Subject: So, I bundled

Five layers on the feet. Lycra shorts and two pair of tights. (hubba, hubba). Polypro, airblock vest and parka. Poly skull cap and helmet. Ski gloves. Glasses and Chapstick. And.....out the door I went yesterday morning at 8 AM into 20 degrees plus wind chill to meet my buddies for the 300th consecutive Saturday Morning Fitness ride from Nahanton Park. 29 - count 'em - 29 riders showed up including "Across-the-Country" Elizabeth and "Mother-of-the-US Ski Team-Kid" Jenny Craddock. And there was sunshine too. How nice.  Lots of talk. Plumes of hot air rising.  Group photos of course. Perfunctory safety talk and off we went. Most did the 28 and I and a few others settled for the 19. Then we scurried for Starbucks, where Joel and Mark had set out a freebie urn of coffee and cookies and where we all crammed into one corner and made a lot of noise. And where, of course, someone spilled coffee and many napkins were required to clean it up. Bagels. Brownies. And awards for "Greatest Comeback" to Walter with his new hip, and "Best Off the Cuff Safety Talk" to Rich Fields who was in the bathroom when his award was announced. More pictures. Several that included our sponsors, Joel and Mark and a poster showing that Bicycling Magazine has just dubbed this ride one of the best fitness rides in the country. Wow. Making the BigTime. Eventually, all the bagels and cookies were gone, our indomitable leaders Mark and Dave were given a great round of applause, and people slowly headed for the door and their dirty winter bikes. (This allowed other Starbucks customers to enter the store) So, on we go toward 350. Since we celebrate every 50 weeks instead of 52 weeks, the date comes earlier each year, so that next year it will fall during the holidays, and in 13 years or so it will fall in July. That'll be fun. More women, fewer clothes, water fights maybe, over in the park.

Fred Kresse