and now, we'll return you to what
@Saratoga Dave is referring to as the concept of "freezing hell".
As we've been hovering around -30C. riding was not in my plans. But today it got up to -5C for a while and I took advantage for a relatively short ride.
The first question was what to wear, which included the choice of balaclava or mask.
Since Valentines day provided some new masks, I thought I'd try one.
Got quite a few reactions on the ride!
Route today was up onto Nose Hill, and a short tour of a neighboring area. My first intended route up to the hill was too much deep snow, so I ended up riding a round about way via back alleys.
They were all hard packed and icy, and the studded tires worked like a charm. On short section I had to walk with "walk mode" as I got stopped in deeper snow and there was no way I was getting started again.
Took a short break at 6km to take some pictures. The pathways had a 30-50cm (12"-18") rideable surface where people had packed the snow down while walking. If you got off that - it got dicey.
There was one direction from there that I've done in the summer, but not in the snow. I'm not sure if the steepness comes across in that picture, but not a sensible route while riding solo in the winter with a bum shoulder.
At 8 Km, I headed onto one of my favorite trails that ends up at the MacEwan community, just about 500 meters from my brother's house.
One particular pathway wouldn't be doable with out the studs...a sharp turn and a steep icy downhill at -16 degrees. No problems...
From there, it was really just picking a route home as the temperature was dropping and I was slightly under dressed.
I'd anticipated better solar warming but it clouded over and I think it will be snowing soon.
That's all for now - it was great to get out on the wheels again.
It's been over two weeks since the last ride and the indoor bike has zero fun factor built in.
Final note - I have had a couple of instances lately where my phone died (or froze) while I was out on a ride.
I did have a battery pack that fit my top-tube bag, but it was tight. I purchased a USB cable with 90 degree connectors and it now fits nicely in the space.
They were a 3 pack as a daily deal at Amazon last week and were cheap...