Whistle while you work.

It's winter. Officially. And on my way home today in what felt like minus 5 degrees I started making a list of reasons why I should retire my bike for the season and invest in a train pass. Here's is my list (and it is not a complete one!):

1. It's cold.

2. Winter clothing is heavy. It feels like I am pulling an extra body when I bike with my winter coat on.

3. Visibility is poor. Scarf, hat, helmet, eye glasses - it takes a full 180 to check my blind spot.

4. Biking against the wind gusts takes twice as long. Train moves faster.

5. It's hard to change gears when the temp is below freezing.

But still I continued pedaling. Did not cut my route short or hop on a train. Braved the elements. Why? Because how else can I justify drinking hot chocolate with whipped cream several times a week... or having a danish pastry for dessert more often than I'd like to admit. And mainly, because I know it's good for me.

As I ride, I often see construction crews hard at work. And always, without failure, they are blasting the tunes on the radio and listening to some fun upbeat music. On machines that look like this:

The same goes for bus drivers, they get their selection of radio tunes as well, and often they are singing along or drumming their thumb to their tunes... sometimes classical music, sometimes heavy rock. Whatever they fancy! Even library staff wear iPods, and hum along as they sort books. I guess it's about enjoying what you are doing and putting your own rhythm to it. Some people ride their bikes with their iPods. I am not that brave, or dumb.