i got in a great road ride thanksgiving morning, the bike felt great and it was good to be home on the machine that took me so many places this year, the sun was out and that made the 35 degree air feel a bit warmer. i did a mellow little loop around loveland and made a great pitstop at starbucks for a gingerbread latte, it was amazing, i sat inside enjoying my beverage, radiohead playing on the mp3, the perfect little break on a chilly ride. the legs were good, the lungs a bit gummy, even now as i write this i feel the little cookies lingering in the upper reaches of my chest. whenever i get to ride after a little break (this one was 3 weeks of only commutes, no real training) i remember just how much i enjoy the bike, the process, making sure i have enough layers, venting options, pumping up the tires, i appreciate the luck i have to be able to enjoy this beautiful machine in any weather. thanksgiving is a very odd holiday, followed by my least favorite holiday, xmas. i don't know much about holidays in other countries but it seems odd to have a meal be the center of the day (thanksgiving), no real celebration of the history behind this day just a big meal and way too much food. i know that i'm a bit of scrooge when it comes to holidays, i really don't like the crass commercialism that seems to override the real meaning of a holiday. i wonder if it's like this in europe, or africa or south america? do they blow a months pay on gifts for family and friends that would prefer just time spent together, or maybe that's just me, i'd want that instead. as a kid i never liked the way i felt around the holidays, i always wanted this or that, almost to the point where i expected those over priced presents, at some point, about age 10 or so i realized that i didn't really deserve to get all the gifts that were given to me. i started to feel even more sheepish around the holidays, then i got to the point where i resented the whole process all together. now with little b in the picture i have to insulate him from my dislike of commercial holidays. he shouldn't have to see the world through his father eyes. thanks for letting me vent......