First Measurable Snow

It was almost a whole week into the new year before we had the first measure-able snowfall here in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho.  Over Thursday night, the temperature dropped as precipitation fell in New Mexico.  We were right at the freeze line.

When I got up on Friday morning, there was about an inch of snow on the ground, under a thin layer of ice.  Conditions were dicey enough school was called off in Rio Rancho.  I stayed inside except for a walk to the street to snap several photos.

As typical, the sun was out and the streets were clear by noon (except where in the shadows). This was in spite of temperature barely reached freezing that day.  Was a beneficial snow - areas in the mountains got some good snows for the ski slopes. 

Change of Plans

Woke up about 2:30, nature calling.  Checked my e-mail and the weather forecast.  Not good for traveling in the East side of New Mexico.  MAJOR storm in that part of the state starting Saturday afternoon and continuing to Monday.  Cousin Don had talked with his friend (owner of the house I am renting) saying if I could get to Albuquerque by middle of the afternoon, the weather should cooperate and I can change plans and start into the house tonight.

Calculating miles and times, It would work if I just showered, packed the car, and head toward ABQ.  That, I did.  On the road out from Dodge City a little after 4am CST.

Pretty lonely across SW Kansas and a section of Oklahoma at tat time of a Saturday morning.  Not even a place to get breakfast until I had been on the road for over 2 hours.  Found a place in Clayton, NM.  The sun was just up when I got there.

After breakfast, I started looking for abandoned building and ruins (see upper photo).  Helps keep my mind on the road.  Strong wind from the NNW and temperature dropping across the high plaines of NE New Mexico.  Even saw some blue sky!

As I got to Las Vegas, NM, it started snowing.  Mostly blowing across the road.  Drove with that until about Glorieta Pass.  Once again, some wind-driven snow as I get into Albuquerque.  Stopped quile at a Verizon Store on the way to the house.

Found the rental house and got keys from the owner.  He grabbed the wring keys, so a little delay getting into the house.  Cranked up the heat and started unloading the car.  While taking breaks to that, I checked e-mail, facebook, and processed the photos from the day.

Called Don about eating, but he was in for the night,  Actually, I was a bit tired from the driving, so not looking forward driving for a brew and burger.  Satisfied my cravings with some of my snack I had in the car.

Christmas on the Road

Thursday, between napping and checking the weather, I was able to get the bag pack and the car loaded for my trip.  Was able to get some sleep.  Did not need to make a early start, only about 450 miles to Dodge City.

Had some concerns when i headed out from the driveway.  The gravel road was icy under the snow.  I was not able to back up from the mailbox to drive down to RT 92.  Had to take the alternate rouse via US 6.

Once i got on the road, there were some unusual sounds from the front end of the car, specially when turning.  Everything had been fine until the car sat in the driveway during the snow storm.  Figuring there is nothing majpr wrong with the car, I took it easy as I headed out.  As i drove, the noise was abating.  Leaving Omaha, it was gone.  Think it bust have been some snow/ice accumulation giving the problem.

Was foggy this morning.  Not too cold (in the upper 20s).  The route for today was I-80 to York, NE, then South into Kansas and Southwest to Dodge City.  The temperature strated dropping after I went through Lincoln.  At about the Nebraska/Kansas line, it was down to 18, 

Salina, the temperature started to rise again with hints of sun to the Southwest. Did stop for a couple photos along the way.  Checked in my Dodge City hotel at about 3;30.  Temperature was a reasonable 47 deg.  Spent some time on the computer and then off looking for some food.  Opted for sub, chips and Gatorade from a convenience store.  Wanted to pick up a new water "go" cup, so one stop was all I had to make during my shopping trip

Checking weather.com, it seams that the southern storm is intensifying.  At last check, Roswell is expecting about a foot of snow and traveling is not advised from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning.  Looks like I will have to skip Roswell in this trip.  Thinking of driving to Santa Rosa and re=checking the weather and roads.  Stay in Santa Rosa or drove on to Alamogordo.

White Sands National Monument

Yesterday morning was a lay-back morning for a while.  Did a little computer work, had breakfast and then Merv and I headed up to White Sand National Monument.  Had a nice drive as the weather was good and light traffic once out of Las Cruces.

