It wasn’t really snow. But it was enough freezing rain and sleet that schools closed and a lot of folks opted to avoid driving on icy roads for the sake of getting to work. Since my commute is over 50 miles (one-way), and that makes for a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong, I was one of those who avoided the roads.
Today’s outing was a completely off road adventure. It was in the mid-20s, windy, and the wind chill was in the low teens. Low gray clouds were sailing across the sky. Sleet was blowing against my bike and coating it in a thin glaze of ice. A great day for a ride, and all day to enjoy it.
This is far from ideal Pondero conditions, but with so much time available it seemed like a good idea to show my northern buddies I don’t always run from the white stuff.
It was slow going on uneven range land, riding on top of 2-3 inches of frozen sleet…and then breaking through. Rolling resistance was pretty high. So after a plodding, epic long off road search, an acceptable patch of ice was found in a grove of trees. It seemed a decent spot for a brew-up.
The hot, fresh coffee warmed my insides. The clouds flew silently by, and there was no sound except the wind and the crackling of ice-coated tree branches. As I repacked my gear, I mentally prepared myself for the long, cold ride back home.
Fortunately, I returned to the house before I succumbed to frostbite and hypothermia. Although I have a reputation as a Leisure Consultant, perhaps you are impressed with my toughness, and you will pretend you don’t know that’s my house you see in the photo above.
Pondero 
I’ll have to check to make sure, but I don’t think it counts as snow until the grass is covered. 🙂 Enjoy the ride!
It does in texas
The truth is we had no snow at all. I guess, really, it was ice day coffee. It’s about 6.5 miles of ice rink to the first road that is maintained. You could literally skate on the roads today.
See yet another down side to living in SoCal can’t use the weather as an excuse not to show up at work 😉 Fun post Chris.
Thanks, Hugh. Not exactly how I want to spend my vacation day, but we make the best of it.
I was wondering if you were going to ride today! You’re a lot tougher than I am.
Myles
All that adventure in less than half a mile 😉
You brave soul. I know 20 is a bit chilly for Texas.
I dream of 20F. Had mid 30s yesterday (first time in 6 weeks) and then it plummeted back to 0F today. I’m a professional indoor espresso connoisseur these days.
I think I found my limit. Around here, we can wait a day or two, and sanity returns. I can’t imagine a winter wardrobe that works for zero. Someone would need to teach me how to clothe myself for survival.
Well played Chris! I’m glad to see you made the best of it.
Thanks, it was nice to get outside for a little while.
Glad you enjoyed the coffee outing on the cycle, Chris.
Good to have the choice to work from home – good for you!
Peace 🙂
Work? Did I look like I was working? 🙂
Pingback: Sunset Burrito Club, 23 Feb 2015 (and spring weather in general) | Urban Adventure League
Word is that you’ll have another chance not to run away from the white stuff on Wednesday. Probably late Wednesday.
Oh boy, after all that tough talk, I guess I’ll have to figure a way to get outside again.
Word is that things are softer and deeper up your way…
Indeed, just posted some new photos.
Great post! I’m tired of people telling me how far they ride and how many vertical feet they climb. I don’t care. You got out on the bike and made coffee! Chapeau bas!.
Thanks, Hermit, you sound like my kind o’ ridin’ partner.
Awesome! Glad to see you still getting out even in bad weather. I bet the coffee taseted great!
Absolutely…hotter, sweeter, richer, and deeper.