Recovering from momentary laziness and the urge to curl up in bed until spring arrives...

The transition from fall to winter is always a difficult one for me.

I apologize for not being present on my own blog during this transition. It's been a busy time for me, with increased hours at work, sales picking up in my Etsy Shop, and my tap company Chicago Tap Theatre gearing up for our winter show opening this weekend.

Oy! It's been a busy month!

 

Winter also means that the holidays are here. If you have been following my blog, you probably realize that I have mixed feelings about the holidays, particularly Christmas, as it is a time of both joy and wasteful consumerism. I do have to say that Gethsemane Garden Center is looking fabulous at this time of year. It's a wonderland of Christmas trees, wreaths, and decorations, as seen above.

Did I mention the transition from fall to spring? I really really don't like the cold! I want to curl up in bed and stay there until spring appears.

Look at that brave dude, riding in downtown Chicago on his bicycle. Go you!

I have made an effort to prepare myself for biking in the cold this season, and I've been out on my bicycle a few times. But no matter what anyone says, it isn't easy. It takes effort and preparation, something I'm not fabulous at. And it also takes a little bit of an investment.

I've been reading many websites and blogs for tips on winter biking, and am taking my cues from them. Here are a few of the sites I've been perusing!

Time Out Chicago- Bike in the winter
Bike Winter 
Bike Commute Tips Blog

There are many more where that came from. Besides websites, however, I've also been asking a lot of questions and listening to the advice of many of the women I know who bicycle year-round in the city.

My favorite new biking blog is written by Dottie at Let's Go Ride a Bike. Not only is she an inspiration to any woman who aspires to bike year-round, but she is also a fabulous photographer and took the picture above of herself and her bike on an outing by Lake Michigan. I recommend going to check out her site, even if you don't ride your bike. Maybe she'll inspire you to do so : ).

My second favorite source of info is The Chainlink, which includes links to many bicycling sites, a forum to ask questions and have them answered by real bicyclist in Chicago, and announcements for events happening in Chicago and the surrounding area. Through this site, I met the lovely ladies with the TyK calender that I am in this year, have stayed in touch with Critical Mass, and have learned a lot about bicycling in any weather.

The moral of the story? You're not alone in trying to save the planet by using people power to pedal your way to work, to the grocery store, or back home to your warm bed. People may look at you like your crazy, or tell you that you're foolish, but if you plan ahead and are smart, it's possible to keep biking through winter.

Here's to clear roads, vigilant motorists, and hot toddy after a long ride!