December rides...

[emily_in_nc]

I adore Pileated Woodpeckers. We used to have them nesting in our woodland property in central NC.

[north woods gal]

They are a real treat, for sure. Now and then, one will come in to our suet feeder. They really dwarf the feeder, they're so big.

Thought maybe I could do the fat bike on my ski trails, since I've been packing them down so much with the snowshoes, but no go. The fatty just breaks through the crust and down into the soft stuff, unpredictably, with total loss of control. Went down a couple of times and gave up on the trail riding. Made up for it with 5 miles on our icy roads, though. Hey, I'm still biking late in December and loving it. Even had some snow falling as I rode.

[north woods gal]

Great news! The ice highway is open.

That's what we call our lakes when the ice is strong enough to actually support travel and, in fact, some locals actually do drive their cars across the ice to take shortcuts. Not me, but I will ride my fat bike. Did four laps round our 77 acre lake for about three miles of ice riding on the big Salsa and added another half mile of access trail riding to get to the ice.

Most of the ice out in the middle of the lake stays free of snow cover or has just a thin crust, thanks to the wind. Believe it or not, the fat bike can handle this super slick ice that is actually too slick for safe walking. Just have to be careful to make very wide turns and find some snow covered ice when you stop or start for the sake of traction. Compared to skiing or walking, though, you can really cover the miles on the fat bike. December 30th and my fat bike riding is just getting warmed up. Go fat bike!

[emily_in_nc]

December 30th and my fat bike riding is just getting warmed up. Go fat bike!

Have fun! Happy for you!

[north woods gal]

Thanks, Emily

Last entry for the year. Did a little skiing in the morning, compliments of an inch and a half of snow, overnight. Could use more, for sure, but actually fine for the fat bike, so finished the day with a few laps around the lake on the bike.

For the month, never missed a day of either fat biking, skiing or snowshoeing. Great way to end the year.

Happy New Year, everyone.

[azfiddle]

Friday (Dec 30) we drove east about 80 miles to Willcox, AZ and did a birding ride. First stop had lots of Sandhill Cranes, a Prairie Falcon and a Eurasion Wigeon, along with a lot of other ducks and a few lingering Avocets. Then about 13 miles out through the desert and agricultural fields to find a Ferruginous Hawk. Added 4 species to my "birding by bike" list and spent some quality time with my husband. It was overcast and cool, but calm, so a nice day to ride. Maybe 32 miles?

[emily_in_nc]

Sounds like a nice ride, az!

Another 35 miles, same route as NY's Day. The trail is still absolutely packed with people. I can't wait until people go back to school and work. Yes, I am selfish. I leave it to them on Saturdays, but during the week, I like my quiet trail! I know it will be as that's how it was last year. We didn't start riding until around mid-Jan. after buying our motorhome, and the trail was pretty dead during the week. Just a few old farts like us!

Temp in the 70s to low 80s, way above normal even for here. Supposed to get much cooler this weekend.