Snow in the forecast

 This past summer, my goals were simple. The number one goal was to be present for all the things as my son was getting ready to be married. Number two goal was to ride my bike with and without my friends as much as I could. I accomplished most goals and then some. I had the chance to ride my bike with my husband a few times - a rare occurrence. I attended all the dress fittings with my future daughter-in-law and was able to entertain her family a couple times in Iowa before the wedding. We also spent an entire week in Minnesota around the wedding, sharing our space with the groomsmen, my family, and the bride's family. I rode RAGBRAI, although it was a difficult ride this year. And, after a break, I rode some more! This fall, particularly, I have enjoyed shorter rides that I've been able to sneak in before band events, after work, or on the rare free Sunday afternoon. But, now, there is snow in the forecast. That means that I will probably, finally, clean my bike up this weekend. I'll move it to the back room. That's not to say I won't get it out between now and March, but the chances of doing that are small and that makes me sad. I think about cycling in the winter, but that's a big commitment. It takes gear, perhaps it calls for a different bike than the one I own. And, it's cold! So, my cycling obsession turns to thinking about where I can ride next season. Can I afford to travel a bit? Will it be the year that I try a bike-packing trip? Could I do that solo?