Winter riding in Maine

Although the winds are a bit harsh today(30-35MPH) it was a bright sunny day to get out on the mtn bike. We rode a trail that climbs for a couple of miles, but then opens up to a 360 degree view of the surrounding mtn ranges. Needless to say, it was absolutley gorgeous. The sun seemed to be in our faces, so the pictures that I took didn't come out very well.The trail conditions were a mix of windblown snow, and hardpacked, so it was a great day for use of the studded tires.:p

I couldn't have asked for a better February ride here in Maine:D

rbm, your ride sounds gorgeous! Well, I wasn't on a mtb or in Maine, ;) but I got out yesterday afternoon, too. I figured with 12-15" of snow forecast (which is now falling heavily), it would be my last chance for an outdoor ride for a few days. A bunch of others had the same idea. I saw the most cyclists out since Fall. With clear roads and light wind, it was a no brainer to get outside!

I wore the new to me Sidi boots that my lbs guy gave me from someone who didn't want them any more. They're kinda big, big enough that I needed to add insoles and wear an extra pair of socks, but I ended up having a new fastest time for my 21 mile loop on my steel bike, 1:14. I'm thinking they're my lucky shoes, since I caught every light green, and had light wind.

Today is a rest day, and it's the perfect day for that!

Sounds like you had a great ride as well! Although we have not had the snowfall that we normally do, it's always amazing to me that when you are actually able to sneak out for a ride how wonderful it feels.. even if only for one day! I spend a lot of time on a trainer during this time of year, so that ride outside always motivates me a bit more:p

AS for the winter shoes, sounds like you were in the right place at the right time:D For what it's worth, I generally buy my winter shoes a size bigger... gives me a bit more room for those extra socks etc...

We made the trek from Bethel to Gilead today, mostly on the snowmobile trails. Going out, the conditions were pretty good, but we did have to duck out onto North Rd due to some massive ice jams on the gas lines.

We got to Gilead and headed up into Evans Notch from there. Again, took the snowmobile trails back up and around to Rte 2, and then back the way we came. Only thing was that the sun had softened the snow enough for the going to be MUCH TOUGHER on the way home. We managed over 4 hours of ride time in total, and I think somewhere around 2200 ft of climb in 38 miles.

Tired now - need to go to bed :D.

SheFly

p.s.
I recently bought the new PI Gore-Tex boots and they have been AWESOME. Feet weren't cold at all today, and the boots feel more like slippers - very comfy!

Sounds like you had a great ride Shefly! I haven't ever rode in that area,(on the trails anyway) although I'd like to. We have thousands of miles of trails in town, so I quess I always take the easy way out :) Will you be doing any riding over the vacation period?

Just got back from another 2.5 hours on the trails around Bethel. Good riding, but man, I am beat! Between yesterday and today, that is about 6.5 hours of riding and 500 feet of climbing!

We're actually heading back to MA tomorrow morning, so no more riding here this week. Don't think my back can take it anyway :D.

You certainly have a vast amount of trail right out your door as well, so I'm sure if the conditions there are like here, they will be awesome.

SheFly

I'm glad that you were able to log so many miles!!!

If you like the outdoors, this is truly a great place to live!! I feel very fortunate.AS you know, it can be a bit difficult to financially live here... but we all make sacrifices;)

Did you ski while here this time?