Roadblock!

[newfsmith]

This morning's 23F/-4C temp made me dig out the ear bags for the first time this fall. It was a nice commute, with crystal clear skies. As I came around the S-curve on the south side of Moose Hill, I was forced to use my poor imitation of a track stand because 18 turkeys were standing in the road. Actually a couple were sitting. They wouldn't move. I think they were warming their feet on the pavement. Finally, 2 trucks approached from the opposite direction motivating them to scatter. So I guess it isn't just drivers that don't think bikes are vehicles.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Very funny! We have a flock of turkeys that wanders outside of my office, spending a good deal of time waltzing up the road and through the parking lot before heading into the woods. It's definitely not as turkey-friendly a location as the vicinity of Moose Hill...

And aren't ear bags great? I discovered them last winter - wore them on my ride today too (although it was in the 40s when I went out, not in your early morning 20s!).

--- Denise

[wavedancer]

I discovered them a few years ago as "Ear Pops" http://www.earpops.com/
They are great! Most of the time I find I don't need to wear a hat to stay warm, just keep my ears covered. The only down-side is I tend to lose them...Usually stuffed in a pocket of some coat, only to be found when I'm not looking for them!

[CorsairMac]

Maybe the turkeys were trying to escape the woods, afraid of being this years dinner!

[bikerchick68]

Corsair LOL! That's what I was thinking... bad time of the year to be hanging out somewhere that visible!

here turkey, turkey, turkey...

[newfsmith]

These turkeys are pretty fearless, they live in a wildlife sanctuary. Other than wild carnivores their main predator is vehicles. I did find it interesting that the deer regard me as a vehicle, but the turkeys don't.

[KSH]

This morning's 23F/-4C temp made me dig out the ear bags for the first time this fall.

You actually RODE A BIKE in that kind of weather????

I fear having to ride when it gets below 70F here! I'm in Dallas, TX.

We are still having 80F days... and my AC is on!

[nuthatch]

Wow, I remember when seeing a turkey was a rare and wonderful event! Now they're getting like those danged Canada geese! If we do have avian flu problems, I'm blaming it on those geese!

Speaking of winter-weather riding, I'm really trying to keep commuting all winter long - neither cold nor rain nor snow daunts me but this darkness at end of day is really getting me spooked. I've got all the lights and reflective doo-dads I need but no confidence in my own eyesight! Waaah! I don't want to get on my trainer!! Sorry, had to vent! Dec 21 is my birthday and I can't wait to celebrate the sun travelling back towards us and days getting longer again!

[CorsairMac]

you'll do just find nuttie - after all it's dark - ain't nuttin to see anyway!

you could try one of those lights that clip on your helmet - like a miners light - to help you see in front of you - and yellow tinted glasses.....helps to reduce the nighttime glare.


Corsair "who bikes all year coz she doesn't know any better!" Mac

[laughlaugh18]

KSH -

My reaction exactly - are all of you insane!! The 60s are cold to me.

Hey, Corsair Mac, I thought you hated cold!

Cathy (not just a native Angeleno, but a second generation one - nice, thin blood)

[Bike Goddess]

Nuthatch- YOUR BD is my FAVORITE day of the year!
Now I have two reasons to celebrate December 21st!

Good luck riding this winter. Sure glad I don't have to deal with snow. I've run in the snow, but never did any cycling. Do you have spikes on your tires for the ice??????

[nuthatch]

I've run in the snow, but never did any cycling. Do you have spikes on your tires for the ice??????

Ha,ha!! I was thinking about putting nails through an old pair (ever thrifty!). I haven't worked myself up to that level of bike-crazy yet, but this might be the winter to try!

Today, winds are 35-45 mph and spitting snow. ("Pish-posh," says Corsair!) I think I'd have to tie weights to my handlebars and coat my face with a protective layer of crisco to get to work unmolested. My trainer is calling.....

[CorsairMac]

KSH -

My reaction exactly - are all of you insane!! The 60s are cold to me.

Hey, Corsair Mac, I thought you hated cold!

Cathy (not just a native Angeleno, but a second generation one - nice, thin blood)

Yuppers!! HATE Cold, HATE Snow, HATE the whole winter thing........I just love riding my bike so I play "pretend". I pretend I don't hate the cold! So far it hasn't worked, but I keep commuting anyway!

Ha,ha!! I was thinking about putting nails through an old pair (ever thrifty!). I haven't worked myself up to that level of bike-crazy yet, but this might be the winter to try!

Today, winds are 35-45 mph and spitting snow. ("Pish-posh," says Corsair!) I think I'd have to tie weights to my handlebars and coat my face with a protective layer of crisco to get to work unmolested. My trainer is calling.....

If it makes ALL of you feel better - it was 31 when I rode to work this morning. I came in late so I could wait until the temps came Up from 28! LOL It's only 46 here now, sunny, clear as a bell and windy. Wishing there was someone home to have a pot of hot tea waiting for me when I get there but *cigh* ain't gonna happen!!

and Crisco??....my first thought was "fried nuttie"?

[nuthatch]

and Crisco??....my first thought was "fried nuttie"?

I'm southern - there are many uses for Crisco....

[Dogmama]

In the Southwest, "turkeys in the road" are the bubbas in their SUV's. And they don't consider us vehicles either.

So...shall we elaborate on the alternative uses of Crisco or just let this topic pass?