December and riding in the mtns :)

[ridebikeme]

How's the new bike?

[blackhillsbiker]

No rides at all this weekend Yesterday I took my eldest DD Christmas shopping, then we had rehearsal late in the afternoon. Today was taken up with 2 services, Sunday School program, and another rehearsal. Then we (finally) put lights and ornaments on the tree at home. Now DD and I are watching Christmas specials. DDs 2 & 3 are at a movie and DH elected to go to a concert. I was just too tired to leave home again. My MTB has been waiting patiently in the garage for another outing. Maybe next weekend... I pat her in passing.

Deb

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm afraid I'll have to keep apologizing to her for the forced inactivity. Like most of the nation, we're getting buried in the snow, with lots of wind and very low temperatures. I'm bummed. I thought maybe there would be a ride this weekend. I hope some of you TE'ers are able to get in a good holiday ride.

Deb

[tzvia]

Hmmmm...
We just have to make due with this horrible winter weather; oh how it makes mountain biking a real test of our abilities and perseverance. Just yesterday, my brother came over with his Trek, as his store was closed, and my work is closed through New Years Day. He convinced me to go MTBing. Boy, what a mistake.

First, it was cold. Bitterly cold. I hate wearing those cycling tights, and a jacket too. I thought it would be about the same bitter cold as at the house, 68f, but it dropped to 60f by the trailhead. Thankfully, there were no clouds; those were forecast for today, it's called 'STORMWATCH' or some-such on the local TV news, it's a big deal when we get clouds and it might rain. Sometimes it gets windy too, and drops the temperature even further down a few degrees F and blows dust in my eyes. The TV news has a catchy name for that too but I forget what it is.

Luckily for us, as we climbed up to the watertower that has such a great view of the Santa Monica mountains and ocean breezes, it got warmer and probably did reach up almost to a bearable 70f for a short while, but began to drop to the dangerous low 60s again and possibly the upper 50's in the shade as we bombed back down the mountain, wooping over the rollies on our way back to Sycamore Canyon trail and the safety of the truck.

Yea, it's tough going mountain biking in the winter

[crazycanuck]

See blackhillsbiker..we're biking for you

Tzvia in the cool, crazycanuck in the heat

[blackhillsbiker]

She has been re-christened "Abbie" the Abominable Snow Bike. We got her some seriously aggressive, very fat tires and I have some removable fenders on order. She'll be filling in for the usual commuter when the weather is just too nasty or the drifts are too deep. I rode her to work today and laughed at the drifts and ruts that would have sent me on my *ss on the Kona. I hope she'll get some real mountain biking adventures soon. In the meantime I think she's glad to get out of the garage for a change.

Deb

[Brandy]

Yea, it's tough going mountain biking in the winter

So, so rough we have it! Off for some more fun in the local Santa Ana Mountains tomorrow where the highs will be around 75. Poor me.

[blackhillsbiker]

Abbie got fenders. Topeak MTB fenders. A pain in the butt to install (especially the front one). I have a feeling our winter commuting adventures have just begun. Ostensibly they are easily removable for when I don't want them to get in the way when mountain biking.

Deb