I took off on the Xstream this morning, just before noon. I hadn’t ridden in a week and a half. Here in Gun Barrel City, we didn’t get the ice storm that DFW did, but between work and the cold and wet weather, I just haven’t ridden. I had planned on starting my ride much earlier today, before the wind got up so much, but it drizzled most of the night, and the roads were very wet when I got up. They finally looked pretty dry by late morning, so off I went.

It stayed pretty chilly on today’s ride, cloudy with drizzle at times, and the temperature slowly cooled from the mid forties to 39 degrees by the time I finished. The 30 mph north wind made it feel colder than it was, too. For the first time since my bike commuting days, I broke out my handlebar mitts, and put them on the Xstream this morning, figuring that would help. And, they certainly did.

I rode out to Purtis Creek State Park, then made my usual loop into Van Zandt County, then stopped again at Purtis Creek on the way back. I ended up with 50 miles. That spiced Chai hot tea is tasting pretty good about now. I definitely got a chill from the ride. But at least I can say I managed a few miles on the bike this week.

I was armed (handed?) with bar mitts today.

Today’s route.