Burrrrr

My mother once worked with a crazy woman, well actually she has worked with more than one. I was thinking about this particular woman today remembering that she had invented her own fall holiday, "Burrrrrr"

She had a "Burrrrr" tree in her house.

She would by "Burrrrr" gifts.

She would walk around when the air turned cold saying, "Burrrrrr" Isn't it wonderful?


Terri, its time to celebrate.


This morning it was 43 degrees as I rode out of my driveway. Burrrrr!

Luckily I had already purchased my own "burrrr" gifts, arm and leg warmers which arrived last week.

This does mean I am outfitted in polyester and spandex from head to toe, not a dream I ever held for myself. But I do stay warm and that is what really matters.

It also means I look like a real cyclist. No bulky sweatshirts for me. Only real cycling clothing. All of you who know me realize I am no slave to style. The big advantage to the "technical fabrics" is sweat transportation. I can actually sweat in the arm and leg warmers and not be soaked, soppy in my clothing. People used to have to wear wool for such an advantage. Thank goodness for modern chemistry.

The style points were helpful, however, on Saturday as we rode into the middle of a parade. Maize was having its "fall days" (yet another made-up holiday) and we were trying to cut through town as the parade was ending. I really wanted to be a part of the parade. I thought we looked rather good, 12 cyclists decked out in cold weather gear, riding in two tight lines. Of course we were without our official TNT jerseys and we had no candy to throw to the crowd.

We weren't officially a part of the parade but we did follow the very end for a few blocks before it turned. I was in the front of our pack waving happily to the dispersing crowds setting the course for navigating around horse droppings, doing important things like that.

Saturday we rode 75 miles. A new personal best for me. 5 hours in the saddle seems arduous to think about but when I am out with the team, I don't notice the time. Like being engrossed in a great book. Only with more sweat. And spandex.

Tucson is so close I can hardly stand it. Gives me chills to think about toeing up to that starting line. Burrrr!