Checking in at the entrance station (those National Park Senior Passes are great).  Explored the "White Sands" of the park.  The "white sands" really are dunes of gypsum. Unusual stuff to walk or climb on.  While like snow, but you do not sink into it like a snow drift.  Try to climb the dune, the gypsum move under your feed, to its "two steps up and 1 1/2 step down.  Here's a photo of me on a dune.

While we were there these was a wedding on the board walk at the Monument.  Different place to hold a wedding.  And it was a little chilly. While it was sunny (times of "filtered sun", the temperature was only about 30 degrees.  We had watched the temperature drop in the car thermometer driving up to the park.

We walked a little on a marked trail in the dunes and walked the "boardwalk" nature trail.  My knee felt petty good. Starting on the boardwalk i was not sure how I would be go, but ended up walking to the end and back.

Stopped at the Visitor's Center on the way out.  Piked up a cople book.  A book of the monument, a book about a well known couple the disappeared at the Monument, and a book about the ghost towns of New Mexico.  Then it was time for food.  Went into Alamogordo for lunch. Gad a good lunch at La Hacienda Cafe on White Sands Blvd.

On the drive back to Las Cruces, I commented that i did not realize how far out to the Monument.  The time flew by as the two of us seemed to solve half of the country's problems inosr conversation! In the morning, Merv and I had planned to take bicycles to pedal into the old town of Masilla (about a mile).  We were a bit too tired, and Sue joined up.  Took at couple photos of the plaza and a couple of the mountains as the sun sut.  The sunset was not as dramatic as it normally is.

The evening ended with a pizza dinner - great local pizza - watched the new, and chatted until we were all ready to sleep.

Lower photo is of the Basilica of San Albino on the plaza of old town Misilla, New Mexico.  Today, its load the car, and head North to Albuquerque.  Planning to stop at two ghost towns to explore on the way.

Snow! @#$%^

Winter roared back with a vengeance.  While it was 85 and sunny Sunday, Wednesday temperatures were dropping all day with rain.  This set the stage for cold air from the North blowing in snow.  Yes, SNOW on May 2nd. 

The photo here was taken when I headed in to the car to start it up this morning before coffee run.  There was about 2" of snow on the windshield.  The gravel road was covered with ice and slush.

Temperature is supposed to top off today in the 30s. Warming up for the next week, but also forecast for rain into next week.  Sure not looking like much bike riding soon.

Snow Almost Gone

After coffee yesterday, I spend most of the day working on updates to my web site.  I ventured out to get the mail. The day had turned out warm, sunny, and almost no wind. Too late for me to get out for a bike ride.  Forecast was for good weather today, so was not going to miss the opportunity.

Sticking my head out the door about noon, it looked (and felt) good for riding.  Kitted up, loaded the hybrid on the car rack and headed to the Wabash Trace Trailhead.

Rode the Lake Manawa Trail to Indian Creek bridge.  Was looking for birder/photographer "Tom".  Did not see him. Turned up Indian Creek Trail.  Riding against the breeze here.  On to the Veteran's Memorial Trail.

Some debris from snow plowing piled up on the trail surface in front of TSC. Today's photo was taken on the way back along the railroad tracks heading to the tunnel.  This was the most snow/slush remaining on the trails.  Everything else I rode today was clear and mostly dry.

Had just the right layers on for the ride.  Lots of folks out today for a bike ride or walk. 

Warmer Weather

After a couple cold weeks, the weather turned warmer. When I headed out for my ride it was 45 deg and filtered sunshine. Parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead and headed toward the Western Historic Trails Center.

The bicycle trail is mostly clear and dry. Some spots are wet with melting snow. Caution! Underpasses and the railroad tunnel are icy. The tunnel is particularly treacherous. The tunnel has a lot of standing water with ice underneath. My bike slid under me and had problems just walking in the tunnel.

There is a big drift crossing Indian Creek Trail just South of Hwy 92. A couple other short sections have slushy snow.

With day-time highs in the 50s this week, the trails should be clear withing a couple days.

It was great to be back on a bike for a good ride.

2 Weeks off the Bike

Since return from Albuquerque, the weather has not been conducive to bicycle riding (guess it was not good in Abq, either). Yesterday I got out to check the snow covered dirt trails at Lake Manawa. Temperature was just about freezing and filtered sunshine.

