Wowser, wasn't planning on doing a metric. (62 miles) but I did. Snow was good for riding, yesterday's slush froze hard, I could ride on top for the most part. I had 20 miles in, and drank everything I brought with me. I didn't want to turn back and ride another 20, with out something to drink, I was all ready thirsty. Poor planning. The town of
Dyersville was 10 miles away. I was traveling anywhere from 6 to 10 mph depending on the snow conditions. So I decided to head to
Dyersville and buy some things to
drink at the gas station. I picked up some water, a 32 oz Mountain Dew, and a 16 oz Amp. Just a little
caffeine to help with the return trip. :-) What I didn't realize I did not have enough daylight to get home, and wasn't packing any lights. Duh!! Good thing it was a clear sky and about 1/2 a moon out. I could almost see where I was going. Lots of snow ruts, but some how managed not to go on my arse. Was, half froze, by the time I made it home. .
Did not see many people, a few walkers, a few snow mobiles and not one other bicyclist. I approached a couple that had a Collie with them, running around, they made no attempt to restrain their dog as I rode by. Trail rules are that dogs must be on a leash. As I rode by the dog leaped out and bit me. Fortunately the dog locked onto my riding shoe, which is a heavy
SIDI Diablo GTX winter cycling boot, and didn't rip out a chunk of me. Ticks me off, people and not controlling their dogs on the trail. Happens too often.
I have to thaw out now, was around 19 degrees F when I started. I put one of those chemical warmers on top of each sock, they work well. There is a race on this trail Jan 9
th, the
Triple D, I am planning on entering. Will need a bike lighting system if trail conditions are bad, which more often then not, they are.
Well thanks for stopping
Happy rides.
Dave
Did not see many people, a few walkers, a few snow mobiles and not one other bicyclist. I approached a couple that had a Collie with them, running around, they made no attempt to restrain their dog as I rode by. Trail rules are that dogs must be on a leash. As I rode by the dog leaped out and bit me. Fortunately the dog locked onto my riding shoe, which is a heavy SIDI Diablo GTX winter cycling boot, and didn't rip out a chunk of me. Ticks me off, people and not controlling their dogs on the trail. Happens too often.
Well thanks for stopping
11 comments:
OMG! You're the first person I ever heard actually haven been bitten. That sucks.
So if I can ask, how do you get to the trails? Roads? If so, any advice you can pass on for someone who's nervous around cars on snowy roads?
Me too, nervous around carss on snowy roads. This trail I ride is less then a mile from my house. 95% of the trail is dirt and never plowed so I am at the mercy of the snow. I've actually rode sidewalks to the trail when the street gets full of snow, and sometimes I do haul the bike there in my car. For the most part I will ride my bike to the trail, use flashing red lights, wear a helmet, and hope the cars don't run me over.
In my earlier years of riding (like 26 yrs ago), I was bitten by a dog on my first long ride....I was a newbie then. It's something I will never forget because I still had another 25 miles to ride with a sore dog-bitten ankle! The dog had to be quaratined and I had to go see the doctor...blah, blah, blah. Now I'm much more cautious around dogs that chase me while bike riding.
Wow, nice long ride today.
I had a chemical warmer on a ride 2 years ago, and while they do work well, one must use care in the use of such conveniences. I came back from the ride, got cleaned up, and put it in the pocket of my sweat pants. I plopped on the couch and fell asleep for an hour, and when I awoke I had burned a huge patch right above my thigh ( actually burned it!) I had a blister about the size of a half dollar, 3/16 thick. Still have a dark scar from it. ;)Coldness induced shrinkage saved me from serious damage!
That was a hard core ride.
The out of control dog bite is lame - totally the dog owners fault. Amazingly after all the riding I've done, only been chased a few times and never bitten.
Another cool snow ride. Good luck in the race.
And I only did 17 miles in 50deg weather with Sun, I'm ashamed, but inspired, you go Dave!!
Lynn, We'll all keep riding, and try to be safe as possible.
MrdaveyGie, you...um wait that's me.
Tainter-T I think some "Halt II" pepper spray may help change the wanting to bite dogs mind.
Gravel T. Wow, I will keep that in mind. I had some extra ones on the ride yesterday, and when the sun went down and I started to shiver, I thought about sticking them under my jersy. P.S. LOL
Thanks Harry L. and congratulations on a very high milage year again.
Dan O The dogs know you are to fast for them to catch.
MrBill keep on biking and your a trooper, you keep on biking.
Thanks all for commenting
Dave
MrD-I'm taking some time off until they plow the sidewalks. I sincerely hope they do it soon. Just can't get past the fear of riding with cars that are driving like there's no ice on the roads. Snowshoeing it is for the week!! And I hope you have your tetanus shot updated if you'll be in that dog's neighborhood again soon :-(
Travel Gravel-OMG!! That is my absolute favorite thing about coming home after a cold winter wide. I put those things in my pockets, alternating front pockets to back-ahhhhhhhh. I do get sleepy, though. Good reminder, bleh!
Did you ride the Freddies that day? How are they working out for you?
Yes, I rode with the Freddies. I will do the same tomorrow. They worked great stayed on top of the frozen snow for the most part, and kept good traction.
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