Cross Country Skiing

[DebW]

Did my (probably last) day of skiing for the season yesterday at Windblown. Went up with 2 friends and met 2 more friends from RI. Conditions were crusty and coarse granular, as you'd expect from recent rain and then below freezing temperatures. Grooming was well done on the green and blue trails - black trails were not groomed and best avoided. Skiing was fast but controllable (at least for those with metal edges). The sun was shining all day. Great day to be out.

[ridebikeme]

I got out on ski's over the past few days, and have to admit that this freeze/thaw cycle is really doing a number on the trails. I met the groomer yesterday(snowmobile) and thought perhaps it would be a bit better, and although the trails were indeed a bit smoother... I now had huge ice chunks under my feet. Some of these ice chunks were bigger than my feet! Needless to say, it was great to be outside BUT the ice really made things very difficult with simply standing up. Ice continued to push your feet/ski's all over the place... hopefully I'll be able to get out later in the week when the temps get a bit warmer.

Unfortunately, today was one of those days that even the Fatbike would have had issues, but more good days to follow

[ridebikeme]

Got out yesterday and temps were warm enough to soften at least the top coat! Surprised this morning as we received 6-8" of new snow and still snowing as I type this.

[ridebikeme]

Well, after receiving another foot of snow this week, the conditions are great!! My four legged friend is extremely anxious to get out each day, not sure what will happen after the snow is gone. Although in reality, that will be quite awhile yet...

[Crankin]

Sounds wonderful, Ridebikeme. But, the switch has gone on for cycling down here... I really need to be on my bike.
I am sure the conditions at Windblown were awesome today, from the pictures I've seen. If I were up north, I'd be skiing!

[ridebikeme]

Crankin: the weather here isn't really good enough to ride outside unless you are on a FATBIKE. So, I go and ski and then come back and hop on the trainer. It's too soft for the Fatbike on the trails, and with all of the snow, roads are too narrow. Bug weather will get cooler tonight, sp we'll see what happens. I will admit that I'm definitely envious with you being able to ride outside>

[Crankin]

Well, I could still be skiing, if I wanted to drive for an hour, but, like i said, the switch went on in my head! I didn't do much cold weather riding last fall/early winter, or even last winter, so I've been forcing myself out the door if it's above 38 degrees. And, when I actually get out there, it's enjoyable. I think part of the reason I like skiing so much, is that the season is so short, I get "crazy" with it.
Some of the roads here are still melting, but except for my first ride, last Saturday, the rest has been fine. Of course, we are going to get some more snow on Wednesday, but it looks like, not more than a couple of inches, so the roads won't get too messed up again.