Cruising in Mid-November

I never thought I'd like to bike ride, period, let alone ride a bike in mid-November. But, I just got back from an hour-long/10.5 mile ride. When I checked the weather this morning, it was 38 degrees, with a predicted high of 45. That wasn't thrilling. I haven't quite prepared myself for cold-weather riding. I started riding in mid-May, when we bought my Electra "Boney Finger" for me and Electra's "Eight Ball" for John. Before the snow hit this week, I had about 1,050 miles on it. My bike-riding friends have been giving me advice on cold weather gear, but there is one difference. They ride road or mountain bikes, not cruisers. My vanity gets in the way of me wearing the same gear they wear on their bikes on a cruiser. Today, I donned my jeggings, tennis shoes, long-sleeved shirt and hoodie, as well as this goofy looking "martial arts" cap I bought at Wal-Mart, thinking it might work. I don't have gloves yet, but my hands really didn't get cold. Just my face did. I went on the Little Dry Creek Trail a short ways and then got off and rode around Lake Arbor. I only saw one other biker out, but plenty of people were walking their dogs. I made a new Pandora station: Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. It was a good choice; nice mix, from Katy to Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga to Kesha and Rihanna. Overall, I was surprised at how pleasant riding in 45-degree weather can be--especially since there was no wind. I still plan on looking for an indoor alternative for the coldest days, but I have hope that I can get some more outdoor days in for a while.

Winter is Here

This weekend John and I discovered our favorite bike path so far (Ralston Creek Trail). Now, winter has hit in Colorado! Saturday, I was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sandals; today, it's a sweater, jeggings and boots. I haven't given up my bike for the season, but the change in the weather does mean I have to figure out what fun exercise to do indoors now when it's too cold outside.
What does any of that have to do with Teas, Tinctures and Tonics? Well, I'm going to classify my Electra beach cruiser "Boney Fingers" as a "tonic." It definitely has done a lot to make me feel good this past spring and summer.
I started thinking about writing this blog last week when I was editing for Demand Media. I read something about the writers linking their work to Facebook and Twitter. It made me feel nostalgic. It's been over a year since I've written anything for a publication. However, I am having fun learning about the subjects I edit, mostly for articles that post to eHow.com and Livestrong.com. Since I enjoy the tidbits I learn, I figured I'd start sharing, as I continue my never-ending search for knowledge of alternative treatments, the latest and greatest makeup, the perfect teas and teapots, etc., etc.