Nice Ride

Got out for a ride with Gretchen Sunday afternoon. The conditions were mixed. There was some mud.

But there was also some ice. Not so much that you were sliding everywhere, but enough to slide here and there.

Some helpful guy in the parking lot warned me beforehand that it was icy. He'd decided to walk the dog instead of ride - obviously too icy for them. I think his warning was more a justification for himself then truly a warning for me. The trail conditions were fine.

The weather was blistery. It was cold and breezy. I don't think the temps got above 30°F yesterday. Add the wind and we were somewhere in the teens. This hurt my fingers in the beginning. After they warmed up it was my toes that went numb.

The cold was good. I like being outside and feeling it. Lately I've spent too much time inside. My body gets complacent and forgets how to deal.

There were lots of others dealing with it too. I was surprised by the number of families and couples braving the chill to walk around the park. I figured everyone had canceled their cable to save $$ and now are left with nothing but family walks which are free.

The dogs on leashes were most interesting. Three times (two different couples and their dog) I rode by them with Gretchen. Each time the owner took up the slack on their leash and braced themself for something I was unsure of. Each time we rode by without incident. I couldn't tell if they expected their dog to be unruly or my dog - the one off leash trained to run at my wheel for miles and miles. Either way, I was surprised to see so many people out in the cold.

I was also surprised to see a ranger driving by in his truck nodding and waving as he went by. I thought for sure I'd get at least a tongue lashing for not having my dog on a leash. I guess he too figured no one was out today (he was at the opposite end of the park from where I saw everyone else), so what did it hurt.

I did make some more videos. I think I have the camera position on my helmet figured out, though it will take riding with someone else to completely prove that. There isn't any sound this time. I wasn't motivated enough to add it this time.



Shortly into the beginning you'll notice a big pile of rocks and possibly what's left of a wall at the left of the trail. That's the old house Jen and I explored last spring on a hike. You can see more of it or what it was, here. It's kind of a shame that it fell, but that's what happens after standing for hundreds of years un-attended.

Truthfully the rock pile excites me some. I'm wondering if maybe we can't make a trail through it or over it.

- b