Took the LHT up to Depot Park, Bedford, thus ending a hiatus that started with that unseasonable cold snap in late November. That was the first time in 7 years I hadn't simply bundled up, put the studded tires on, and ridden through the Winter. Seems like an error in judgement now, but I partially made up for it with hiking and travel (Florence, Bhutan, Nepal). After ~4 months, the very familiar touring bike felt a little strange, and I found I had lost several gear ratios against the very familiar and gentle grades of the Minuteman.
The wind turned when I did, and the headwind outbound became the headwind inbound, only colder. But the red wing blackbirds in Tophet Swamp were singing, and I glimpsed a beaver swimming near its lodge, so I agreed it was Spring, and pedaled home with a big smile.
rod