Another Light Extinguished By a Car

She was one of 97.  One happy individual that always had a smile, always was friendly and rarely complained.  Joan was always good for a laugh and I was glad to have worked with her.  But the 97 is a club I do not want to be a member of.  I may be off by up to 6 or 8 as I have not compiled the statistics for 2013 but every day 97 people in America are killed by automobiles.  97 candles quenched violently and dramatically in a cruel death.*  If 97 per day were killed by handguns in the US of A the 2nd Amendment would be eliminated.  Truly the 97 are the "inconvenient truth."

The person who committed the homicide remains free.  Just drove on without slowing down according to witnesses.  Joan was taken to Mercy Hospital where she died.  A surveillance photo of a 90s-2000 vintage Buick is floating around but as of this morning no arrests.  If this person is intelligent and soulless, he/she would destroy the evidence instead of getting a new fender and windshield as the police and media alert the "collision" repair shops to be on the look out for that Buick.  Small price to pay for freedom.  I hope that the murderer will confess and turn itself in.  Joan will never be back but doing the right thing will relieve many of us and start that person down the road to redemption.

From the  Times Republican February 15, 2014

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines police have identified a woman killed while crossing a street by a driver who sped away.

Police say 52-year-old Joan Haggar, of Des Moines, was hit just before 11 p.m. Friday while crossing East Eudlid Avenue.

Police are asking the public's help in identifying the car.

A witness says the car didn't slow or stop after hitting Haggar. The vehicle is believed to be a mid-sized car, and it may have damaged to its front and windshield.

Haggar was taken to a Des Moines hospital, where she died.

The Des Moines Police Department is offering to match a Crime Stoppers $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

People with information can call police at 515-283-4811 or Polk County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 515-223-1400.

Click for her obituary  Joan M Haggar

*Does not reflect those that die from disease and illnesses related to a sedentary lifestyle associated with driving and lack of exercise, cancer caused by pollution created by autos, heart disease, diabetes ect.

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ACHTUNG BLIZZARD

I was hoping the weather people let their latest successes go to their heads.  Hoping that they had become paternalistic safety nazis that over hype the chance of a snow flake or two and a strong wind.  Technically, they missed it for the Des Moines Metro.  And if it was not for the 2" of hail that fell within 5 minutes at 11 am the "blizzard" would have been a non-event.

The ride to work was wonderful.  Relatively warm for a February 5 am morning.  Even had a rare tailwind.  Mary and I were able to ride the first 8 miles together before parting ways.  The usual suspects were on the trail as well, Paul and David.  Paul has a bright light and we see him first.  David has two dim lights.

I watched the radar all day.  The "blue", snow, seemed to be on the usual moisture pattern I witnessed during the summer.  Heading to the northeast and staying out of the line for Des Moines.  But it hooked over and then clobbered us with hail before the snow began.  Schools were closing early.  My place of employment closed early too at 3 pm.  I get off at 3 anyway.

Having taken the now flooded Clive Greenbelt trail for the past two days I opted for the bee line home.  Head east on Westown Pkwy and Buffalo Rd to get to the trail 4 miles away.  Use sidewalks if necessary.  This is the same route that I took during the Thursday that the metro came to a halt because of snow.  Bonus would be the 25 mph tailwind.

Glad I was heading home to the southeast.  My northern and western jaunts in the parking lot were painful.  The wind gave the snow an icy bite.  But I managed to get out of there in one piece.  And I got to the trail 4 miles later safely.

The trail was where the fun began.  Windsor Heights had their section plowed!  Awesome!  But a short lived awesomeness.  After the dog park Des Moines takes over and no plows had touched the trail.  The surface was wet and slushy.  One other bike had been here before me and its tracks visible and about 2" deep.  This winter mix slowed me down a jet or two.  I was also getting wet.  Occasionally I crossed long and deep puddles.  Nothing up to the bottom bracket but I knew the bike would need some attention during the weekend.

So I plugged along, slush and puddles and snow.  I stopped at Mullets for a celebratory shot of FireBall and beer just as I did that snowy Thursday last month.  This time Mary and Dora joined me for dinner.  Pizza and a pitcher Shiner Cheer. We'd need the energy for the morning.

