Day 1 of 30: Cold Open

I did little throwback to my TV days with that title. ;)

Anyway, it is day one of 30 Days of Biking, and in true expect the unexpected fashion, even the forecast I read didn't adequately prepare me for the bone-chilling cold we experienced here in Central Ohio. We actually lucked out. I heard Cleveland received snow, and that's not an April Fool's joke.

As I usually do, I awoke at 5:15AM and checked the temperature: 25°F. I have an unofficial tradition of riding to work on day one, but that wasn't going to happen this morning. If this had been a January day, when I knew I'd be riding to work to spend my day in the shop, I probably would have bundled up and gone for it. Not when I knew I'd be applying liquid fertilizer outside for the next 8 hours though...even I have my limits.

I instead opted to throw a bike in my trunk, as is my style around this time of year. Ya know, just in case I HAVE to use my car and I happen upon a place where a bike might come in handy. I was waiting on a co-worker and had some spare time this morning before heading out, so I took a quick lap around the parking lot just in case I couldn't make time for a ride later:

In a fantastic coincidence, today also happened to be the opening day of baseball season. After a long day of working outside, I arrived home just in time to catch the last few innings of the baseball match in which my favourite squadron, the Philadelphia Phillies, were playing against the Atlanta Baseball Team:

Spoiler alert: WE WON! We still had some daylight remaining, so I decided to brave the cold to take what you could call a "celebration" ride afterward:

Note the baseball-themed water tower. Also note, I still can't believe I'm wearing glittens just a few days after wearing shorts:

I'm told their actual name is "Norwegian Flip Tops." Whatever the name, they've been a staple since I was a camera operator back in the day. And with that, this post has come full circle. Day one in the books, and hopefully warmer days ahead. Stay safe out there, everyone.