Early winter in Idaho
As part of my plan to ride no matter what the weather, I thought I would go for a nice autumn ride in the Wood River Valley (Warm Springs Road up from Ketchum, ID). When we drove into town it was 50 degrees and clear. The next morning we woke to 2 inches of snow. And it has snowed for the entire past 3 days. So today, it got up to 30 degrees (with a 17 degree wind chill) so I thought “Close enough”. So I put on too many clothes and set off into the wind up my favorite dirt road on the mountain bike. There wasn’t much snow on the road, but it started to blow a lot into my face. So after an hour, I thought I proved my point to myself, and turned back for the great downhill run home. My only problem was getting too hot. Tomorrow: short sleeve jersey and wind breaker. That’s what I wear for skate skiing too. Once you start loosening up, you warm up. I hate being overheated so a little cold is ok by me. All-in-all, a great little ride (followed by a cold beer and a hot jacuzzi). It truly is a tough life.
Comments
Oct 21
Dave
I don’t think I’ve ever been cold when cycling. Sometimes in the parking lot, sure. But what they say for alpine climbing is also true for winter cycling: If you’re nice and warm at the trailhead, you’ll be overheated and stopping to strip layers in a few minutes. Go ahead and start a little chilly. You’ll warm up. Looks like a nice road for a little fat-tire. Look at those autumn colors! Nice. Reminds me of Eastern Washington riding in the Teannaway Valley.