While waiting for my family I spied David heading to Urbandale on the trail.  Damn, the full force of the headwind and the speed sucking slush on the trail had slowed him down to a crawl.  I ran outside to get him to turn around.  I could arrange a SAG for him.  He had about 10 miles to go in this bullshit.  He looked, not recognizing me out of winter bicycling regalia and trudged forward into the 25 mph wind and icy snow.  He backpack looked like it weighed 20 lb.  Godspeed David.

In the morning Mary and I took the trail.  Took forever to leave the house.  Late.  She got ahead of me and chose the trail instead of the streets.  I prefer this because the streets would have been filthy and wet.  Also, the 21 mph wind from the west would really impair our speed if we took to the streets.  The trail blocks the wind.  The 8 miles of ice I can handle.  What I could not handle were the tracks.

There were three sets of bicycle tracks.  One set was mine.  There was one set of foot prints.  I am very grateful that there were no more of either.  Everything froze overnight.  Tracks were hard and bumpy.  And I could not avoid running into them.  The bike tracks would grab my tires and threaten to throw me down.  The footprints were annoying bumps.  Then the iced over puddles.  Sometimes the tires would break through.  Loud.  RIP!  ZZZZIPPP!! Splash!  Never went down.  Had to walk through a few.  That's when my water proof boots paid for themselves.

Once passed the car wash (Grand Ave) there was a set of car tracks.  Probably a truck.  This made the bumps worse.  Just get to the dog park where they had plowed.  It took an hour to get there!

Finally Buffalo Rd.  Faster than the trail but my rear derailleur froze in a steep gear which ate up more time on my climbs.  But I survived.  Finally the wind.  Once on top of Westown Pkwy the wind kicked in.  But steady as she goes determination I reached work.

On the brightside I was never cold.  The previous week's below Zerex temperatures made this morning's 23 F feel warm despite the wind.  I also heard cardinals sing.  If those birds have begun the procreation ritual then Spring must be near.

Going home was a breeze.  The trail was plowed the best they could do.  Sure, some puddles existed but I could make decent time.  Another tough day during this long winter.  Commuting needs to be an Olympic Sport.  Mary, Paul, Davis and I would medal!

Speaking of whom, we saw Paul but not David.  I bet David took the streets.

Clive Greenbelt: Trail of Two Tales

I have such a love/hate with Clive's Greenbelt trail that I don't know where to begin.  I really love its curved layout.  Reminds me of skiing.  Switchbacks all the time.  Highlights the senses especially sight.  Need to look ahead constantly and scan through the trees and look for other trail users.  But when the trail is in heavy use this is a pain in the ass.  I also love the fact that it is a vital segment trail for both commuting and adventure.  Beginning in Windsor Heights the trail allows people to ride all the way to Jefferson, Iowa without having to get on a road or highway.  It also connects to West Des Moines.  But what really does it in for me is winter.  Don't know what it is but this trail seems to be among the worst in terms of being clear of snow and ice.  Maybe budget issues.  Lack of being a priority.  Trees also block much of the sun's warmth needed to melt.

However I will say this.  the trail is being cleared better this year than in previous years.  At the beginning of the winter Mr Plow would leave up to a half an inch of snow on the trail.  This was bad.  Every trail user left thousands of foot, paw and bicycle tracks on the remaining snow and that snow froze hard and turning into ice.  The resulting surface was akin to a cratered moon or minefield.  Then miraculously the city used a brush and the snow was totally cleared from the trail except for the ice from foot prints, paw prints and bike tracks ect.  Improvement.  Still there were large sections of ice that seemed to stay forever and when they melted mini-lakes were formed.  I avoided the trail for the past few weeks opting for Westown Parkway and Buffalo Rd to get me to Windsor Heights and properly groomed trails.  I did not want to deal with the Greenbelt.

This week curiosity got the better of me.  Tale 1: Monday.  Let it be known that on Friday the metro received over an inch of snow.  And Saturday another 3".  And Monday a freak storm dumped another few inches before the temperature hit the 40s by noon and melted much of it away.  So how was the trail?  Horrid.  I started at 128th St.  My wife started at the other end in Windsor Heights.  Totally pocked from trail users over the week end.  Icy as well.  I suppose if I had been on my fat bike with studded tires or a dual suspension MTB with said tires we would have made it.  Not a square millimeter was left untrampled.  Mary quit and turned around.  It was bone shaking.  I kept it up for 3 miles finally getting off on Swanson Blvd.  8 minute miles on the trail are not my cup of tea especially when I felt like I was rolling over IEDs.

Why?  No weekend plowing and constant trail use.  People love the trail and are willing to use it despite the snow.

