March Rides: In Like a Lion or a Lamb?

[Crankin]

Here we go, 12-24 inches of snow predicted for tomorrow. I am thrilled to be able to get more x country skiing in (at least 1-3 more times), but I need to start training for my trip to Spain!
Despite the predicted sow and the frigid temperatures over the weekend, there was a robin chirping on our lawn thins morning....

[emily_in_nc]

Well, it doesn't look like I'll be doing much cycling in the near-term. We just received word today that my father-in-law passed away today. :-(

It was not unexpected, as he was less than a month from his 88th birthday and in progressively failing health, but his doctors didn't expect this to happen quite so quickly. We thought we had ample time to get up to Ohio for one last visit in April or May, once the danger of snow/ice passed. But it was not to be. He's been in declining health for a long time, so my DH is doing pretty well with it, but you're still never ready to lose a parent.

So, looks like we'll be renting a car and driving up from Florida to Ohio on Saturday/Sunday and staying up there for several days for family time and the funeral/burial, then taking another couple days to get back down here. We are not taking the motorhome up as that is a slower drive and more difficult to find good places to stay. It would take us at least 3-4 days each way instead of two.

We won't be able to take bikes and wouldn't have time to ride anyway, plus it will be too cold for us. So, at least a week off the bikes for that, coupled with the cold, windy weather we've had here looks like two weeks off in total. Blech. But it is what it is...a necessary, if unpleasant, part of life....

[Crankin]

Condolences, Emily.
You might be able to get away with some walks. Just bring your hat, gloves, and a scarf.

[Catrin]

Condolences indeed, sorry to read of your loss.
I agree with Crankin, perhaps you will be able to do some walking. The weather is becoming wintry for the first time in quite some time, but it won't last.

[Pax]

Sorry for your loss, Emily. Hope you have a safe trip back up north.

[north woods gal]

As the others have said, very sorry for your loss. You're absolutely right about it being an unpleasant but necessary part of life. Your bikes and that warm Florida weather will be there when you get back and do what you need to do.

As for me, 2" of new snow, this morning. May try skiing, but more likely will just fat bike in the stuff. My snow base under this fresh snow is too hit and miss for skiing, now. As of yesterday, a good percentage of my trails were down to the dirt. Pretty much the story all winter long for me. Very iffy for the skiing, but almost always a go and doable for the fat bike. If these mild winters are a product of global warming, as I suspect they are and the data suggests, looks like more fat biking and less skiing in winters to come for this gal.

[ny biker]

Condolences to you and your husband, Emily. +1 on trying to get in some walks during your trip; the activity could be helpful in clearing your minds and processing the emotions. I hope you have a safe trip.