That miserable rodent Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow again this morning, heralding six more weeks of winter. If it were up to me that furry forecaster would see the lands and grooves of a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum, but not for long.
Now here’s some weather news you can use. Steve Anderson, a correspondent of mine at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has teamed with a colleague to design some official NOAA cycling kit — jersey, shorts, gloves and cap. The club is an official USA Cycling outfit with some 40 members, from the current head of NOAA to the newest student intern.
I plan to order a jersey up because I’m certain that in addition to matching my eyes it will make me faster. Plus it will serve as camouflage should I decide to attack that Punxsutawney punk from the air.
Mad Blog Media 
Maybe they can give it out as a freebie to anyone who lands a NOAA-Sea Grant proposal. Dang, missed my chance.
That’s it! I’ve had it. That little rodent is on borrowed time and NOAA-one is a-gonna stop me. I need some serious warm weather, like, yesterday.
So does it come with an umbrella?
No, but a lightweight, foldable magnesium frame (sold separately) can transform the jersey into a floodworthy kayak (XXXXL sizes only).
Me thinks you might have a wee touch of the old cabin fever, Pat. Don’t shoot, I’m unarmed. :>)
Well, another month of this sub-freezing, snowbound weather and that will be the size for me!
Cool kit! Do they use forecast models to predict their race outcomes?
Supercomputers, Charlie. Not only can they predict wind direction on each portion of a course, but heck, they don’t even have to race it. Its all done virtually….
Here is a look at the “virtual” NOAA Cycling in action.
http://tinyurl.com/dfy6qn