Tuesday it got up to 54F.  So I opted to give it another chance.  Smoother ride but almost needed a canoe.  The snow and ice on the trail and in the woods surrounding the trail melted.  There are sections over 20 yards long of 4" deep water.  No issues with ice although I road over ice that was on the bottom of the mini-lakes.  Studded tires.  But it occurred to me that the water is attempting to go into Walnut Creek but gets stuck on the trail.  However, the water gets stuck on the trail and is trapped.  Something needs to be done to facilitate drainage.  This problem also exists in warm weather when it rains.

From the the "2 Mile" marker on east the ice is bad from lack of sunlight  Plowing could prevent this.  Further east the run off from businesses adds to the ice and water issues on the trail.

Just a rant.  Today I had a better ride.  Faster times.  Many trail users--several people running, walking dogs and a woman pushing a baby stroller.  People love this trail all year round.  Please keep it safe.  In the furte when the next Jordan Creek Town Center is built more people will need to use this trail to get to and fro work.

 I look forward to the warm months and better times on the Greenbelt.

More Early February Winter Madness

Tuesday would have been the best day.  20F, light snow and tailwind at 415 am.  Unfortunately, I was ill.  Woke up and I new I was not going to make it.  No way in hell would I be able to work today whether I got there by bicycle, automobile, panzer or helicopter.  Burn some sick hours.  Disappointing.  Wait an hour before waking my boss up and telling him the facts.  The rest of the week was downhill from that moment on.

I slept most of the day.  Missed his text telling me to go visit a doctor.  He thought it was the weekend's slip on the ice that landed me on my back, my head taking the brunt of it all and the head ache that lasted into Monday.  No, it was your basic common cold.  Chest felt tight, glands in the neck swollen, slight fever and occasion productive cough.  Need to bury myself under the covers and sleep so the body can go into repair mode.  But every time I glanced out a window it was still snowing.  Damn, I want to ride in that!

The only bike ride that day was to my bank across the river and to the Italian grocery store.  Cash and food.  4 miles on a single speed fat bike.  If only I would have changed on the rear cog for something better suited for climbing and easier cadence I would love to take the Beast to work the next day.  Not to be.  The trustworthy Trek FX would have that honor.

Wednesday morning it was cold at 6F but there was a strong wind from the north gusting up to 36 mph.  I can take the cold and I can take the wind but both at the same time really gets to wear me thin.  Because it snowed all day and into the night before we went to bed there was a good chance that the trails would not be plowed.  I would have to take to the streets.  Sure enough when we got to Mullets the trail was buried.  First we had to cross the pedestrian bridge at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers.  Needless to say, the bridge was not clear of snow.

I rode it the best I could until I caught up with Mary and joined her in walking to a plowed street.  She was heading to Urbandale, me West Des Moines.  We would bust out of Des Moines together.  We took MLK.  Plowed wide road with little traffic.  The sidepath trail was never considered as it was not clear yet and if it was the intersections would be blocked form the plowing of the streets.  I actually enjoyed this.  No slipping, no drifts to battle, just enough snow to quiet the studded tires and well lit.  Most importantly few cars and no wind.  I wished that I could take MLK all the way but had to turn north at 15th St.

15th is a climb to Ingersoll.  4 traffic lights.  the first two we treated like stop signs because they never trip and we would have had to climb over a mountain of snow to hit the button.  In freezing temperatures I'll risk a ticket or getting hit by a car because I do not have the time to wait for a light I cannot trigger.  Once on Ingersoll we slowly climbed our way to the next turn.

At this point I had a decision to make.  Which route to work should I take?  Last year I took Ashworth to 50th and 50th to Westown Pkwy whenever I could not take the trail to Buffalo Rd.  However, this required me to take Ingersoll all the way to Grand Ave and the slow climb up Grand to 8th St.  Finally, it calls for the climb from 50th to Westown on a sidepath.  I doubt if West Des Moines would have had that path clear.  Traffic on 50th is a bit busier than I like for a snowy morning on a climb.  I opted for what i call the "Northern Route."

the Northern Route is when I turn north on Polk Blvd and take it to  University Ave.  Then i would take University all the way west and over the I-35/80 to work.  Just 3 hills on University itself and a slight climb by Valley west Mall and keep a careful eye on traffic entering and exiting the freeway.  Cagers are not used to seeing bicycles on this road.  But traffic is light enough that they have plenty of room to avoid me.  Another reason I chose this was because of the wind.  By going north on Polk I only need to take the brunt of the wind once in a relatively protected area.  I would be entering work from the north instead of the south.  Brilliant.

