Coyote Coulee, one of our easy rides, and I cold barely spin the pedals faster than a Bose–Einstein condensate locked in a laser trap.
Enough of the whine, whine, whine we already know you were weak, I know you are all thinking. What we want to know is; how was the ride?
Well, the sun sets a wee bit earlier this time of year, so it was dark before we ever started. A couple of inches of snow covered the trail, hiding smaller rocks and greasing the water bars. The water crossings were frozen solid, keeping our feet dry. Even in my weakened state I was amazed how just a little snow makes climbs more challenging and descents interesting at any speed.
I was reminded that as much as I like lights mounters on the handlebar, a helmet mounted light would be preferable on the turns. As it happens there are some sweet 1200 lumen lights for sale at the barn, just in case anyone is looking to get me a Christmas present. Even with lights the ride still had that ride by braille feel and guess where the rocks and roots were hidden in the gloom or buried under the thin layer of snow.
I guess most everyone else must have had holidays parties to attend, since I simply can't believe that everyone else wussed out preferring the hamster cages at the Canyons to the some crisp December fresh air. It's not like it was cold out, just barely below freezing.
Many thanks to Jeff and Cory for not abandoning me deep in the woods. It was always heartening to see the occasional reflections of light bouncing off reflective pants and coats in the distance, instead of glowing eyeballs.
I'm not sure how many more winter ride we plan, but the week before full moon's seems to have the best chance at light, even if the forest blocks most of the moonlight. If we are lucky future rides will be fat bike territory.
