The Midwest can be an amazing place to live. The seasons change, we have beautiful landscapes, and a low cost of living. The climate is, as we all know (and need to accept) changing. A recent updated report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was released and summarizes the unpleasant and unfortunate changes we can all expect in the Midwest. I would encourage you to take a peak at it here: IPCC.
This time of year, we can see dramatic changes. For example, this weekend its been near 60 degrees one day and 4-8 inches of snow is expected the following day. This makes the perfect holiday outlet. A 60 degree day, late November, that you can jump on your bike and ride. Assuming that doesn’t result in some sort of family feud. If you survived Thanksgiving, odds are you’re due for a bit a fight anyway. It is a way to burn off calories you know..
Cold Storage
You could just put that bike away in October, like many people holding out for the next 80 degree day. If you’re not against riding in a 50-60 degree day, there is good news though. In the Midwest, we get snow and we get ice. We also get nice days scattered around like book ends to crappy weather. Its on those days that many of us DROOL over. Three days in advance, we are thinking about where we can go, what we can do, and how it makes us feel. Its like winning the lottery.
The climate is changing, so the good and bad of it is that we will be seeing more dramatic ups and downs. Hotter hots and dryer drys. We will also be seeing more consistent opportunities to get those bikes out. Keep that fuel stabilizer on hand, but odds are ..you wont need it.
The climate , even when changing, can give us good moments and bad ones. We have to adapt to the changes and also support actions that are considerate of a global impact .
Get that bike out and ride. Just be safe .