This might be an indicator of how long I’ve been living in Boston, but despite the winter I’ve been biking around when it’s not terribly icy on the roads. The riding itself isn’t bad at all, though a pair of gloves that don’t invite the wind in through the fingertips with an engraved invitation would be welcomed. I’ve found that as long as both wheels aren’t on ice at the same time, control is maintained. Riding a bit slower is a good idea too.

Handling and wind are one thing; what bothered me yesterday is that my lock kept freezing. When I arrived at my guitar lesson I couldn’t open the lock, and fortunately was able to bring it inside and eventually get the lock to work. Afterwards I rode over to Harvard Square and after a bit of wandering I found myself unable to open the lock upon return to the bike. I’m sure I looked more than a little suspicious hunched over my Langster for 15 minutes as I worked the key until it finally relented. I’m also sure that there’s some deicing fluid available for this express purpose, and I’ll be getting some soon.

I’ve said it before, but riding in this city pins me to the present moment. Most activities invite the mind to wander and stray, but on the saddle all distractions fall away and there’s nothing but where you are.