Taking advantage

Taken before the recent foot of snowfall.

The winter we're experiencing here in the Northeast isn't any more or less brutal than any other year that I can remember, but it certainly doesn't fall into that nebulous category of "mild." We've had quite a bit of snow, but hey, it's winter.

I don't ride in the snow. I just never really saw the benefit of investing in studded tires for what would only likely be a few rides a year.

It is, however, important to sneak out whenever possible. At this point, it's not about staying in shape. It's just riding to take a ride. Fresh air. Body moving.

Other than that, it's winter maintenance, a project bike or two, and soaking up more and more information and perspectives on cycling.

On a whim last night I cued up Netflix and watched "Reveal the Path," a movie about a bunch of dudes who apparently went to some far off places over a summer and documented their exploits. I used to say I couldn't stand watching golf on television. It's accessible enough that you should be out playing it, not watching it. I feel the same way about bicycle stuff, but when there's a foot of snow outside, you have to get your fix somehow.

The locales in "Reveal the Path" were stunning. What were intended as backdrops for cool mountain-biking and vague talk about "taking the path" and "just going out and doing it" almost seemed to steal the show. The Scottish highlands, the Alps, Nepal, Morocco, Alaska--well chosen, boys.

It was pleasant enough, and they didn't seem to come on too strong with their whole message, although there was a website at the end where I'm sure you could indoctrinate yourself further. Above all, it was nice to see bikes going through green grass; a lack of winter gloves; and again, those bikes--very high end mountain/trekking bikes. Not exactly where I think I'm headed, but as I watched I kept thinking boy, I could use a nice mountain bike at some point. It would be nice to have in the stable.