Bi-Polar: Northern and Southern Weather

The 68 and sunny Thursday let straight into cold temps and snow Friday morning. Crap. The trails were riding so damn good and it is way too early for Old Man Winter to show his face around here. Luckily by lunchtime most of the snow had melted away and the sun came out along with the warmer temps. Perfect for an afternoon urban-cross adventure ride.

Cinnamon and Apple Maple roll Jack-O-Lantern from Smell that Bread

 

Brent and Jon waiting on Loren to suit up.

 

 

 

North slope shaded trails still had snow.

The man, the myth, the legend JonC

Whitefish, MT in the house!

We all rode it. #MillennialSnowflakes 

 

Or maybe it was the slick tire treads? 

 

Anyway, by the time work was done, so was the snow. Saturday was another beautiful bluebird fall day in the mountains. Then Sunday decided to bring more white stuff. See, bi-polar. Luckily I'll be heading out for a couple weeks to extend the fall riding season via Bentonville and Ponca Arkansas. We've got plans for mountain and gravel epics the next 10 days along the Upper Buffalo River and around the Ozarks. It'll be fun to be back in the Southeast for some fall-time fun filled adventure. Will be meeting up with some of the MOAB boys and other cycling friends from around the country for some laughs. Can't wait. Road trip!!!

#bearpaw

Count Down

They are predicting 4-8" of snow to hit us overnight into Thursday with single digit lows for the next couple of nights. It's always a race this time of year. A race to get out on and enjoy the trails before Old Man Winter fully descends upon us. The past 3 winters I'd been able to ride dry trail all the way thru Thanksgiving before the upper trails were covered in snow. Considering we had 22" of snow fall on the first day of Summer this year, I wonder what this winter will bring?

 
Several of us got out Monday after work for a ride where Jared almost died trying to skid with road cleats and pedals. The temps were warm, the trails dry, and the beer cold. Good times.

Primed for take off down Little Moab.

 
Today, despite the 20mph winds preceding the storm moving in, was another great day out on the mountain. Trails are riding so well right now, the colors are fading from distracting bold contrasts to the faded tones of late fall, and the moose and bear are active down low.

Dead Jared. 

I snapped a photo of Jared, who found it hard to breath after climbing up Lane of Pain. I wish I'd looked at it before we left. Notice the unknown gentleman in the back. His fork is installed backwards. Not good for the steep, twisty descents down the mountain that follow this overlook. Be careful out there kids. Measure once, cut twice.

Town Challenge 2012

Got texted a photo out of the blue. Apparently a computer/phone backup was in progress and an old racing photo of me discovered. This is from my first ever trip to Steamboat Springs back in 2012 before DK that year. The days in the 'boat happened to coincide with the local XC series so I hopped in. Good time.

Speaking of good times, Sunday morning rock fishin' never disappoints.

Fall Falls

Peanut Butter Weekend

Explored Eagle's Nest Wilderness near Green Mountain Reservoir this past weekend. Wicked good 12 mile hike with some great views, a killer lakeside lunch spot, and plenty of big pines. Stopped off at Grand Adventure Brewing to sample the wares and followed it up with some fire pitting and riding to the movies. Peanut Butter Falcon is worth the price of admission.

Fall Rides

Monday saw work end in a Moots group urban assault ride. MTBs, Monster Crossers, Gravel bikes, and an old school canti cross bike. 15 miles of bike paths, urban trails, local tracks, and XC ski paths were ridden with childhood abandon and fun. The ride finished at the Barley for brews and apps with a few of the crew who didn't end up riding.

Colorado Bothy Spotting

Another urban single track ride to unwind on Tuesday followed by a group CX lunchtime ride on Weds. Wind and cooler temps met us for a fun ride out to Rotary trail and back. 2 Canti, 1 disc, and 1 coaster brake (although JB didn't ride the whole ride with us). The dirt is riding good right now. The colors have arrived and the fall temps are the bomb. This place is magic.