In Which I Enjoy a Snow Spin

Sunset over Dry Creek on trail bridge of the side trail to the Boyson Trail.

Last weekend was supposed to be the one where members of the Social Distance Cycling Club talked about types of snow, so I am a little late to the party.

We’ve had a persistent snow cover in Iowa for most of January, and colder weather is on the way. It was 7 degrees Fahrenheit this morning—in Celsius, I think that’s somewhere around “damn, it’s cold!” Yet, I put on the layers and headed out.

And it was one of my more pleasant winter rides. The wind was in my face, but fortunately not that strong. The sun was shining, the road mostly clear and the biker buried under denim and long underwear was mostly warm, although my face would disagree. I guess if the digits—toes and fingers—are happy, the winter biker is happy.

On the way home, I decided for no particular reason to go to the back side of the Bowman Woods Hill, which meant a jaunt down the Lindale Trail and the side trail to the Boyson Trail. Most of the Lindale Trail was mostly clear, although I had to roll over ice and snow in places. The side trail to the Boyson Trail (I think that little stub of a trail needs its own name—can we agree to call it “Joe Trail?”) was packed in snow.

Front tyre on snowy limestone trail surface. Good day for the mountain bike!

But it was not super slick and I was on my mountain bike. I simply rolled more slowly than usual—which is a feat since I’m always a slow biker. My one super power is an ability to balance at very low speeds.

Anyway, today was a good day. The morning ride was chilly, but OK. The afternoon ride was windier but also much warmer, and I had a good day on the snow. Whatever kind it was.

Two view of my bike parked at Mount Mercy University this morning.