Uphill both ways, in six feet of snow, barefoot...

I probably won't tell that story to my kids, or my grandkids. It'll be a way more impressive story, and probably completely fictional.

I tried to ride from Williamsburg this morning, but ran into really thick drifts about a quarter mile from the parking lot. So, I turned around and tried Acme. That worked better, but this morning the snow had all melted into ice. The ruts were extra rough, making for a very bumpy ride. Later on the wind shifted, sped into high gear, and started the lake effect snow machine. The trail changed to a drifted/polished ice surface as the snow fell at a fairly quick pace. They told us to go home early, so as soon as I finished the ground runs on the helos- I took off for the LBS to get my bottom bracket changed. It really made a difference in stroke efficiency, and ease of shifting.

The wind really howled today, and it's kind of scary to think that I had ridden by this spot only a few hours earlier.

It took me a while to break off enough branches to lift the bike over the tree trunk. I really needed a chainsaw. Hopefully the other trees that look like they're about to fall too- don't, especially on me.

So, in any case- cycling in the winter continues to be a unique daily experience. It's nice to have a camera again.

Not alone anymore

Today was a good day for me cycling. The temps were around 29F or so, perfect for a winter ride. Snow was falling gently from the clouds, without a nasty breeze for once. I had made my light repairs after my embarrassing crashes on my last commute home (a complete different story) and put a bit of air in the tires. Heading out to the West of town, I had decided to see how far the roads had been plowed out. I wasn't going to try anything crazy, I'd stop when I came to where the roads were nasty.
I rode for about 8 or so miles, checking out places I usually ride in the summertime. I only got turned around twice by deeper snow. As I turned round a bend I saw what I thought was a snowmobiler down the way. Then I saw that it was a guy wearing a bicycle helmet. Then I saw what would have been a mirror reflection of me, had I been wearing my usual getup (more on that later). It kind of freaked me out. I never see anybody out in the woods riding, especially in the winter with snow all over the ground. But there he was, as happy to be out riding as I was. We stopped and talked for a bit, we looked each others bicycles over like a couple of dogs sniffing each others butt. OK, maybe not that bad, but I eyed his ride, and he eyed mine. I have to admit, he had a nice ride. He was a really nice fellow, and assured me through conversation that he and I were not the only two to be engaged in such odd behavior as winter cycling in this area. We parted ways, and I rode on. Only to cross him again, and a third time. At this point we just rode together, as we were both on our way home obviously. It was thoroughly pleasant to have a riding partner in the winter. Odd, but fun. So not only did I have a good ride, I found out I'm not a one of a kind here in upstate Michigan.
Today also marked the successful testing of my wool suit. No windbreaking gear. The only non wool items were: my balaclava, hi-vis vest, my gloves, and underwear bottoms. (I couldn't find wool long underwear). Man did it work well, even though I was sweating I was warm, and the wool and poly-pro carried the moisture away keeping me nice and warm.

All in all, a very good day.

Almost defeated

But not quite. Heavy snowfalls have made the trails as the were in late January last year. Meaning pretty much impassible. My experiment with Darth Bike- using wider studded tires hasn't gone too well to this point. I still sink into the snow pretty badly. Of course with snow this deep, sinking means coming to an abrupt, unexpected stop.
I'm pondering trying to ride on US-31 again to skip out on the trail. For now, I'm doing the ride just to ride thing. Driving past work, and then riding in. The real problem with that is that the extra drive time kills any chance of lengthening my ride.
I'm going to have to start taking rec rides on the weekend to get my fix.
The other option is to take the snowblower to the trail and fix it. I haven't ruled that out yet either.
It's been a challenging winter already, and it hasn't even started.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Now I'm in some deep...

Today was pretty much as I feared it would be. The schools were closed again today, which should have been my first clue. Usually my work closes when they do for the safety of the members. I guess two snow days in a row was too much to tolerate, so I got to risk my neck to get to work.

Conditions were awful driving in, and I didn't even bother stopping at my usual drop point. I did give it a glance though, and it looks really deep. I did try my "short" drop point. I got about 50 yards and hit continuous snow drifts of over two feet, pretty much covering my wheel. So, refusing to accept defeat, I went for my deep winter spot. Pretty much driving past work to ride- just to ride. Conditions were icy, and heavily snow covered. I guess there's probably about one plow for the whole state now, given that they're broke!

When I wasn't busy half crashing, I was treated to a beautiful sight. The trees hung their branches down low, snow looking like it would fall off at any second. The houses looked once again like a Christmas tree train set village, a few lights on here and there. On the way back this afternoon I noticed how incredibly beautiful the creeks look here in the winter before they freeze. I wished hard for my camera.

Riding down the road near work I was treated to my first insult of the winter. They're rare because people usually don't want to roll down their windows just to shout at someone who annoys them. "You're stupid!" was hurled at me as the cager slowly rolled by. Wow, did you think of that all by yourself buddy? In case you didn't notice I'm on the shoulder, why are you trying to be too?

I've got something I want to try tomorrow to see if I can plow through some deeper powder. It'll be a fun experiment if nothing else.

Like a little kid

So, if you read the time and date stamp on this one you'll know I'm sitting here in the wee hours of the morning. Normally I'd be on two wheels by now going into work. But there's this rather large storm outside that has delayed work, and probably cancelled it for the day. I feel like a little kid on a snow day.

Now I want to go for a ride in it. Crazy? Probably. Fun facing the elements in all their power? Youbetcha.

Interesting phenomena

(Manah Manah!)

So, I've been growing this mustache as part of a competition. The wife doesn't like it, and it tickles my lip. I'm ready to be done with it. But. I has brought to my attention something that I never would have considered in winter riding had this little experiment in facial hair never occurred. Mustaches freeze in the cold, and they collect snow. I haven't gotten any icicles yet, I think. I don't spend all my time looking in a mirror when riding. It's a singularly unique experience to have a part of your face freeze without actually damaging anything. Funky.

The trails were rutted terrible today, the temps have been up and down, with a bit of sun. This of course combined with people prints makes the going quite rough after the sun sets and the temps drop again. Ah well. A big storm is forecast for tomorrow night into Weds. We'll see what that does to the trails. I would hate to lose my full ride this early into the season. I'll keep my hopes high.

A heavy ride

Weather today was typical for Northern Michigan. . . in late October. Rain mixed with snow on the morning ride, but there wasn't enough rain to really get me too wet thankfully. Wet and these temperatures don't really have a good solution that doesn't have several Ben Franklins attached to it. Gortex would work for me, but I really don't want to shell out that kind of money. It just doesn't rain here usually like that when temps are below 40F. If my next duty station is more of a rainy climate, I'll consider it. (Especially after I sell the car.) Because of the weather I rode Darth Bike today, anticipating ice. I don't know if I hit any at all, but I never heard the studs go silent, so there couldn't have been too much. I probably could have gotten away with the Sirrus today. (I fitted her with the "all terrain" tires for the wet crud on the streets and trail, and rode her yesterday.) Darth is a really really heavy bike with these tires on (47lbs compared to the Sirrus' 36). I'm thinking I'm carrying at least 8 or 9 pounds plus rolling resistance. It's working me hard, and I'm not moving terribly fast. I guess I'm probably making 13 or 14mph on the flats. I'm also thinking about putting the "power grip" strap pedals back on. The prospect of riding on ice seems less intimidating this year for some reason.

It looks like I might have a companion winter riding this year. One of my co-workers is starting to outfit his bike to be more appropriate to all weather riding, and has asked me a few questions about winter gear- like studded tires. I hope he sticks with it, he's a constant companion on the trail in the spring, summer, and fall months.

I still love winter riding.