in praise of winter

[dellzeqq]

I think Shaun would have copyright problems if I posted the picture, so it's clicky time...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddes...-2011-in-pictures#/?picture=380879020&index=0

There's a week in every autumn that throws a switch. It's the week in which short-sleeved shirts are folded up, front lights become a fixture rather than something I reach for on my way out of the door, and when, for the first time, I notice drifts of fallen leaves at the roadside. Expectations change, and, rather than looking back to the summer, I look forward to winter rides and the virtue in them.

It's the wonderful compelling starkness of the countryside that has me looking for signs of winter. This Sunday, weather permitting, Susie and I will schlep down to Whitstable, and, wrapped up warm in gloves and hats, we'll go over the little crest at Chalk and take in the estuary, the line of poplars on the horizon, the empty fields, and savour the cooler air. The summer songbirds will have given up, and crows will flap around fields ploughed for winter wheat. Maybe we'll catch the first tang of leaf-mould smell.

Another summer gone, another winter in view. I can't wait.

 

[Keith Oates]

I also like being out on cold sunny days in the countryside in the winter but unfortunately there are long wet and cold days as well, of which I'm not so fond. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Willo]

I'm a summer man as like to get out at first light which is obviously later in the winter. However, I do plan to do some more cycling this winter and, with my wife and children away, plan to take advantage and get out for a longer oride this Saturday over/through the north downs near where I leave to enjoy the autumn scenery. As someone who typically crams in an early morning 20 miles at the weekend, I'm looking forward to taking my time and having a day out on the bike and seeing where that takes me!

 

[martint235]

I also like being out on cold sunny days in the countryside in the winter but unfortunately there are long wet and cold days as well, of which I'm not so fond. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!

I don't really mind what the weather is so long I have time to prepare. I got wet this morning but it was only because I was too lazy to stop and put my waterproof jacket on.

 

[coffeejo]

Those photos are fantastic. If I squint, some of the ones I've taken are as good.

 

[Col5632]

Some amazing photos

Im quite looking forward to some winter time rides this year

 

[Edge705]

Arghh winter ther's a thought those wet leaves pale into insignifcance until you come a cropper on your bike and wish for spring and summer.

Winters not the problem its whats ascociated with it that becomes the issue poor light, more traffic, wet roads that stay wet for ages even after the rains gone, morning fog mist and dew leading to more slippery roads

However I agree with the OP today and yesterday were ideal winterish biking days clear crisp blindingly sunny cold mornings combined with a mild wind make for excellent commute

I will of course stop short of welcoming winter with open arms instead i'll stick my kneck out and say Spring is my favourite season of all I just love it always have and always will

 

[numbnuts]

I hate the cold, and what really gets up my nose is,
it's a cold day minus something or other and your freezing your nuts off, but the sun's out and some prat come pass you saying nice day ain't it

 

[lukesdad]

You see so much more riding in winter

 

[Melonfish]

i do love winter, all the leaves are gone and you can see the landscape properly, its also work time, coppice, clearance, hedge laying and repair when all the wee beasties are either hiding or hibernating.

 

[Cycletrax]

Also like winter, I do go out for a ride but at a slower pace then summer as for me its more about being out in the
countryside then the milage. Nothing better getting home with a warm glow, then later on into the evening after a good meal and settled down beside the fire for the night thinking "yer that was a stonking day today"