Brrrr - The Sequel

http://bp1.blogger.com/_lc7kYfzRz9Y/...s200/temp2.JPGWe were going to ski yesterday morning, but were a bit deterred by the temperature and the HOWLING winds (I seriously thought the house would blow over during the night!). So, we drove back to MA where the temp was a balmy 26 F. After unpacking and some lunch, we decided to throw the studded tires on the mountain bikes and head out for a ride.

We have lived in our town for over 10 years, and are familiar with most of the trails in town. Over the past couple of years, however, we have been doing more road riding and haven't been frequenting as many trails. Much to our delight, it seems that in that time, the area trail committee has been busy building new trails on existing systems, and putting up LOTS of trail markers (of course, we don't want anyone getting lost in suburbia...).
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DH and I explored some of these new trails and rediscovered some old favorites, but our real quest was to check out the ice. The local ponds were frozen, and while a bit bumpy, provided excellent riding opportunity. We always chuckle at the reaction of the skaters/pick-up hockey players when they see us riding our bikes across the pond. I think the best riding of the day, however, was on the swamp behind our local swimming area - frozen and you couldn't ride the trail system there if it weren't! Hopefully we'll get out for another ice ride later this week.

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No wipe outs? How do you handle riding on the ice? We got snow/ice here so I'm forced to ride inside on the trainer and suffer with Coach Troy. Fingers crossed for a quick melt!!

By the way, how were your feet (did they stay warm)?

I can tell that you will view spring's arrival w/a bit of disapointment. ;)

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Originally Posted by Velobambina

No wipe outs? How do you handle riding on the ice? We got snow/ice here so I'm forced to ride inside on the trainer and suffer with Coach Troy. Fingers crossed for a quick melt!!

By the way, how were your feet (did they stay warm)?

I can tell that you will view spring's arrival w/a bit of disapointment. ;)

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Studded tires. Makes riding the ice a fun activity in the winter :D . Still have to be careful turning and braking, but better than having no studs.

Feet ended up cold at the end of the ride - I am going to buy some of those chemical toe warmers you recommended....

And yes, I love winter ;) .

SheFly

Maybe I'll put studs on my 'cross bike next year. We probably don't get enuf snow/ice here to justify it, though. Plus, I cringe, thinking about exposing the campy components on that bike to winter salt/sludge/etc. Maybe I'll look for a cheap 'cross bike that I can use for a beater/ice ride and keep the studded tires on it.

Yesterday, I rode in 25 degree temps---Sidi Diablo winter boots, smartwool sock liners, wool blaze socks, chemical foot warmers on top and on bottom of toe areas, and PI AmFib shoe covers on top of boots. Feet were toasty the entire time I was out (about 3 hrs). I didn't wear my Lakes (aka H. Munster specials) because I wanted to see how the Sidis fared with the shoe covers.

Bottom line: you won't be sorry with the chemical foot warmers. REI.com will give you a volume discount if you buy them in bulk. The chemical handwarmers work great if you have problems keeping your hands comfortable.

YOU GO SHEFLY!!! I can't wait to hear about more of your winter adventures. When I was dreading getting out this past weekend, I just reminded myself of your ride in 15 degrees and knew that in comparison, it was balmy here in DC. No whining allowed.

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Originally Posted by Velobambina

Yesterday, I rode in 25 degree temps---Sidi Diablo winter boots, smartwool sock liners, wool blaze socks, chemical foot warmers on top and on bottom of toe areas, and PI AmFib shoe covers on top of boots. Feet were toasty the entire time I was out (about 3 hrs). I didn't wear my Lakes (aka H. Munster specials) because I wanted to see how the Sidis fared with the shoe covers.

...

YOU GO SHEFLY!!! I can't wait to hear about more of your winter adventures. When I was dreading getting out this past weekend, I just reminded myself of your ride in 15 degrees and knew that in comparison, it was balmy here in DC. No whining allowed.

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VB - were you riding on the road? That sounds like A LOT of warmth for your feet... We were mostly riding in the woods, so I had on my Lakes and one part of SmartWool socks...

Definitely no whining! Hopefully there will be plenty of winter left for more adventures!

SheFly

Hi Shefly,

I've been winter hiking on a few of those trails and they were nice. I would love to get an idea of a good place to access them for mountain biking (not that i will be doing that on ice. I can barely stay up without any ice).

I am going up to NH Friday (Attitash area) for x country skiing and snow shoeing. It is supposed to be single digits and I don't know how great the snow will be. I thought we might end up driving up there in a big storm, but now it just looks like snow showers. Another frigid vacation without hardly any snow.

The chemical warmers work great. I wore them the last time I went mtb, in December. We had to ride back on the road in a squall, with the temp. dropping quickly and those things saved me from being completely miserable.

Robyn

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Originally Posted by Robyn Maislin

Hi Shefly,

I've been winter hiking on a few of those trails and they were nice. I would love to get an idea of a good place to access them for mountain biking (not that i will be doing that on ice. I can barely stay up without any ice).

I am going up to NH Friday (Attitash area) for x country skiing and snow shoeing. It is supposed to be single digits and I don't know how great the snow will be. I thought we might end up driving up there in a big storm, but now it just looks like snow showers. Another frigid vacation without hardly any snow.

The chemical warmers work great. I wore them the last time I went mtb, in December. We had to ride back on the road in a squall, with the temp. dropping quickly and those things saved me from being completely miserable.

Robyn

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Robyn - if you are driving to Bedford, the best access point would likely be at Fawn Lake in Bedford. DH and I usually ride from the house, and head out the rail trail extension towards Billerica to access all of these trails. There are some that are VERY technical, and others that are fairly tame. Most of the good trails are out by the elementary school in Bedford and behind the VA hospital.

Have a great time in NH this weekend! DH and I used to go up there this weekend every year to celebrate his Bday, and it was ALWAYS the coldest weekend of the year... We'll be in Maine, and are going to head over towards that area on our sleds on Saturday...

SheFly

What kind of studded tires?

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Originally Posted by Geonz

What kind of studded tires?

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We run Nokian Extremes that are a couple of seasons old. DH says that they have changed these slightly, including making them lighter ;) . Apparently there are also other companies out there now making studded tires, and he said to check out Bikeman for a good selection. The Nokians will run you about $100 per tire :eek: .

SheFly

(shaking head in disbelief) You're a stud, SheFly!!! That's all I have to say... stud, stud, stud... :)