Sweat-cicle? It's an icicle formed from sweat during a winter activity. See the brim of my hat? I have to remember to dress one layer lighter when snowbiking. The effort it takes to power fat tires through snow increases your core temp quite a bit.
I took a break from my home improvement project and got in a great fat tire ride on snow. Last night we had some colder temps in the teens. I was eager to see if all the wet, slushy snow set up. And it had. The trails were in good condition. Good enough condition to ride one handed and try some panda shots with the camera. Believe me, there are snow conditions that there is no way you can let go of the handlebar. Let alone let go of the handlebar and practice your overhead photography shots. This is the snowmobile access trail a mile from my house. You can see how bad the slush was only yesterday. Today it was frozen solid. I stayed to the left on the snow were some of the snowmobiles had done the same. It was actually quite fast here.
Once on the main snowmobile trail, which is also the Munger State Trail, there had been lots of snowmobile action in the last day. I headed out about 2:45 in the afternoon. This is a good time to hit the trails on a Sunday during football season. Tends to be a lull in the snow sled action. Today only 14 sleds passed me during the two hours I was out.
Yeah...I'm having fun!
This trail will eventually get groomed. A lot of places today it was one "lane" wide (see below picture). Which means I would have to stop and drag my Pugsley off the trail into the deep snow whenever I met up with a snowmobile. I don't think there are any written rules for who has the right of way when a bike meets a snowmobile. But in the spirit of cooperation, I move my ass out of the way. I also care for my life. So I get out of the way.
Low flat light and about 45 minutes before sunset. Yet, still beautiful.
A lot of water had drained down the rocks and frozen. It was wonderful being out in the snow.
Time for a hot chocolate break on the railroad bridge......
...below Ely's Peak.
This was my turnaround point. It was a short ride of 16 miles. Although at 8 miles per hour, that's a two hour ride.
After missing all last season of winter biking because of my broken arm, it was great to be back at it again. And with a new appreciation for the ability to be out doing things like this.
I took a break from my home improvement project and got in a great fat tire ride on snow. Last night we had some colder temps in the teens. I was eager to see if all the wet, slushy snow set up.
This was my turnaround point. It was a short ride of 16 miles. Although at 8 miles per hour, that's a two hour ride.
After missing all last season of winter biking because of my broken arm, it was great to be back at it again. And with a new appreciation for the ability to be out doing things like this.