The irony hit me like a slap in the face: I was riding my bike on the highway shoulder while four snowmobiles zipped by on the bike path. It must be "spring" in Alaska.
It was finally sunny and I couldn't stand being indoors any longer. I figured I could dress for 34 degrees (I certainly have many times before), but I was a little concerned about the wind. Luckily, it wasn't blowing as hard in our area as it was in town, six miles to the west, and it wasn't as cold as I'd feared. It was blowing, however. I rode along the highway heading further out of town, and I was lucky to maintain a 9 - 10 mph pace. Now, I'm no Speedy Gonzalez, but this early in the season I can usually maintain an easy 12 mph.
Ah, but then I got to turn around. A steady 14 - 15 mph was easy, and if I hadn't stopped to put my fleece neck gaiter back on, I'd have enjoyed 17+ a while longer. I love a good tailwind!
