain.
Rain is better than snow. But even when it’s not particularly cold, when the choice is between reading a book and getting out on the bike in the rain, the book usually wins.
On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, there was a sunny break. It was nice while it lasted, and I used the time to jump on the bike and scoot around the outskirts of North Albany for a while.
People who rely on their bikes for daily transportation don’t have the luxury of staying indoors when it rains. People in cars ought to keep that in mind.
As a commenter pointed out a few days ago, Albany’s many bike lanes don’t get much use, and they’re used even less this time of year because cyclists who ride for recreation or exercise tend to stay home. But for those who ride bikes because they must — otherwise they walk — the lanes still provide a measure of protection.
Somebody said that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment. Sure, but that line of advertising copy is mistaken when you’re cycling into a headwind and the winter rain whips your face.
Which is why, now and then, when there’s no pressing need to be on the road, you might as well take a break and crack open that new Christmas book. (hh)
You are blessed.
Some of us old folks are physically unable to do the things in life that some, maybe you, take for granted, like riding a bike.
I wish I could get back on a bike. The weather would be the least of my concerns. But that is easy for me to say because I live in a place that has better weather than Oregon.
Reading is a good alternative. I’m happy that my mind is still active and my reading and understanding skills are superb. For some old folks, reading is no longer an option.
Lesson Learned: Time passes quickly. Be grateful at whatever age you are for what you still have physically and mentally.
Again, you are blessed. I hope you recognize this. Merry Christmas (even to Bob Woods).
Merry Christmas Hasso. Even in this rain I still get out for my daily 5 mile walk, give or take. At least it hasn’t been terribly cold, but the rain makes it feel colder. In these dark days my mental health is better when I get outside. I read in the evening