MOUNTAIN BIKING AND BEER DRINKING IN THE MIDWINTER

The Winter Solstice occurs exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum of 23° 26'. Though the Winter Solstice lasts only an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used as Midwinter or the time when the QUON ride mountain bikes and drink beer. More evident to those in high latitudes, this occurs on the shortest day, and longest night, and the sun's daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest. The seasonal significance of the Winter Solstice is in the reversal of the gradual lengthening of nights and shortening of days. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 each year in the Northern Hemisphere, and June 21 at QUONlo.

Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied from culture to culture, but most cultures have held a recognition of rebirth through gatherings, rituals or celebrations. Members of the QUON meet at QUONlo at 7pm on the night of the Midwinter, ride their mountain bikes then proceed to drink cold beer carried in their back packs. It gives an opportunity for the weak to become strong, and the shallow to find resolve.

After all; it is tradition.