High Country Livin'

It snowed a good three inches two nights ago thereby bagging my riding for a few days until the roads clear. This is the first spring I have ever had a road bike and I really like being able to pedal this early in the season. It should warm up this week and melt out quickly though so hopefully tomorrow I can go post-work for a while. After my three hours on the bike this weekend my shoulder was killing me yesterday. My body still very much dislikes road bike body position. It's hard to get used to being so hunched over after riding upright on mtn bikes for so long. Lower back hurts as well. Hopefully all that will go away once I put some more miles in and my muscles get used to it.

Snow Ride

Yesterday it was cold out, 36 on my thermometer (wireless digital of course). I was inside on the couch watching the Tour of California, and wishing I was out riding my bike. After a while, I thought "It's not much colder than 40, which has been my cutoff. I bet if I dressed a little warmer I would be fine." So I suited up with 2 long sleeve polypro shirts, my windbreaker, tights, hat, snowboarding gloves, and neoprene booties. I plugged in my ipod and selected my Songs Of Freedom playlist which includes the whole Bob Marley box set, and a random sampling of other reggae and dub. Pumped up the tires and off I went. Oh yeah, the forecast was 70% chance of snow. I cruised out Gooch Hill Road which is one of my favorites in Bozeman. It rolls through some wheat fields and you get a nice view of the valley. After about an hour, it of course starts to snow. I was a bit more than halfway in distance and had a mostly gently downhill ride back to the house. Having a hard time with snow hitting me in the eyes because I was wearing my normal glasses, I squinted and pedaled as best I could for another 20 minutes, hoping the snow wasn't going to get heavy and start sticking to me. I made it back, a bit chilly but very pleased that I got a good little ride in. 20 miles or so. It was a good way to end my Sunday.

First Trail Ride

One week ago on Sunday Ciaran and I went on the first trail ride of the year. I have a few pictures here.

First Rides

So I have been able to ride my bike finally, after the depth of winter has passed. I went on my first mtn bike ride last weekend at a secret location with my friend Ciaran. Good singletrack descent, some mud, and much fun. This is the first spring I have ever had a road bike as well, and I have been taking advantage of it. I discovered a good 10 mile loop from my work, with another one that is probably about 25 that I have not done yet. But twice this week I rallied the short one, and was really happy to be out pedalling. Passing cows and potato fields mostly, rural montana at it's best.