As you can see from the photo here, there has been a snowmobile through the West side - no surprise, happens every year. Lots of walkers along the river. No bicycle tracks. The snow was frozen hard which makes rough riding. Riding my hardtail, wishing I was riding the Fuel EX7!

Tried to ride the singletrack. There were only a couple footprints. The crusty snow made it just too much work to try riding.

Going to get sloppy riding with the snow melt - 40s over the weekend, climbing into the 50s middle of next week. But it will sure be nice!

First Ride of 2011

This morning I had to take the car into the shop for a new battery. Back home, I just could not get moving. Sunny morning, in the 30s, no wind. Perfect - for January in Iowa, at least.

I was able to motivate myself to get ready for a bike ride. Too warm to ride singletrack. Figured the paved trails would be in a mixture of conditions - icy, snow covered, wet, and dry. Aired up the tires of my "Ice Bike" - Trek 4300 with studded tires and combo pedals.

Parked at the Wabash Trace Trailhead. From the condition of the parking lot, I could see that the trail will be in the condition I expected.

Rode the Lake Manawa Trail to the Indian Creek Bridge. Today's photo shows the Lake Manawa Trail early this afternoon. I did not to push it too much today, so headed back.

Detoured to the river (mountain bike trail area). The river level has dropped considerably since I last rode there. Another detour to the lake. There were a couple folks out on the lake. Was thinking of taking a spin on the lake, but backed out.

By the time I was at the Nature Trail, the snow/ice was nearly melted from the trail surface. Ended up with 11.6 miles for my first ride of 2011. Forecast is for more rideable days this week. Xtreme Winterfest Bike Ride should be cool (low/middle 20s) and clean Saturday.

First Snow Ride of the Season

I was getting antsy yesterday. Some of my cycling friends were riding in the snow at Manawa. My "snow bike" was in the shop for new chain and cassette, changing tires to studs, and swapping pedals (clipless to combo), so I was not able to ride with them. The bike was done late in the afternoon, a bit envious that I had not been able to ride with them. (OK, I could have, it meant a full suspension bike but no studs.)

After Sunday Coffee, I was ready for a ride. Put together a winter, snow riding kit and headed to Lake Manawa with the Hardtail.

Once again, it was like learning to ride again! Took it easy to get used to the snow trail. Started with West Sidewinder. Then both trails on the West side. Finally, ended up with East Sidewinder. That was enough for the first snow ride of the season.

It may sound like it was a wimpy ride (4+ miles in about 50 minutes) but that was enough for today.

Hardtail Hits 5K

Readers of this blog know that I ride my bikes a lot. In April 06, I bought my first mountain bike - a Trek 4300. Today, this bike turned over 5000 miles! I have never ridden over 5000 miles on one bicycle before.

My Trek 4300 has been a workhorse. It is the bike I rode when I first learned the enjoy of riding singletrack. That first year, I logged over 1100 miles on the 4300.

A couple years ago, I bought a pair of studded tires for the bike. The 4300 became my snow/ice bike.

In 2008, I bought a Trek Fuel EX7, full suspension mountain bike. The Fuel EX7 did not handle as well on the Wabash Trace (crushed limestone Rails-2-Trails) but loved riding in the dirt. My trusted 4300 became became the ride of choice for The Trace.

Another duty for the 4300 was trail work. When helping maintain the mountain bike trails at Lake Manawa, it became my trail work bike.

For 3 years, when I took a car trip, it was the Trek 4300 that was on the rack. It was used to explore trails in Colorado, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Florida, South Dakota, Nebraska, and of course, Iowa.

Now, the bike was not without problems. The biggest item was failures of the seat post to saddle bolt. After a second failure (which caused me riding standing up about 4 miles on the Wabash Trace), it was time to buy a different seat post with a stronger attachment system.

In addition to normal maintenance items, there was a broken deraileur, and rear wheel failure. Yet when it fell off the car rack at 55 mph on the highway, the only sustained scrapes and abrasions.

It has been a great first mountain bike and is still going strong. It is my "go to" bike. If I can only bring one of my 4 bikes, it will be the Trek 4300. If/when I have to replace the hardtail 4300, it will be a TREK hardtail like the 4300, but with upgraded components.

The upper photo shows the computer showing 5000 miles this afternoon. The lower photo is the bike on Hopp Creek Bridge (Wabash Trace between Malvern and Silver City, Iowa) where I recorded the 5000 miles milestone.

