Searching out Snow.

Friday I scrapped my plans to ride Cuyuna.  By the time I would have gotten there the temps would have been well above freezing, forcing the closing of the trails.  Instead I headed to St. Joseph and the  start of the Wobegon Trail.  I always loathe the idea of riding my bike on the Wobegon but once I'm doing it, it's not so bad.  Almost enjoyable!
I made my way to Avon, Albany, and almost Melrose before turning around.  In Avon, both on the way out and back I did a loop around one of the Skunk Lakes.  I was surprised at the amount of snow still on the trail and that I was making first tracks in sections!  It was warm and the open sections were starting to have sections of the asphalt showing.

Because of the warmth the snow built up on the bike some, but the bike was flawless nonetheless.

Saturday I stuck closer to home and hit the same 'ol trails.  Again I was happy to see how much snow was still around.  I'm sure it's much leaner now as we've had another 48 hours to do damage.

Sunday I headed up to the Soo Line Trail (ATV trail) in search of more snow.  The Soo Line didn't disappoint!

At the start of the trail.

I've been making small changes to my bike to hopefully help reduce my hand numbness.  Most recently (tested on the Soo Line) I played with my saddle position and switched out my Ergon GC1 grips for some Ergon GA2 Fat Grips.  So far those two changes have made the biggest difference.  

Again I was shocked at the amount of snow left on the trail.  I guess everything doesn't look like my front yard.  I made my way to Peirz and turned around.  About midway there is a lake/swamp that I jumped on and circumvented on the way back.  Upon further investigation it appears this lake runs into the Platte River which the Soo Line crosses.  If I'm able to make it back I'm definitely doing some exploring!

At this time next week I will be on my way to the staring line of the Arrowhead 135, my 7th.  Forecasts are looking for great temps (teens for a high) and no snow.  Potentially looking at another fast year.  But as with this last storm, I know not to trust the weather!

It'll be a pretty chill week of riding.  Mostly short spins to keep the legs moving.

Happy Monday.