So it was especially gratifying that, a mere three days after a two-foot dump of late October snow, roads had cleared beautifully just in time for seven riders to seize the day - the first day of the month, to be specific - for a November ride.Leslie Sutton, John Klever, Jane Yant, Tammie Nakamura, Ken Heck, Ronaele Foss and I can attest to the fine conditions. Brilliant snow decks the Indian Peaks, seen from 95th St.
Riders pulling into Roggen were eagerly apprised of those who'd come before by the proprietor of the control store. Tammie Nakamura enjoys a snack in Roggen, in front of some snow remnant:
Heading into the sun with a tailwind was nice as far as that went ... but what would that bode for the trip home?? But in fact at just about the time we turned west at Roggen, the winds turned conveniently to push us all home! Kersey Road reminds us that folks out east have a much more expansive view of the Front Range than we do. The Front Range viewed from a ranch entrance on Kersey Road:
What was tough driving through snowdrifts a couple days before is now a matter of water crossings:
And scenic drifts were still to be had as we headed back into Boulder County:
All in all, a beautiful day for a 200k, and hopefully (though not likely!) a harbinger for some of our winter riding.
What was tough driving through snowdrifts a couple days before is now a matter of water crossings:
And scenic drifts were still to be had as we headed back into Boulder County:
All in all, a beautiful day for a 200k, and hopefully (though not likely!) a harbinger for some of our winter riding. 
Used to live in Loveland and Longmont; now in Seattle. I miss that snow! No, truly. It is grand. When the foothills are dusted on a clear day, it can't be beat.
ReplyDeleteWas out there visiting this summer, and checked out the cycling scene a little. Posted about the Bike Library in Fort Collins. Very cool concept.
Any cold weather gear suggestions for those of us who don't get weather that cold that often? Love the pics!
Thanks, Mr. Curious. A nice comment!
ReplyDeleteFor cold weather riding, I'd recommend (1) layering, (2) keeping fingers, toes, and head warm. As you know, it's fairly arid here (good) but as a result there are wide temp ranges to deal with (challenging) - 35-40 degrees not uncommon. Keeping the extremities from frosting over those first few hours is a focus.
Advice that applies generally to cold weather riding, of course.
Finally: keeping nutrition (and hence energy level) up!