The trails at North Park have been so messy. The dozen or so freeze-thaw cycles we've had in the last couple months have really done a number. Add in some careless riders, a few random horses, and there you go. Semi-frozen, rutted trails.
It was really cold in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the ground was still a little mushy, so we opted to stay on the closed bypass road above the north ridge. It had about a 10-14" base neatly laid on top with a nice history of cross country ski tracks and a long stride of footprints from a runner either really tall or really fast.
We had the demo Mukluk that Chrissy let us borrow from the shop. The bike definitely feels heavy on any uphill, but I had no reservations bombing a descent. Any and all wipe-outs were quickly absorbed by soft white fluffiness and wool clothing.
On Sunday, we did a road ride with Don and Joe. It was about 12 or 14 degrees when we started, so we were definitely giving any onlookers the idea that we were super manly. Turns out we were, because we somehow managed to stay out for two and a half hours on the windy road.
Really though, it wasn't too cold other than some slightly-numb fingers. It was just nice to be outside. Fitness wise, I felt good, which I'm satisfied with for being late January.
On a sort of related, but mostly unrelated note, I have a mini fridge right behind my desk at work. Ian put some freeze-pops in there about a month ago, and they've stayed fully liquified until early this week. I'm not sure why they're all of a sudden starting to freeze after 30+ days. It's kind of the scientific wonder. My theory is the frost accumulation at the top of the freezer box is getting closer and closer. At this rate, we should have fully frozen freeze-pops by June when we'll really need them. Or, next week if it decides to jump up to 65 again : )
