Date: Jan. 14Mileage: 17.8
January mileage: 330.2
Hours: 3:15
Temperature upon departure: 27
Precipitation: .02"/.75" snow
The more movement grinds to a halt, the more time seems to speed by. I slumped over my handlebars and drew a deep breath, again. I wrestled with my right foot until I freed it from the shin-deep snow, again. I planted my foot a few inches down the slope, where it promptly disappeared into the drift, again. I inhaled another big breath and did the same with my left foot. My bike sat upright in the snow with no need for my support. I yanked on the handlebars, but it refused to budge. My calves burned and glutes throbbed as beads of sweat formed on my face in defiance of nonmovement. Even the bike's odometer mocked me, still registering 0.0 mph after more than 50 yards. "Well," I thought. "This is definitely worse than the trail." I waded over to the single soft snowmobile track I had used to trudge up, and now down, the mountain over my seven-mile slog. I looked at my camera display. Two hours had passed. All time and no distance. I was exhausted. I wondered how long it would take to push a bike 350 miles. And I wondered how long I would be able to endure the pushing. In the space where 50 yards is an epic, 350 miles is an eternity.
But it's good exercise, just the same.
A couple more photos from today:
Finally freed from the thick coat of fresh snow on the Dan Moller trail, I worked on my fat bike steering skillz in the Sandy Beach slaloms.
It's fun to come home to my cat, Cady. Cady's lifestyle offers a good balance to mine. She's lazy, pudgy, and fights with every cat she meets. But she's always there to remind me that the best things in life are free. (Or, in the case of a camp chair, nearly free.)
I just stumbled upon your blog, and I have enjoyed it a great deal. Your world of riding is so very different than mine. I am in Alabama, where winter is but a few weeks long and not really very identifiable as winter-ish. LOL
ReplyDeleteI think I have your cats sister here...at least they seem to have the same qualities...
Have a great day!
I LOVE the new heading picture! Very, Very pretty and cool and tough all at the same time!
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best of luck at the event! I'll miss the blogging for a few days! My Grandparents live on the Susitna/Deshka so they will be out there cheering for you! My grandma reads your blog everyday too!
"The best things in life are truly free, the sun don't shine in your t.v."
ReplyDeleteDaniel Johnston
my toddler son somehow stumbled across your blog one time a while back (banging on the keyboard). i've really enjoyed your pics. i'm a cat lover, so the pic of your cat caught my attention - she's got beautiful coloring.
ReplyDeleteAfter a strenuous ride I always grab one of my cats, plop down in my chair and set the cat to medium heat and low purr. After a few moments I'm out. ( And it's the cordless model to boot )
ReplyDeleteLove the blog and the photo's are wonderful.
-Mike from Studebaker Road.
Love you cat. I used to always have a cat but so many in my family seem to be allergic to them so I am not getting another. I had Missy for 21 years though, and I miss her.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, Jill.
Keep up the great work Jill! I've been following you for a while now and love it. You are doing a great job with your photography, it illustrates how different our world can be.
ReplyDeleteCraig
I, too, am enamored of your new header; what a lovely view of Thunder Mountain. I also really like your photo today featuring Mt. Juneau.
ReplyDeleteI have started doing a spinning class, and it's actually not that bad with super nice bikes and a cool blacklight-painted room at Apple. Someday I'll get to the snowbike stage, I hope! Still sending 'strong warm endurance' thoughts your way for your big race event.
Cheers!
Wow, the Sandy Beach picture is spectacular, the texture of the sand, the light/shadows on the sand, and the wonderful background.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Mitch in St. Louis
I agree with Mitch that your photo of "Sandy Beach slaloms" is spectacular. I love it, great photo. Your blog is truly a great read because I too enjoy the bike in much the same way that you do but in much warmer weather. I can relate to a lot of what you write. I too cycle in the winter but taper off as the winter months roll on due to just getting tired of all night bike maintenance! Love your blog, keep it up and good luck at the races!
ReplyDeleteOur cat also loves campchairs. We don't have much furniture but we'll often leave a campchair unfolded. She'll sleep in (just like Cady) and she gets almost territorial about it.
ReplyDelete