Alive!

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  Today was cold.  It was also the first time in almost a year that I forgot how much wind chill can bring the fun to screeching halt.  I almost didn't think I'd make it back to the house under my own power since my toes and fingers stopped responding.   Every shift required an active concentration since I couldn't tell if I was holding the handlebar or the shifter itself.  My feet on the other hand (?) couldn't tell if I was still on the pedal or not.  Also the headwind made it the suffering even more sufferable.  I don't think I'll ever do something like that again.  I should have take a picture of my toe.  It was actually slightly blue and everyone knows that's bad. 

  29.4 miles.  I wanted to keep going and I was feeling great, but the sun was setting and I decided to turn it around.  I kept it at a 23 mph average, but the return trip crawled into the most torturous, agonizing 14 mile trip back.  Eating a clif bar on the way home, proved to be a lesson in motor skills.  I couldn't chew very well, let alone keep my mouth shut enough to prevent me from drool dribbling down all over my jersey and bike.  

  Eventually I got back to the house and immediately ran the tub full of hot water, and just sat in it shivering despite how much it should have boiled my skin off on a normal day.  

  Geez.  I should have just ran. 

Well, on a positive note the map shows how many cities you can pass within a 15 mile radius from my house.  Looks like the Oregon border is right there so as soon as it gets warmer, I'm crossing state lines.  As for now, i'm bundling up and drinking copious amounts of coffee, burning my tongue.