I rolled out of the drive late this morning on my inaugural 2025 ride around Monona Bay and back. It’s always more meaningful to test out new gear and components and today was no exception.
Monday I swapped in a new chain and rear cassette. And I really felt the difference mainly in a lack of friction pedaling and cleaner shifting.
I also tried out some new sport utility gloves. The temperature wind chill was in the teens F. But the gloves kept my hands warm.
I reached 4000 km in mid-December and decided to take a week off due to snow and cold and traveling over the holidays.
Nevertheless I had time to swap in my winter, spiked tire on the front of my bicycle for two inches of snowfall. With more than 2 inches, my rear tire loses traction. So when we have a forecast of +2 inches, I swap in the rear spiked winter tire.
I run the winter tires for reliability to get to work on paths and roads that are not always plowed in a timely mannner for me.
After the break, today’s 15 km ride felt more challenging. As we say, it doesn’t take long to get out of shape in cycling.