Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
With the recent trend of warm weather and lack of snow, the local trails have taken on an unusual patchy appearance this time of the year and the long-range forecast doesn’t appear to indicate that any severe change is forthcoming. It might have those dreaming of a white Christmas to keep on dreaming.
Meanwhile, I was able to hit the trails yesterday with a sprightlier pace thanks to the hardpack and ice beneath the studded fat boys. It was also a rare opportunity to ride the singles at the local mtb park which is normally covered in snow and sees little use due during the winter season due to its slightly more technical nature.
Only one of two riders that I encountered yesterday during my entire ride. Weekends almost always draw people out which I tend to avoid as I love the solitude of having the trails to myself.
I paused briefly to take in the view of the Red Deer river before moving further up the trail.
A final mad scramble up this rutted single before departing the Heritage Park system.
A frozen and solemn looking Piper Creek takes on a completely different appearance than it did over a month ago when all of the trees were coated in thick layers of white glistening snow.
Beaver activity is abundantly prevalent here all year round. This large poplar hasn’t succumbed to the sharp incisors of these busy mammals yet but given time it too will soon meet its fate. It’s not too late for the other two neighboring trees with their surrounding protective wire mesh which so far has prevented a similar demise.
Another stop along the river bank to soak in the mild temps before making my way towards the trails on the north side of the city.
And yet another break to admire the chunks of surface ice as the action of the river current chugs along despite the obvious floe in its path.
Arriving at the mtb park, I noticed a number of fat tire tracks leading me to believe that others had the same idea taking advantage of the semi-frozen ground conditions. Not ideal but totally rideable.
The visible abrasions from bar ends on either side of these trees indicates how narrow the distance is between them which was slightly broader than the width of my 760 mm bar.
With the lack of snow, sections of trails are clearly readable allowing for safer passage down descents. Having spiked tires does help significantly but added caution must still be exercised without knowing what lies beneath cover.
Less snow cover means more exposed roots which could wear down one's stamina if riding a rigid bike. Thankfully, the Norco’s Manitou forks made the task of overcoming them less dramatic which resulted in a more compliant ride.
As sunset approaches, I head back towards home base along the bare pathway and across the converted CP rail pedestrian bridge near the end of my ride. This has me thinking that it might be a good time to head to one of the mountain parks for a much-needed change of scenery.
Meanwhile, I was able to hit the trails yesterday with a sprightlier pace thanks to the hardpack and ice beneath the studded fat boys. It was also a rare opportunity to ride the singles at the local mtb park which is normally covered in snow and sees little use due during the winter season due to its slightly more technical nature.
Only one of two riders that I encountered yesterday during my entire ride. Weekends almost always draw people out which I tend to avoid as I love the solitude of having the trails to myself.
I paused briefly to take in the view of the Red Deer river before moving further up the trail.
A final mad scramble up this rutted single before departing the Heritage Park system.
A frozen and solemn looking Piper Creek takes on a completely different appearance than it did over a month ago when all of the trees were coated in thick layers of white glistening snow.
Beaver activity is abundantly prevalent here all year round. This large poplar hasn’t succumbed to the sharp incisors of these busy mammals yet but given time it too will soon meet its fate. It’s not too late for the other two neighboring trees with their surrounding protective wire mesh which so far has prevented a similar demise.
Another stop along the river bank to soak in the mild temps before making my way towards the trails on the north side of the city.
And yet another break to admire the chunks of surface ice as the action of the river current chugs along despite the obvious floe in its path.
Arriving at the mtb park, I noticed a number of fat tire tracks leading me to believe that others had the same idea taking advantage of the semi-frozen ground conditions. Not ideal but totally rideable.
The visible abrasions from bar ends on either side of these trees indicates how narrow the distance is between them which was slightly broader than the width of my 760 mm bar.
With the lack of snow, sections of trails are clearly readable allowing for safer passage down descents. Having spiked tires does help significantly but added caution must still be exercised without knowing what lies beneath cover.
Less snow cover means more exposed roots which could wear down one's stamina if riding a rigid bike. Thankfully, the Norco’s Manitou forks made the task of overcoming them less dramatic which resulted in a more compliant ride.
As sunset approaches, I head back towards home base along the bare pathway and across the converted CP rail pedestrian bridge near the end of my ride. This has me thinking that it might be a good time to head to one of the mountain parks for a much-needed change of scenery.
There was a bonus though, as I approached Limerigg the Black Loch was flat calm and I got some nice photos of the sunset!
