Snowy Tightrope

March is arriving in much the same manner as February left off and I can't say as I'm a big fan. I am really hoping that the cold weather breaks soon and we get into at least the low 50s by mid month, probably optimistic thinking but it would be more normal than this ice box we are stuck in now; will it happen, only time will tell. We had a bit of a smallish group for the SMNDFBR but with the chilly temps, mountains of snow on the ground and the forecast calling for more during the day; that wasn't all that big of a surprise that some folks decided to beg off. Then, of course, there were the streets; in true Lincoln fashion the ice on the residential streets is so shiny that I swear they must be plowing them with a crew of Zamboni. I swear I could see the blue line under the sheet ice at one point; thankfully the puck had already crossed, so we were good in that aspect.


Came across a guy walking down the bike path in the middle of winter in full Army battle gear just before we got to N Street, not sure what that was all about but that's something you don't see every day.


2 for 2 on things you don't see everyday, Plasma Center is changing names and taking up the entire street to do so at least the N Street Bike Way was still opened and I suppose it was Saturday so probably not too much traffic.




The plan was to get back into Wilderness Park again this week, with all the snow and ice, the gravel might be a tad sketchy in places; plus I had an appointment in the Park later that day so the Park just made sense. I imagine most non Fat Bike folks probably think that the Fat Bikes are having the time of our lives this winter but they would be wrong. Without the ability to properly groom the trails around here to keep the tread packed down there is a point where the snow is just too deep to be much fun; even with 4" tires until it gets ridden in. Even after it gets ridden in, it becomes a balancing act in the snow, using tires to groom the trails, you end up with an 8 inch wide ribbon of packed snow; if you can stay on that ribbon then life is good. Fall off that ribbon by even an half an inch and your tires start to sink and pull you off the trail even further, sapping all of your momentum. Due to this falling was the norm on Saturday and quite a few of us went down at one point or another; mostly due to being unable to unclip in time when you came to a dead stop but at least the snow is a bit softer than dirt.




It wasn't all bad though, actually it was mostly good as we have had a few folks riding in as many of the trails as they can and those sections are rolling good.



We did a brief attempt at breaking new trail on a section that hadn't been ridden in yet but only made it about 200 yards before we got passed by a lady walking her two small terriers and we decided to give it up and retrace our steps. Plowing through the snow does work up quite the thirst though, Gary and Joe had just the remedy for that in the form of two delicious bridge beers.


We only made it as far as the suspension bridge south of Old Cheney Road before we ran into Ed and Schmidty coming the other way. Both of them had ventured a little bit further down and reported that it was pretty tough going since nobody on two wheels had been down that way yet, so we decided to just turn around and head back to the bridge. We were meeting some folks there soon anyway to discuss the new route for the upcoming Run for the Bridges so it was like life was telling us we didn't need to slog along any further today.





Despite the colder temps and the deep snow, the Park was full of folks on Saturday; lots of Rastas out there also. Even met up with a cross country skier or two out enjoying the white stuff.



Wasn't long after we made it back to the bridge that the rest of the Bridges folks started showing up, Chase was leading the way and having a blast. Looks like it's going to be a snowy one this year but should still be a good time and honestly it might be easier to run in the fresh snow than it is to ride in it right now.


With the official business portion of the ride over and the snow starting to fall, it was time to hightail it back downtown and find some food and drink. We earned it on Saturday.


With State Basketball in town, we were a little concerned that Yia Yia's would be busy but it was actually as empty as we'd ever seen it; we had the place to ourselves for a short period of time before about a dozen other folks showed up for a slice of pie and a pint of barley pop.



Pizza was good as it always is, the Polynesian is my go to favorite. The view wasn't too bad either with the new snow falling, big flakes for a brief time too.


Full of pizza it was time to throw in the towel and head back to the shop, ending another SMNDFBR for the week. No ride next week due to the Run for the Bridges but hopefully we can get out on some gravel here soon and get in some decent miles.