Tough Trails

We'd been out for no more than 10 minutes and we see another eagle flying low by the west shore of Lake Calhoun. Two days in a row for me. Pretty cool!
Amy and I started out at 10am. I wanted to stay off the roads, because I was afraid that there had been some re-freezing over night, and there would be a lot of ice to deal with. I think I was wrong. The trails wound up being loose, sloppy and bumpy...not what a couple of roadies like.
Lots of talking today, which was very nice. Temps comfortable. Once again I was on the Winter Beast. We rode along the creek and river into downtown. Came back along the Hiawatha trail and had a very brief encounter with about 6 hoodlums. Nothing happened. They tried to intimidate us a little, and were blocking 90% of the trail as we rode by. We were cautious. Kept riding, and feel fortunate that nothing happened. We probably should have just turned around when we saw them, but it worked out OK...just a little nerve-racking.
We turned west on the greenway and soon came up on the Ice Bike Race at Isles, which is part of the City of Lakes Loppet going on all day today.(I'll be there tonight with Emily, for the Luminary Loppet) We stopped and watched for a few minutes, and got to talk with all of our friends. We were getting chilled so took off, with Steve tagging along.
Up into Theo Wirth on bumpy loose trails again. Smarter people finally prevailed and we got our bikes on the roads which were, oh so much smooooooooooother.
Nice, nice ride today. Good work out on the Winter Beast, pushin' all those studs.
I think we'll be on roads tomorrow and I'll break out the Evil One. 41/12.2

Note About The Eagle Photos

It was sitting at the top of a tree overlooking the river when I first saw it. I didn't realize it was an eagle. I actually thought it was a nest, because it was so big. I got a little closer and saw there was white on top. I thought it was snow, but then realized it was an eagle. I moved a little slower and just started taking pictures. I didn't change any settings on my camera, just started shooting, and then it took off. I tried as best I could to follow it and just hoped that the images would turn out. In about 45 seconds it was out of sight. Thanks for all the nice comments. I can't believe I got these shots, and am a little embarrassed that I'm so excited about it.

Day Off

Tired. Haven't had a day off from biking or working out since January 15th.

By Hyland

Along The Minnesota River At The Old Bloomington Ferry Bridge Site

Misty Grey

Sounds like some one's name instead of the conditions outside. It was one of those days when cleaning off the glasses didn't really help. Warm, wet air with some slushy and sloppy sliding on the trails. I've used the Winter Beast this season much more than the Evil One. Usually the Evil One gets the most use, but the Christmas ice storm has kept me favoring four rows of studs instead of two. 21/12.2

Very Few Colors Today
Hard To See Across Harriet

The Day Of A Winter Cyclist (or at least part of it)

2pm

3/4 cups + 2 Tbs of hot water

2 cups bread flour

1tsp yeast

1tsp salt

knead let rise

2:45pm

punch down dough

form into 6 rolls

cover

3pm

1 1/2 Tbs wild rice

1 cup chicken broth

sliced carrots

sliced celery

diced onion

minced garlic

all in the slow cooker (set on high)

3:10pm

open toe and hand warmers

get dressed

3:25pm Winter Beast and I are on the trail

5:35pm back home

5:36pm oven to 475 degrees

5:37pm most of the clothes are coming off and going in the washing machine

5:40pm 1 cup of skim milk and 2 Tbs of flour mixed well get added to the slower cooker along with a pinch of salt

5:43pm rolls are in the oven for 15 minutes

5:45pm shower

5:58pm dried off, some clothes on, turn down oven to 425 degrees

6:05 pm pour wild rice soup into bowl

6:08 pm take rolls out of oven

6:10pm steam rises from soup as it is stirred and more steam joins in from fresh baked rolls as they are broken open.

6:11pm mouth is full, stomach is satisfied, all is well, the simple things in life are more than good.

Clouds Moved In

It was sunny all day, but just as I was heading out...yep, the sun took a break. I didn't take a break. 21/12.1

Winter Beauty

That just might have been the nicest ride of this winter season. Not quite as many layers, moderating temps, fresh snow, and bright glorious sunshine conspired to put off that longing for 80 degrees, sunscreen and green. Quads and the Winter Beast were working well together enjoying the snow packed paths. Even the hill, added to this evening's route, left the lungs more exhilarated than exhausted. A couple of extra miles...felt good tonight. 24/12.2

Bridge Over Minnehaha Creek
Snow Covered Pine At Harriet

Snowy Excuse

It was only a half an inch, but not being able to see the ice on the trails was a risk I didn't want to take, so it was over to the gym for an elliptical workout.