Snow biking

As I started along the Burke-Gilman trail in 4 inches of snow, I was thinking "this is the first day of my race specific training for the Desert Winds." My mountain bike was slowed by the friction of the snow the same as it would be in the sand of Arizona, just like when I rode on the Florida trails. Occassionally, my speed would pick up slightly until I hit another small drift, forcing me to pedal with greater effort. Occassionally, my tires would drift and slip, just like on the sand.

Unfortunately, the snow wasn't deep enough to get a really good workout, but it is snowing now and so the ride home might be better. "The worse the conditions the better the training".

After my minor flesh-removing experience three weeks ago I was a little concerned about falling on my right forearm. Also, I was carrying a $20 bottle of wine in my backpack for the Christmas party tonight (or for survival rations if I get stuck somewhere). So I tested my brakes a couple times on my street as I rode towards the Burke-Bilman Trail. My front brakes locked up on the ice and I slid down on my left side. An ungraceful slide to a stop hurt my ego but nothing else. This is also good training I guess, but I need to learn how to put my foot down or something. After that experience, I just used the rear brakes.

The trail was very quiet. I have introduced my version of a scale for trail usage, or peacefulness as the case may be. The Burke-Gilman can be very busy or very quiet. The scale is called the "pee" scale. In other words: How often could you stop for a pee beside the trail without any pedestrians or cyclists seeing you? Today the scale was around 99%. This is good after a few cups of coffee in the morning.

Enjoy the snow, keep safe, and good training!!