Tamarack Tour

Sunday's forecast was calling for the warmest weather we've had in a couple of weeks, so I just had to get out for what would probably be my last 50 miler of the year.
I left the house at 7:30. I wasn't bright enough to wait until later in the morning to leave, which meant I didn't really get to enjoy the warmer weather. That was OK. Comfort's overrated anyway.


Too cute to not take a picture.




After 24 miles of pavement it was time to hit the dirt. One good thing about riding dirt roads is that it gives you an opportunity to check your tire pressure.


Just the middle third of the tire is dirty. Pressure looks good!


Dirt roads tend to have better scenery too.








This was the best looking tree I saw all day. It was neat the way the smaller spruce was growing right next to it.




Here are two hard working pieces of heavy equipment.




He and I had a little staredown going on. I was very glad there was a fence between us.


Click on it. You know you want to.

Testing

We're going to be without a computer for a couple weeks coming up so I thought I'd attempt posting from my phone.

I don't think the photo quality will suffer, as my camera has wi-fi, so I won't be stuck using the phone's camera. The only issue I see is having to type on the tiny keyboard. Good thing I don't usually say much. The finger cramps shouldn't be too bad.

As an added bonus, if it works well I may even post more frequently.

















Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Searching For Snow

Let's see......I have the day off.......it's 30 degrees and windy.......what should I do?
I've got it! How about a bike ride!

The forecast was calling for scattered flurries, so I thought I would go out and look for some of that elusive October snow.


Hey! There's a little bit falling.


Tastes pretty good.
Good thing it doesn't snow in the summer. I'd probably end up with a gullet full of bugs. If I had a gullet, that is.


A bit more falling here, but not enough to stick.


Better sneak in a bike picture before it starts up again.


I'm going to avoid boots for as long as I can this year. I'll just keep piling on the wool socks.


I brought some hot tea along to help warm me up. I didn't really need it. I tend to build up an excess of heat all on my own.


I think the Ogre has had enough picture taking for one day.


I find it very hard to get a good picture of both a bike and a tall tree.


It's probably best to just keep the bike out of it.


I stopped at my favorite rest stop on the way back. The wind was picking up some extra chill coming across the lake so I didn't stay long.

I ended up with 23 miles and most of the feeling remaining in my toes. I think I'm acclimating pretty well.

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 3

Just the facts for today's coffeeneuring report. Along with pictures of course.

Destination: Coffee shop without walls, Rice Lake town park. Thankfully, there was a roof.
Coffee: French Roast with hazelnut soy creamer.
Preparation: Jet Boil and GSI Javapress mugs.
Total Mileage: 3.7
Weather Conditions: 34F. We were really hoping for snow, but just got cold drizzle.

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 2

For our 2nd coffeeneuring ride we pedaled our way over to Sala Thai restaurant for what else? Thai Coffee.


Proof that we rode.


We took full advantage of the balmy 39 degree temp and drank our iced coffees outside.


Seeing as it was about lunchtime, appetizers were in order.


We stretched our little ride out to 4 miles so we could drop a couple books off at a nearby Little Free Library.

Coming up tomorrow: A snow ride perhaps.
We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 1

Trish and I have been looking for a way to stimulate our riding experience lately, and came across the perfect way to do so by joining the 2013 Coffeeneuring Challenge. It is put on by MG of Chasing Mailboxes as a way to combine cycling and drinking coffee. Complete rules can be found here.

Our first ride was an 8 mile round trip on Sunday to Bixby's Cafe, which happens to be the coffee shop nearest to our house.


We made our way through the "forest."

and down the hill.

We weren't quite happy with the provided parking area


so we made our own.


We each had a mocha. Trish had a small with almond milk, mine was a medium with soy.


Trish, showing much more prudence than I, saved some of her coffee for the ride home.


What goes down must go up. Good thing we got the caffeine boost.