Somewhere on Polk Blvd Mary got the recall code from her work.  2 hour delay.  I told her to find somewhere to eat and stay warm and we parted.  We would have parted at University anyway.

University Ave was pretty good.  Light traffic.  Like everywhere else this morning if you eliminated all the pick up trucks with snow blades traffic would be almost nonexistent.  In Clive I noticed that the sidepath along the road was clear but the entrance to it was buried by plowing.  And soon it was apparent that only a few sections of the trail were clear.  All intersections were about 2' deep in plowed snow.  If you want me to take the trail please plow them and plow the intersections.  I watched a bus almost totally slide through the intersection of 86th and University.  This was good because it distracted the other drivers enough to allow me to get a jump on the light and take the jog on 86th to the other part of University.  The rest of the ride was easy.

Coming home I took the direct route.  I could have done what I did last year and reversed the Ashworth route but I like now to just head straight to Wal-Mart via Westown/Buffalo Rd.  This does require constant attention to traffic.  especially at 50th where people want to turn right.  Because the entrance to the side walk on the other side of 50th is buried by plowed snow I need to get on the street when the light turns green.  Look at the car next to me and make them aware that I am there.  Don't worry about traffic because the sidewalk is worse.  Poorly plowed and crap intersections and always a goddamn car in the intersection blocking my way.

NOTE:  Take most of the lane.  Make them switch lanes to pass you.  If you give them room they will take more and push you to the curb.  State law requires cars to change lanes when passing a bike.

I do take the sidewalk if I can on Buffalo Rd in the afternoon.  Narrow, curve and traffic.  but sometimes the sidewalks need to be shoveled or shoveled again.  One time this week when I was forced to walk I walked through their lawn.  I hope they understood my point.  Crossing 8th that day I got into the traffic and waited for the green light.  I usually leave enough room for those turning right on red to get through.  Straight into Wal-mart and abort the left turn onto the trail because at 4 pm it had not been plowed yet.  Windsor Heights let me down!

I rolled through the parking lot and walked it over the shortest distance from the lot to the trail.  Wind cleared it somewhat and a moment later when I was in Colby Park there was one lane open on the trail.  One pass through was enough for me.  When I got to the dog park the trail was clear shoulder to shoulder all the way to Mullets.  It was 7F when I left work.

Thursday morning was almost as cold as they predicted.  -5F at 430 am.  Mary and I rode together.  We took the trail and rode in silence.  Head down and grateful that the wind was not evil.  Back to normal.  Trail to Wal-mart and then the climb up Buffalo Rd and Westown Pky.  Somewhere during the first mile was passed a crow on the ground flapping one wing.  Not sure what had happened.  Broken wing or frozen to the trail.  We did not stop.  We are not veterinarians and one less crow would not cause the extinction of the species.  Perhaps the fox would come upon it and have a meal.  The circle of life, the redistribution of protein.  Yet it haunted me for a moment.  Omen?  Living metaphor for winter riding?  Prediction of my future?  Need a few more miles to warm up.  Focus on forward progress.  7 more miles until I can climb the hills and really generate heat.  Two miles after that the feet will start getting cold.  Move my toes to keep them warm.  Pedal on in silence.  Too cold to talk.

It's the face that freezes first.  Everything else can be covered.  But always exposed skin below the eyes.  And the nose.  Sometimes I take off one glove to warm these places up and brush off the ice that is building on my mask.  I tried goggles but they steam up on me.  I want to get a Daft Punk helmet.

Once at work strip off the top layers straight to the base layer.  Wash my hands and face and hair and then dry them off and comb my hair.  Grab a glass of water and a large coffee.  The best part is changing socks and putting on my work boots.  Comfy and warm.  8 hours later I will be out in the cold again.

The trails were replowed and plowed if they were not before.  Back to normal.  They are doing a better job this year.  I remember waiting 3 days for the section from Pal Joey's to the bridge in Water Works to get cleared.  Bullshit..

Friday it was better.  Only -2F but the wind was starting to come around from the south.  Warmth and moisture.  It got as warm as 17F after work.  I met Craig and Angel at University Pub on my home.  And then enjoyed a night ride the remaining 8 miles to my house.  I saw an old friend and her giant 220 lb dog near SW30th.  We both agreed that it felt nice outside.  12F and it felt nice.  Slap me for typing that.  Must be getting used to the winter.  It's got to warm up sometime.