Manawa Trails

A couple days ago I received a message from our Trail Leader at Lake Manawa. He reported the first "green" trails are ridable. This morning I stopped by on my way home from Omaha. Beautiful, sunny day. Lots of folks have been walking the trails.

Time to air up the tires on the hardtail. Think tomorrow I will try riding. Lets see if I can remember how to ride in the snow!

If the dirt trails are not ridable, there will be the paved trail to ride. At Lake Manawa, the paved trail has been plowed. Just some snow/ice areas. From what I could see, it looks like Indian Creek Trail is also plowed from Manawa up to Highway 92. It has not been plowed under 92.

Since I will be on N 16th for breakfast tomorrow, will see what the Iowa Riverfront trail looks like.

Missing Mail Boxes

Sometime yesterday or this morning my mail box and the neighbor's mail box disappeared. Both were hit which ripped them off of their posts. The mail boxes are nowhere to be found.

I am thinking that they were hit with the wing of the snow plow. I have not seen any other missing/damaged mail boxes on the road. The plow (or someone with a blade) came through twice over the last 2 days.

When I found the missing mail boxes, I saw no indication of where they went. They were either threw clear form the area or covered with snow.

This is NOT what I need with my problems. The is no way I can replace the mail box and mount with the snow, frozen ground, and my surgery.

It would be nice that who did this confessed and replaced the mail boxes. But that is wishful thinking.

First Snow Ride of the Season

Well, yesterday I tried to.

The intention was to ride the snow in the dirt at Lake Manawa. The snow was just too deep. I could not get moving to keep my balance. The depth of the snow and the snow packing under the tires was just too much. So, I moved over to the parking lot by the nature trail.

While I was unloading the bike, a couple came by with their dog, making a comment that I would need snow tired. I told them the bike had studded tires. They had not heard of studded bicycle tires.

Anyway, I headed West along the Lake Manawa trail to Indian Creek. The Lake Manawa trail was plowed. Instead of just turning back, I rode Indian Creek to Hwy 92. That trail was not plowed, but the trail was wind swept. just a coule places I had to push trhough drifts.

The Hwy 92 bridge over Indian Creek was a mess. All of the snow from the plows was piled up over the trail. Brought the bike over to the hyway and rode there until I could duck down into Manawa streets.

Little raw and cold when riding along the lake into the wind. But, made it and got in a 7 mile ride.

Was a Snowy Week

Last weekend we got some snow - just a couple inches. Then Tuesday the big storm hit. About noon, I got home for breakfast and errands. The roads were getting bad. The Omaha/Council Bluffs area received about 8-10 inches of snow.

Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning the winds kicked in, redistributing the snow. There was basically no one moving. It appeared a couple of high clearance vehicles made it through on the road. The end of my driveway was blocked with a big drift.

Wednesday, the sky started to clear and I ventured out to survey the situation. Brought out the newer D-SLR camera and took a couple photos of the snow and drifts.

In the afternoon, the wind was abating so it was time to start clearing the driveway. I was planning to take my time - shovel a little, back inside for rest, then back out to shovel. The neighbor lady was out blowing their drive. She came over across the road and asked if I needed help. Since she had a snow blower and I had a snow shovel, I accepted her offer. I did a little shoveling, she ran the snow blower. I took a little break to grab the camera to take a couple shots.

Thursday morning was computer coffee at Panera Bread. When I got out, I could see that the road had not plowed yet - but it appeared lots of vehicles have gotten through to the south. Made it out, just barely, as the road was only "passable" with the drifts.

Today (Friday) I stopped at the bike show, mostly to see what the city trails look like. The Valley View trail has not been plowed. (In contrast, I had heard that some/most of the Omaha trails have been plowed). Looks like no riding on the paved trails yet.

Tomorrow I will check out at Lake Manawa - paved trail and perhaps the dirt trails. Getting cabin fever and withdrawal. My last ride was last Friday night for the Full Moon Ride.

SNOW!!!

Its only October 10th! What gives?

Here's what I saw this morning when I opened the garage door...

Yes, they have been warning about this all week. Buts its just too early for snow. We never really had a summer. Now right into winter (at least for a couple days).

I am NOT ready to put the studded tires on the hardtail.

A Hat Trick

Three snow rides at Lake Manawa in as many days! Had to take advantage of the new snow and nice weather.

