Winter's Retreat

Sunday March 10, 2019

Been an interesting winter.  First it never arrived.  60s in January.  Then it hit hard.  Snow after snow and the bottom of the thermometer dropping off.  And when it was supposed to start to leave it got even colder.  That finally changed this weekend.  It warmed up to above freezing and it rained.  So it was time to switch bikes.

Friday night Mary and I rode to Confluence Brewery on bicycles WITHOUT studded tires!  That has been first since January.  Saturday it rained all day so we stayed inside and I put together her new commuter.  Today, Sunday we took it for a spin.

First, I rode to Church on the winter bike.  There may have been ice from the refreeze from the rain and subsequent melting.  There was a little.  Last night's 30 mph wind helped to evaporate the water.  27F when I left for Church.  But I did not need a coat.  Just used my tweed jacket as a warmth layer plus hat and gloves.  No boots!  Another first.

Our test ride took place around noon.  Shake down on her bike and I busted out the Verenti for something different.  The streets were a bit wet in spots but mostly dry.  Windy but sunny.  We heard birds.  Stopped at Court Avenue Brew Pub for their latest offerings, Fuzzy Tacos for nachos and DSM Brew for espresso.  It was like a normal weekend. 

Next weekend is St Patrick's Day.  Usually I expect to see green grass and trees budding but I have no expectations.  There's still a lot of snow on the ground but given the forecast of rain this coming week it may go away.  Hopefully, it will also warm up.