640 Reasons Why I Did Not Do BRR in 2014

The first bike I rode for the BRR

Always the same question.  "Are you going to Perry for the BRR ride?"  Usually a woman asks me this.  May be they live vicariously through my bicycling.  It is well known that I ride every day to work even in winter.  I drove once this year on a Monday when it was -10F or something totally devoid of God's love.  "Are you doing the BRR ride?"  In July it will be "Are you riding on The Ragbrai?"

Even people who ride bicycles ask me this.  Francis from Grazianos asked me this tonight when I pulled my dead carcass into the store 2 minutes before they locked the doors.  Fortunately, the man behind the meat counter answered the question properly.  "He rides BRR every day."

Perry, Iowa's annual bicycle ride to Rippey is probably one of the best bicycle rides in the state.  The first Saturday of February many bikers don their winter riding clothes and venture the 24 miles of BRR (Bicycle Ride to Rippey).  I do not not recall how many of these Mary and I have done.  That requires too much thinking and review of my bike log.  Suffice to say it is like one day of Ragbrai held in winter.  All our friends are there.  I regret not seeing them.  I know they had a great time.

I think I did my first one in 1992 or 1993.  Took our now stolen Cannondale R400 road bike.  The official SAG vehicle handed out beer to riders in Rippey.  We took the tandem a few times.  I remember riding that bike and passing the long haired dude on a recumbent who took his dog everywhere.  We used to ride BRR with our friends from the Des Moines Cycle Club.  Later with our college friends, Team Mystery Machine.

Get to Perry early.  Find a place to park the vehicle.  Packet pick up.  Do the ride.  Eat at the school.  Go to the Bally Hoo and drink until 9 pm when they start charging cover for the band.  Go home. That drive back to Des Moines on 141 is a killer.

If this dude would be on the BRR I would have gone.

Then we stopped riding it on a regular basis.  Kids, weather, boredom.  Took a special reason to go to Perry.  If an old friend specifically requested our presence we would go.  If a BRR virgin needed a veteran to ride with we would go.  If the Bar Fly bus took us there we would go.  But not this year.

BRR can be heaven or hell.  I remember a year that we had to purchase ice to keep our beer cold.  I remember a year that it was so windy that we stopped at the first ditch on the way out of town and hung out there until we called it quits.  I recall being in the bar til 1 pm before we decided to ride to Rippey.  Last year's Perry to Woodward was epic and I truly regret not repeating that.  One time I want to see the High Trestle during BRR.

The last bikes we rode for  the BRR.  But look beyond them.  See that flat nothingness?  That is The BRR.

But when I think of BRR I think of this:  the 12 miles between towns is a barren winter wasteland. Frozen tundra of nothingness.  Bleak, white and grey.  Flat and dull.  Lifeless hell.  Usually a strong wind no matter if you are headed to Rippey or returning to Perry.  And I usually end up in the parking lot of the gas station in Rippey drinking bike beers.  If it was not for my friends I'd never do this again.

But why did we not do the BRR this year?  Mary and I do it every day, Monday through Friday, 25+ miles every single working day.  And it has been a hard winter.  Winter riding takes a toll on body and soul.  By the time the weekend comes we are sick of biking.  We want to sleep in.  We want no responsibilities.  We want freedom.  We want an effortless day.  We need to catch up with things we are too physically exhausted to do Monday through Friday because commuting this winter has been a bitch.  Jim Davis said it best when we talked during Wildman's Life Celebration at Orlando's.  "When you commute to work every day you really do not ride on the weekends very much." How true.  My weekends are the biggest opportunity to increase my mileage.

One of these years I'd like to ride with Steve Fuller and his group to Perry.  But not in 2014.  I plan to be sleeping or drinking coffee in the comfort of my own home.  Warm and comfy.

640 reasons.  640 miles I have ridden since January 1st.  Mary must be the same or close.  She does not track her mileage as vigorously as I do.  Not all those miles have been bad.  Some have been quite enjoyable.  But lately it seems like it's always dark and -3F with a 20 mph Northwest wind.  Tonight when I left work it was 20F.  I still felt cold and exhausted.  I barely made it to the store before they closed.  Lately it has been my eyes.  They feel swollen from exposure to the cold.  It was so much easier last year when the commute was 2 miles each way.  But 12.5 in the morning and 15 home is wearing me thin this winter.  I need a break from the extreme cold.  I may have to start driving.

