30 Days of Biking: Meh

Well, It seems I just wasn't into 30 days of biking as much as I was last year. Between all the snow we got (the snowiest month in Duluth EVER!!!), and working longer shifts this year, I just haven't had that much desire to get out and ride every day. I guess 21 days of biking this month will have to do.

And now for your viewing pleasure, here is a goose along with a couple of loons that I spotted on last Thursday's ride.

It's a rare thing when birds don't take off before I get a chance to take a picture. The trick seems to be shooting without stopping the bike first. Having a camera with 12x zoom doesn't hurt either.

30 Days of Biking: One Shot

On several of my rides this month I've left the house with the intention of only taking a single picture, and then whether I like it or not, using it on the blog. Today was the first time I've been able to control myself and stop at one.

30 Days of Biking: Flocked

Today's ride was just a short one. We got another 4 inches of snow last night, and today turned out to be dreary and damp. The trees sure did look pretty though.

30 Days of Biking: Making Progress

It's looks like Spring is starting to take control. I think that's pavement!

30 Days of Biking: SnOgre*

After taking two days off to do just a little bit of shoveling, I got out today for a couple hours of saddle time on the Ogre.


We got about a foot of snow on Thursday and Friday. Despite the plow drivers' best efforts, some of it wanted to stick around.
I freely admit that I rode on the fog line for most of this stretch. Not only was it the path of least resistance, it was also my best chance at staying upright.


Some roads were fully covered with snow.


While others were clear as could be.


I stopped at the Fredenberg picnic shelter for a snack break.
I've probably stopped her twenty times on twenty rides and have yet to see another person.


I was actually much happier than I look here. I must not like my picture taken.


Will the ice ever go out?


It should be smooth sailing in another couple of weeks. Winter has to end sometime.


One final bike shot just to keep the ratio above fifty percent.

*I don't believe I will refer to it as the SnOgre again. It's a bit too corny even for me.

30 Days of Biking: Ten on The Tenth

Nothing too exciting happened during today's 10 mile ride. Unless you count the huge owl that flew along side me for several seconds while being chased by a crow. I tried to get a picture, but by the time I got my camera out it was gone from view. As the saying goes,"No picture, didn't happen."

Speaking of no pictures, I didn't get any good ones today, so we'll just have to look at tomorrow's weather instead.

It looks to be fat tire weather for the next couple of days. I'm just not sure whether thats a good thing or a bad thing. I'm about ready for spring.

30 Days of Biking: Cause and Effect

Today I learned about cause and effect.

Sunday ride took me through stuff like this:


Which caused my drivetrain to look like this:


The effect was a noisy, jumpy chain that led to today's ride being cut short.

Now where'd I put that lube?

30 Days of Biking: Serendipity

I stopped during my ride today to take this......



and as fortune would have it, these two flew overhead.



It's great when things come together like that.

30 Days of Biking: Tin Man

Once yesterday's snowfall melted from the roads I headed out for a sixteen mile ride.



I would have gone farther, but I figured once you start seeing giant fictional characters it's probably time to call it a day.

30 Days of Biking: April in Minnesota

What a difference a day makes.

30 Days of Biking: Mire

30 Days of Biking: Around the Block

After a tiring day of work, I just didn't have the energy to go for a long ride. Bailing on day four of my commitment to ride every day this month wasn't an option, so I decided to just go for a spin around the block.
How long was my ride? I have no idea.
Why am I so clueless? Because today was the first time in as long as I can remember that I didn't mount my GPS to my handlebar.



Speaking as someone who is pretty obsessive about tracking my mileage, I have to admit that it is very freeing to not think about how far or fast (or slow) I've gone.
I'll have to do it again........maybe next year.

30 Days of Biking: Lapsed

20 Miles in 52 Seconds

Next time I'll have to add some music.

30 Days of Biking: Blue

30 Days of Biking: Discovery

It's hard to believe that I didn't notice this a long time ago, but I discovered today that my bike directly controls the speed of the wind.



It actually isn't the bike, just the rear shifter. Although the wind was pretty strong to begin with, it never gusted until I shifted into a higher gear. Anytime I shifted up the wind would pick up immediately, while shifting down would have the opposite effect. I found the phenomenon very curious.
I will continue my research as the month progresses and report back with any further observations. Stay tuned.