Another week, and the winter solstice arrives marking the beginning darkness and harsh weather. So what is the Winter Solstice exactly? It's the day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn (which means less light for us in the Northern Hemisphere).
Christian mythology is interwoven with contemporary observances of this holiday time. Parents can help their children develop an understanding of the multicultural and interfaith aspects of this holiday time and view "Christmas" as just another form of Solstice. Have gift exchanges and feasts over the course of several days and nights as was done of old. Party hearty on New Year's Eve not just to welcome in the new calendar year, but also to welcome the new solar year.
It's also the time to put new tires on the commuter bike. I have had a pair of 700x35 hanging in the garage for at least two years. Could even be longer. There have been a couple of predictions of light snow and colder weather. That brings out the "sanders" which can make the roads treacherous for us bike commuters. This commuter will find out soon enough if the theory of wider tires equal better traction.
Today's photos. As always, click for big, click again for bigger
Fairhaven, MA. High School
Plumbers Supply Building. New Bedford, MA.
Winter arrived early here. For the most part I'm taking advantage and enjoying it so far.
ReplyDeleteWider tires will definitely help in snow. You might need some knobs if you get significant snow. Ice is what you really have to look out for, though. I have studded tires, but they may or may not be worth the investment, there.
I've pretty much had this view on solstice for all my adult life, nice to see it written up like you have here.
ReplyDeleteAs for the tires, here in MN studs are the only way to go as far as I'm concerned but not everyone here feels that way. I'm just too afraid of crashing to ride without them when navigating snowy, icy conditions. Not a lot of personal experience but a friend with a Pugsley (4" wide tires) tells me that when it comes to ice they make no difference but on snow, well that's what they're made for.