Riding, Among Other Things

Dave and Rich at Wheeler

Yes, winter is a great time to get out on the bike. Dress well, pay attention to conditions, and that ride can be just as enjoyable as any you do any time of year. The paved roads have been clear in recent weeks and the dirt roads have been very ride-able, with few ice patches to freak you out.

Connie on a Climb

In terms of getting into the woods, though, the trails have been bike sketchy for the most part. The woods are open to other opportunities, however. For over a week, since the last big snowfall, the conditions for cross-country skiing have been nearly ideal. There was no base to speak of for a few days, but there was plenty of snow to slide over even if the poles bonged hard into the solid earth hidden under a frail layer of snow beside the tracks. The base is now there. We just need continued snowfall to maintain this winter experience. Around here you never know if that's possible, so catch the skiing while you can. Louisiana and Washington DC are hogging the snow this year. I imagine skiing is great in the south.

There's so much going on when you're out there on skis. It's not just the legs that get a workout. The entire body is into the rhythm of it all. It's about using your whole form to keep the momentum and balance. On top of that, it fills that desire to wander around in the woods and stare at trees and rolling hills.





















oRo on Skis, or Maybe That's _R_ In This Case

I'm what is known as a classic skier. I get out on those two-track trails and wander through the forest. Some time I plan on getting into skate skiing as well, but I need a few more equipment essentials to pull that off. Huron Meadows will happen. In the meantime, classic skiing makes me very happy.

Stinchfield Woods has been one of the destinations. I bow down to Hellriders for cutting out fallen trees and keeping the trails open for cruising. Radrick Farms has been great as well, nearby yet it feels like I'm up north somewhere. I do wish they'd fix the bridge at the bottom of that sleek hill, though the bare I-beam is an interesting obstacle to traverse on 200cm skis. I'm just thankful U-M lets us use the place.

Hiking is also great this time of year. The Crooked Lake Trail at the Silver Lake State Park is an epiphany every time I hike it. Plus, it's good to see a trail from a perspective other than a bike. (Yes, I did say that.)

While standing on a bridge at the rim of Pickerel Lake with Connie, Charles, and Becky, a jogger tromped loudly across the bridge, scaring a muskrat we were watching on the ice below. He dove into the bitter water and we followed his form as he moved under the transparent layer of ice. I've never seen a jogger swim like that before.

Okay, sure, it was the muskrat under the ice. Fine. I liked the jogger under the ice image.

Connie, Becky & Charles at Pickerel Lake

Anyway, it was nice to see the jogger, the muskrat, the lake, the hills, and all those darned trees. Doggone, it took years to put them trees in there. Somebody has to enjoy them.

Bike riding is still good. I've been out on both dirt and paved roads this past week and they too are full of that winter joy only available this time of year.

The landforms are visible with their snowy cloak and leafless vegetation, the rivers and streams are draped with sculpted snow forms on the logs and overhanging trees, the farm fields stand out with their russet stubble in white, and the red barns are a great contrast to the surrounding fleece.

So, if you want to get off those rollers for a bit and wander back outside there are still plenty of options. If cabin fever hasn't set in yet, you know it's coming soon.

All photos ©copyright oRo