As the great capitalist philosopher Stephen Covey said is his dialectic on the 7 habits of effective people, one needs to sharpen their saw.  Do what need to do to recover.  Take a break.  Enjoy something.  That's what iIdid today instead of riding the BRR.

Another Winter Trip on Clive's Greenbelt

It has been a week since I have ridden Clives premier trail, The Greenbelt.  Since noting the issues with that city's attempts to keep the trail free of snow and ice I have seen much improvement.  The past two snows have been removed completely to the surface of the trail  Unfortunately, the first few snow storms were not adequately removed and icy sections of trail resulted.  That previous ride was on the 13th of January, 2014, the second day of above freezing temperatures.  As a result much of the winter long ice build melted as well as the snow and ice on the side of the trail.  Low spots became large puddles.  I avoided the trail for a week because of these puddles which soon turned into ice.

Today I visited the greenbelt with a bicycle shod with Kenda Klondike studded tires, 700x35.  This day was a great day to compare and contrast the trail given that the weather conditions were almost identical to the previous week.  That is both times there were two days of above freezing temperatures.  The difference is that in between Mondays we received 3" of fresh snow.

First off I would note that the entrance to the trail from 128th St was clear of snow and ice.  This has not been cleared by anyone all winter long.  I thank the Sun and warm air for this.  Second, I will mention that the notoriously icy areas are almost nonexistent now.  The hard packed ice has melted.

Typical snow melt puddle on the greenbelt.  This one lacks a layer of ice underneath.  Give it 24 hours.

Unfortunately, there are many large puddles of water from snow melt and run off that collect in low spots.  These will freeze and create ice hazards for trail users soon.  Tonight as it is forecasted to be in single digits temperature wise.  The problem is one of drainage.  The water has nowhere to go and tends to collect in low spots.  Some of these puddles are up to 10 yards long.  Some of these puddles have ice underneath the water.  Use caution when crossing them.

The section of the greenbelt east of 86th St.

One are that is particularly bad is the east/west section in between the 1 mile marker and business park east of 86th St.  Specifically, the area south of the fuel and oil storage tanks, north of the BP station.  This open area has been constantly covered by drifting snow.  The snow gets packed down and melted and refreezed and creates a very bumpy and slick surface.  Today, however, that area was the best it has been since we have had snow this winter.  There are clean and clear lines to ride through.  Trail users would appreciate it if the city could plow the drifting snow away if it snows and blows again.  This area needs more attention than the one and done plowing.

This is the best this section of trail has been since snowfall stuck around in the winter of 2013/14.  Before the melt drfting snow made this area difficult for bicyclists and pedestrians.

From here the main issue is from the businesses that border the trail.  These property owners plow their parking lots and service roads and dump that snow on the border of the trail.  As these snow piles melt the water makes its way to Walnut Creek.  The journey requires the water to cross the trail and often it turns to ice on the trail.  Sometimes this is very disruptive.  Today it was not so bad, merely wet.  Tomorrow it will be icy again.

The Clive Greenbelt Trail is a very import part of the Des Moines Metro Trail System.  It serves the community are a source of recreation and exercise and for people who commute to and from work on bicycle.  I am a commuter and when this trail is incapacitated by snow I must ride on streets with automobile traffic.  I prefer the trail.  I think Clive has been doing a better job keeping the trail snow free in the winter of 2013/14 than in years past.  I hope they continue to do so.

Triumph of the Bicycle

Turning off the trail I re-entered city streets once again.  It was a sharp turn onto a crappy road in need of repaving.  But the pavement was not visible now.  It just snowed 2" in the hour since I left work.  The worst snow storm I have witnessed.  A city truck was parked at the dead end.  To my right was Grand Ave.  Traffic was jacked and back.  Usual.  Does not take cagers long to mess things up.  Now the climb.

