Vermont to Switzerland
The IF isn’t my first choice for my winter steed, but as I wait on a pedal rebuild, a pedal replacement, and a busted buckle for my mtb shoes, it will wear the Nokian 35s and serve as a cold weather rider until the snow piles high. The Soma is waiting for the 294s, for fat tire fixed winter fun.
First serious cold snap here in VT. Managed 35 or so today and have been pretty consistent the last few weeks logging miles.
After playing on various tire combinations this year I’m back to my trusty Continental 4 Season GP’s. Too many flats on the Pasela’s and Challenge tires… felt great to ride the Conti’s again.
24 hours can make a big difference in the weather. Yesterday morning I was flying down smooth roads spinning easily on the IF. Today I made first tracks on the lakefront bike path and some exploring in the woods. Heavy, wet snow coated the bike. 30/18 and the studs was work in the 4″+ of wet, heavy snow.
Roads have been dry. I got out on the IF today to spin after starting Monday night Yoga. What a pleasure to ride non studded tires on a ti bike that fits like a glove…
Finding my morning routine again, now that the sun is coming up a bit earlier each day.
Lots of cold and ice here in BTV. Been out with the boys a few times in the last two weeks to play on the studded tires.
The water inside the breakwall is starting to set up. I’m still a bit leary of getting out on it – John and Jim gave it a test.
Parts of the Intervale flooded last week with the big rain. Lots of ice in the fields and woods where the river pushed over its banks.
A stiff link on the Homer had us diagnosing a shifting issue…
The Soma in its winter kit with a half frozen water bottle.
Been a hectic few weeks.
Great storm still underway. Expected snowfall totals to range from 15 to 30+ inches by the time it is done. Burlington Airport had a record 19 inches yesterday. Totals today shattered 120 years of record keeping – 32.6 inches recorded at last check of the local paper’s website – with more on the way.
I got out for a nice ride this morning. Singlespeed on the Soma, running 32×18 (a bit high with all the snow), and the Nokian Extremes. I almost swapped tires to the fat Nevegals – but was glad I had the 588 points of carbide along when I managed to break through to pavement. Logged just under 15 miles. Lakefront MUP was a mess – deep powder with footprints and frozen tracks deep below the surface. I kept to side streets and a few main roads. Most motorists were tolerant of the crazy on the bike. Made it into town to run errands, warm with some tea, and check out the waterfront. Digicam battery died – so I’m left with smartphone pics.
The Nokian Extremes showed up just in time for a post holiday ride with freezing rain and a mini ice storm hitting upstate NY. First time in the woods on studs was good fun – and plenty of work. 1/4″ ice on the drive and minor roads. Studs on the bike worked well. Temps warmed and the trail started to slop… Time to reboot. Brevets, a flèche, and a bikepacking ride await next year. Resolutions?
