Winter Biking with Bill

(Some thoughts from Bill Morelock)

As one of the bike delivery guys for Peace Coffee says, "It's not the cold, it's the snow."

This not-so-old (ice) saw, I've found, is as valid as its summertime variant.

It's the beginning of another four-month two-wheeled defiance of the elements.

Bike commuting through a Minnesota winter, though eyebrow-raising, isn't so uncommon as you might think. Riding to downtown St. Paul last week I met three bikers heading the opposite way, all bundled as I was. I call that a crowd. It's at least a quorum which blunts a bit Bob Christiansen's too-perfect retort to my too-solemn pronouncement regarding my transportation intentions Me: "Apparently I'm committed to this." Bob: "Or will be."

So, armed with wicked studded tires, masks, goggles, and enough layers to render me as mobile as the robot in "Lost in Space", I try it again. Exactly why, is a battier story than anyone probably cares to hear. I can say that once I make it to, and then from, work, the effort and the mild discormfort always confers a certain pleasure, even a meaning, that the ordinary work day only inconsistently delivers.

Wish me luck. I assure you I'm a humble bike rider, and obey the laws of the state and common sense. Since cars and trucks are very large and I am very small, my deference is worthy of a Jeeves or a Bunter. And if you're committed to this, or will be, good luck to you. For now, neither of us will know, who was that masked man/woman?

- Bill Morelock, Weekdays 7pm - 11pm