Yesterday was the best riding conditions. Martin and I were both out riding at Manawa. He stopped, checked my tires and let more air out of my tires. That made a BIG different - much better handling. Checked the pressure when I finished - about 23#.

Martin blazed the trail around Long's Loop. My lap was the 2nd or 3rd track. That did my legs in - still got in over 8 miles.

Back today for more. I just could not get my groove. Lots of problems staying on the trail. I was steering like I was new to riding! Still got in over 5 miles. The trail is starting to show bare ground and icing over from packing.

I was not the only one on the trail - a four legged trail user.

Slugging Through the Snow

The Omaha/Council Bluffs got some 5-8" of snow yesterday. Many of us have been getting singletrack withdrawal. So, it was time to head to Lake Manawa Mountain Bike Trails!

Was a little chilly this morning when I headed out for breakfast. By the time I got to the trail (about 10am) is was a sunny 15 degrees. There were 2 other riders out this morning before I arrived - so I was not blazing new trails.

Dan, Martin & Ryan joined in the ride (actually, Dan was the first one to call the ride & time). They headed out as I also took to the trail (much slower). When I got over to the East side, I was the first rider on one trail.

When blazing new trail, and when being the 3rd rider after the new snow, it was slow going. Granny gear to slug though most of the way. By the time we finished, we have a pretty good track packed.

I brought the hardtail (my "ice bike") with the studded tires. Did not need the studs for this ride. Could have used the disc brakes of the Fuel EX. Think I will bring that bike tomorrow.

My body and mind lasted about 1 1/2 hour, 6 miles. That was enough for today - but ready to ride again here tomorrow!

First Singletrack, Snow, Night Ride

Previously, I have been riding singletrack at Manawa; I have ridden there in the snow; and I have ridden there at night (with handlebar light). Tonight's Thursday Night Ride, for the first time I was able combine all in one ride.

Needed to get out and ride today. Meeting up for the TNR to pick up a Trail Group display board was just the excuse (as if I need an excuse to ride) I needed. I was there early to get in a warm-up ride before dark.

Some nine of us rode. They are all much faster and better riders then me, but I had a good ride. Made a full lap after dark. Stopped several times to take photos (yes, that is the same tree that I parked my bike at for the previous photo).

Trail condition was snow covered ice, with spots of grease. My hardtail with studded tires performed great.

After 11+ miles and just short of 2 hours, I ended up with a slight headache. That's probably from the concentration needed to ride in the woods, in the snow, at night. For me, every new accomplishment makes me stronger.

Nokian Extreme 294

A week ago, on bitter cold day, I decided to install my new studded tires on my hardtail. A good day to work in the house and I was anxious to see how well they work.

You are supposed to ride them on pavement for 30 miles as a break-in. Before doing that, I rode 4 miles in the snow, singletrack at Lake Manawa.

On the snow-packed trail, they performed abut the same as normal mountain bike tire (riding with less than 25# air pressure). As the temperature climbed, I watched for snow packing on the tread. The fork of my Trek4300 hardtail was starting to pack with snow, but the tire tread kept pretty clear. At icy spots, I noticed that I did not slip on the hills (a very good sign).

The next day, I headed out on the local paved bike trail (11 miles). I upped the air pressure for this ride - about 35#. As expected, the trail is mostly clear, with spots of ice from snow melting. This is where the studded tires excelled. Previously, I would lift my feet off of the pedals and spread my legs for better balance as I rode across the ice. With the studded tires, I could continue pedaling right across the ice. As a test, I found I could even accelerate on the ice!

The other test was section was riding on a packed snow/ice trail which was plowed, but not "cleared" (see photo). Where previously I might walking the section, I was now able to ride right through.

Finally I finished the break-in with a 20 mile ride on pavement. Air pressure upped to 40-45# (probably should have been higher). On a 20 mile ride, I noticed the higher rolling resistance of the studded tires. My riding pace was slower and my legs sure felt it the next day!

Bottom line - The Nokian Extreme 294 Studded Tires are AWESOME. Now I am not an aggresive rider, but I did not feel slippage on either bare pavement or ice. They do the trick riding on ice or packed snow. However, for the higher rolling resistance of the tires, I will ride non-studded tires for normal riding - use the studded tires when you know you will encounter icy conditions.