November Rides

[emily_in_nc]

Gorgeous, NWG, but sure looks cold!

Finally got to ride yesterday, which was the first time in 17 days. Just too busy with family time and projects. So glad to be back to it. Lots of folks out and about yesterday; guess schools and some workplaces had the day off, or people took vacation. Here I am enjoying my first ride since March on the West Orange Trail in Florida.



Got in 32 miles. Taking off today to cook but will be riding (and not shopping) on Black Friday!

[north woods gal]

Good for you, Emily. By coincidence, that was the same trail I rode when visiting Florida, back in September. I started from the very west end near Claremont. Very nice trail, but oh my, it was hot and humid by this north woods gal's standards. Mid-90s and about that for humidity. That was the trail where I nearly bonked for lack of water and could have headed for that big trail in the sky.

More snow, overnight, but I just keep riding. What can I say? Worst possible snow for riding, though. Temps in the mid 30s and that snow is half ice. Tried some of the narrower wheel bikes, but not even close to doable. Even the 4.8" Salsa tires were fishtailing. Problem with this type of snow is that, when compressed, it forms a layer of ice lubricated with water, under the tires. Slow going and no way to get up the steeps for lack of speed. In fact, when trying to mount the bike form a dead start, the bike slides out from underneath you. Oh, well, all part of the fun. Still, bad as it is, it's still more manageable than cross country skiing in this kind of snow. That's like driving a car with no brakes. Hopefully, the weather will get a little colder. Yeah, crazy I know, but when playing in the snow, air temp is a big deal.