In Which There Are Several Winter Rides

Council Street sidewalk on a warm Sunday, late in the afternoon. Slightly sloppy pavement.

The Fancy Beast has come in handy. Sunday, Feb. 2, was actually fairly warm with some sun and above freezing temperatures.

In the morning, I played out in the sloppy snow with some grandchildren. And late in the day, I headed out for a quick bicycle ride down to Cedar Lake.

Despite a persistent snowpack, the dry weather has lasted long enough to clear most pavement. However, the Sunday melt led to icy sidewalks Monday, which was also caucus day, and I rode to work that day. Tuesday, I was to speak in my wife’s class as a guest lecturer and rode to work with her.

Sunday: The Fancy Beast on the Cedar River Trail (above). Sun setting at Cedar Lake (below).

It was colder today, Feb. 5. And there was a tiny chance of snow. But it stayed dry, and I gambled that the mountain bike would be able to handle any minor snow. There was none, and I did ride.

With thermal underwear on.

February—you’re an extra day long this year, and you’re one of the harder months of the year. We’re tired of winter by now, but it’s not done with us. I won’t get anymore work rides in this week—I am attending a media convention Thursday and Friday, but I do feel fortunate to get at least two rides in during this winter week.