Saturday, February 02, 2008

Peak weekend and the big move

Date: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
Mileage: 78.0 and 65.3
January mileage: 833.8
February mileage: 65.3
Hours: 8:15 and 8:00
Temperature: 8 and 20

This week, I learned an important lesson ... do not try to peak out your training and move to a new apartment in the same weekend. I don't know what's more exhausting: Hauling all the pieces to a king-sized bed a half block over glare ice; making dozens of weighted-down trips up two flights of stairs; cycling two consecutive eight-hour days; or attempting to organize a glut of stuff in an apartment already occupied by somebody else. I am going to go ahead and say the last task is the most exhausting. It's the only task not yet completed.

Still, I have been terribly busy, so I'm sorry to the people I owe e-mails and phone calls to. I don't even have much time to blog right now. But I had a encouraging, successful weekend of training in two very different conditions: Cold and clear, then warmer and snowy. I thought I'd throw in a picture dump of sorts right now, and maybe I'll have time to blather about it later. Enjoy.

I normally don't ride this close to the glacier, but I couldn't resist.

Eagle Beach wouldn't be such a bad winter camp spot.

There's Romeo, sitting in the snow. I'm really starting to get attached to this wolf. I wonder if he would let me take him home? Just kidding. My cats would hate that.

I didn't load down my bike this weekend, if only because I can't find half my gear. Hopefully it pops up from the crush of possessions in time for the race.

Lots of fresh snow made the riding extra slow today. But it still amazes me that I can even ride at all once the narrow trails have been generously powder-dusted. I've now used three different types of bikes for my winter riding. They've all had their advantages and disadvantages, but this Pugsley is truly the alpha bike.

13 comments:

  1. nice pics, jill.... don't stress yourself out with all that activity!

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  2. thanks for the new pics, I can't wait to be there. fyi-I think it's you in the pic in the blog title for fat cyclist? I am sure you did

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  3. Love the pics! Really enjoy following along with you on each ride, so thanks for letting us tag along. Hope the move goes well and you find your gear!

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  4. Best of luck in the race! I live in Grand Junction, CO. I hang out on Fatty's blog from time to time, as I am his brother-in-law. I am also an acquaintance of one Mike Curiak, of Iditabike fame. He has done it a few times, and knowing his capacity for endurance, gives me a hint of what you must be made of. It must be good to be tough.

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  5. great pics@! Man, you are one tough cookie!

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  6. Moving into an apartment already occupied? What's up with that? A bit of overlap or are you going "commune?"

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  7. I agree with the other comments, fantastic pics, and good luck in the race.

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  8. Hey Jill~ Glad to hear you and Geoff accomplished your "move" without any significant problems. I was worried you might twist an ankle moving your 60" plasma screen TV ;-)

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  9. Jill,
    You are incredible. I've enjoyed every post and the pics are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration - just turned my old hard tail into my winter commuter. Check out the pics of my 2 yr old future snow biker: http://www.ericmoody.blogspot.com/

    Keep up the hard work and good luck!!

    Cheers,
    Eric

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  11. Thanks for sharing Romeo's story with the rest of us. I hope he fares well. He does seem to be so lonely.
    Growing up in northern Minnesota I often had the opportunity to hear wolves howl on those cold winter nights. Over the years I've grown to be quite enamored with the species. I'm looking forward to getting up to the Gunflint Trail later this month. I miss it immensely.

    Once again, I wish you well in your endeavor and hope that all the details and plans are falling into place. I look forward to following your progress.

    Nigity - "Always keep a smile in your heart."

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  12. It was only a matter of time before I left a post wishing you luck with your training and the upcoming Iditabike....So Good Luck! Velonews turned me to your blog and since then I've been hooked by your photos and writings. I live in Mackenzie BC, we are just coming out of a cold snap and should be receiving a good dump of snow this week, so not only am I looking forward to some great powder riding on my snowboard at the local hill but to also get back on my bike (in less severe temps) and that I owe to you. Thanks for the inspiration, I'm loving the bike rides short as they may be.
    Take care and remember to taper.
    Mich :)

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  13. Really enjoying your blog, Jill. Fantastic photos and now, Romeo the wolf!

    Thanks.

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