Back in the Ice Box

This past week was an interesting one as far as commuting goes. Temps dropped below zero again and has turned a lot of the melted snow into glare ice, making for a slick and unpredictable ride.

For awhile now I have been riding my cross-check to work. I have it set up fixed with two brakes, flat bar, road tires and rear pannier. This set up is nice when the streets are dry or there is ice on the road from an over night frost. When it is icy I feel way more comfortable slowing down by back pedaling than braking and the fixed gear keeps the skinny tires rolling through snow pretty good.

However when the temps drop below zero I ride my Vaya to work. Riding gears allows me to easily regulate my body temp and ensure I don't get too sweaty and then get too cold. My Vaya also has barmits which help keep my hands warm when it is below zero. Also when there are big snow and ice ruts in the road it is nice to coast the Vaya's big tires over any sketchy sections.

Finally, I skied again on Wed; two weeks in a row. I know this is nothing to brag about, but I am happy to be taking a day off the bike and to be outside focusing on another activity.


Now playing: Bright Eyes - Make War
via FoxyTunes

Cross Country Skiing

Wednesday was the first time this year I've left my bike at home to drive into work. Not because it was too cold or too icy or I that was too sick to ride. But because I haven't cross country skied all year and I wanted to get out. I decided to drive in early and ski after work while the sun was still up.

The conditions were great. Temps in the 20's, good snow, a light breeze and plenty sun. I felt comfortable on my skies, my technique seemed as good (or bad) as I remember it being at the end of last season, but an hour was all I wanted to do my first time out.

My goal is to drive in and ski every Wednesday. Hopefully I can stick to the plan.


Now playing: Elvis Presley - Don't Cry Daddy
via FoxyTunes

Commuter log

Two for Two in 2010.
That is two days commuting to work with mornings temps below zero.
Yesterdays temps were 9below in the morning and 3above in the evening.
Today's temps were around 3below in the morning and 9above on the ride home.

Although it has been cold I have stayed comfortable with the layers I am wearing.
Head=Windproof Balaclava with no glasses and a regular bike helmet
Top=1 ss base layer, 1ls mid-weight layer, 1 heavy wool sweater, and a winter riding jacket
Bottom=long riding tights under wind proof fleece tights with light knickers on top
Feet=poly-under socks to absorb sweat, wool socks for heat. Thermal hiking boots 1.5 sizes too big for room and circulation.

I have also started using a pannier instead of a backpack. It is nice to take the load off of my back. Not having a pack on my back helps to eliminate any unwanted sweat on my back from where my backpack would sit.

My New Years Blog

Another year has come and gone; they sure seem to go fast. Katie and I had another great year. Katie still nanny's for two families which really makes her happy and I will be turning 7 years at QBP in March. We have been in our house now for about 18 months and enjoy working on little projects and home improvements. My garage/bike shop is almost complete, with the frigid weather I haven't spent the time in it I would've like straightening things out. Gretta, our "baby girl", turned two in October. She is a lot of fun and really makes us laugh. If you didn't know, Gretta is our dog, sorry to lead anyone on. I am continuing to bike a lot and already looking forward to next spring. However I hope to do more cross country skiing this winter and take a little more time off the bike.

Looking forward to this summer, I only have a handful of bike events I want to do. Then I plan on doing more camping and hopefully some traveling.

The short list...
?. Road Trip to the South East; Tennessee, North Carolina, ???
1. Ragnarok 105- 105 mile gravel road event in April
2. Almanzo 100- 100 mile gravel event in May-The timing of this event is not good for me, but I will see if I can pull it off.
3. Dirty Kanza 200- 200 miles gravel in June
?. Bike camping trip up the North Shore?

Here's to a new year; I wish all of you peace and happiness in 2k10.


Now playing: Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy