This week had a pretty diverse weather forecast. Some days, it was 60-70F and I was riding in shorts. Near the end of the week (like today), highs in the low 30s and lots of snow. I had a pretty good training week, and focused on force. Base miles = mostly Zone 2.
Wednesday… road bike up a canyon.
Some mountain biking at Heil Ranch/Picture Rock on Thursday. It was 70F out, and I saw like 15 people on the trail during the afternoon!
I love how my Suunto T6 maps the elevation profile. COOL!
Then back to the road bike on Friday.
The forecast for today, Saturday, was 5-10″ of snow starting the in PM, so I tried to get out a little earlier. It was about 30F in town when I left, pretty cold all in all. The only saving grace was that it wasn’t super wet outside, so I was able to stay warm. Climbing for 2+ hours ensured I was super warm… in fact, I was sweating a ton! I had to take off my jacket and strap it to my pack, and my hair was getting wet from sweat. On the way back down, it froze solid and was whipping around in the wind like a squirrel tail.
Here is a video I took. Skip the first 15 sec, they are super bouncy!
Watch the car coming… run little squirrel!!!
I brought the pack because it was easier to carry clothing, and I also added some weight to it. Carrying weight uphill can make you stronger!
Definitely wintery in the mountains.
I rode to Gold Hill via Sunshine Canyon. It was the foggiest there. I continued up Gold Hill Rd, and came down Sawmill.
There was some carnage… looks like a couple cars caught on fire.
About to go down Sawmill Road.
Then headed up the road to Peak to Peak Highway.
I rode a little ways on Peak to Peak before I decided it was too wet.
Lefthand Canyon was wet near the top because it was snowing.
I brought some Chai (the sugary kind!) in my Nissan thermos. It kept it piping hot for 3 hours.
The hardest part about riding up the canyons in the winter is the ride back down. My hands freeze no matter what gloves I wear. I tried something creative this time. I think I want to try these gloves.
I have never owned actual base layers (I always used running shirts), and I just got some Craft baselayers. I am very impressed with them. They totally rock!
Being warm makes me happy. What a goober.
Last weekend, it was warm and the colors were red and brown. This weekend, it is cold, and everything is turning dark with white snow. Tomorrow – hiking. Next weekend…. Albuquerque!
Are those female boob enhancing base layers with that pattern??!
Keeps the girls warm. 🙂
I have the same nissan thermos and use it all winter. If you wrap your bottle cage with electrical tape in two spots (to add thickness) it fits nicely in there and, like you said, will keep drinks nice and warm during multi hour rides. I usually carry a coffee/hot chocolate mixture.
Cool bottle cage tip! I was carrying it in my pack, but it’d be fun to have it on the bike. Mmmm, hot chocolate/coffee.
I have those lobster gloves and honestly have not been too impressed. The inner glove is quite thin and my fingers still get super cold. I’m looking for a thicker inner glove but as the come I haven’t been too impressed. Just my two pennies.