Walnut Hill Drive is a steep but short climb.  Since my Trek 520 has half step gearing I have to take it in granny.  That did not bother me.  The fact that there was 2" of fresh snow and it was still snowing and the bike had the same tires that rolled me through Ragbrai is what bothered me.  No issues thus far.  Toward the peak was a Mercedes Benz estate (station wagon) stuck.  Nose out on the street, ass up on a snow bank.  Tires spinning.  The driver's window was rolled down.  She did not look too pleased.  "Good luck," I greeted her as I pedaled by.  In retrospect I should have stopped and offered to assist.  But I was on a mission.  Anyone that drives a nice estate most likely has a mobile phone.  Even if I did get her free she would have gotten only a block.  Traffic on 59th was backed up too.  It had taken me over an hour to get this far, 6 miles at that point IIRC.  I rolled on thinking that it was raining as well as snowing.  I was on a mission.

Craig texted me at 10:55 am, "Nice to get missed by the big snow..."  I agreed.  National forecast called for the snow to hit up north, Minneapolis, Detroit.  Local forecast said snow showers.  Radar merely showed thin finger like blue globs.  Quick hitters.  But the wind was already here.  We watched that front come in earlier.

I left work about 3:30 pm.  I had an hour an a half to get to Boulevard Sports for a set of studded tires for the Trek 7.5 FX, my main winter warrior.  Also planned to use this visit to purchase a 15 lb bag of puppy food for Fritz.  His supply was low, did not want to make another visit.  That was my mission.  Take Westown Pkwy to Buffalo Rd, cross over to Wal Mart and hit the trail.  Take the Walnut Creek Trail to Grand Ave and climb up the hill behind McDonalds and work my way to Ingersoll Ave.  Polk Blvd to Chamberlain and thus the bike shop.  Sure, some climbs but minimal traffic in the early rush hour.

Today I am on the 520.  Its tires are a set of Kenda Kwest 700x35.  Perfect for Ragbrai but not made for snow.  The last time I was caught unprepared in snow was with the same bike with the same tires.  My alternative winter bikes have issues.  The FX has a flat tire.  It was flat when I left work yesterday.  I pushed it to the Kum&Go on University and filled it with air.  It got me home.  Never had to refill it.  Flat in the morning.  I had no desire to fix that flat and then change tires 12 hours later.  My Trek 920 with studded tire is also at home.  Rear wheel is totally out of whack.  I fear replacement wheel is needed.  I plan to strip the tire of of it and put them on Mary's bike.  So the 520 was chosen.  I hoped that the "snow showers" would be light non-accumulating flurries.  Wishful.

The snow was a light flurry.  Nothing to get excited about.  I was a gentleman and took the sidepath along Westown Pkwy to cross the freeway.  At 50th St I also behaved and walked the bike across the intersection and remained on the sidewalk until traffic thinned a bit.  Once on the road it was not difficult to notice that the snow intensified.  It was sticking to the street and piling up.  Snow was sticking to my glasses as well.  It was dark out.  Was that thunder??  Thundersnow?!?  Doomed.   Perhaps a return to the sidewalk is in order?  Yes, it is.  As I approached 35th it was a full blown blizzard.  Visibility was rapidly disappearing..  Stop and turn on all lights.  Clean my glasses for the millionth time.  I put my headlamp on backwards to provide more rear visibility.  If I cannot see,  cagers cannot see me.

Sidewalk ends so a short cut through Valley West Mall occurs.    Back on Westown.  Conditions worse.  Cars spinning out.  Can't see anything.  Get off the road before I get hit.  Sidewalk is hard to find..  Cross 22nd and enter Buffalo Rd.  I take the sidewalk across from Dowling so I can get the pedestrian light at 73rd and be on the side of the street that the trail is on.  Despite no issues from the tires, my brakes are worthless I Flintstone it down the sidewalk.  It works.  Hit the button and cross the street and hang a left to the safety of the trail.  Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus.  4 miles of hell I just rode and walked through.  Now I am safe from the cars.  At this point traffic though busy does not seem bad.

I stop underneath the shelter of the bridge and call Chris Mace.  On my way, please wait.  He assures me that he will be there.  It is now 4:15.  4 miles in 45 minutes.  Bad.

The trail is a paradise.  Soft white powder snow.  No traction issues.  The snow provided enough traction over the ice that the ice was not noticeable.  Unfortunately, I enjoy this for 1.5 miles before exiting to the street.  Mission man I am.  I am going to need those tires tomorrow.  Must keep going and get there before close.

After the encounter with the Benz I reach 59th and traffic is backed up something fierce.  I squeeze between a Dart short bus and a red sedan.  The driver of the sedan gets out to clear his windshield.  "Grand is backed up," I tell him.  Another driver asks how far.
"Don't know, I came here from West Des Moines via bike trail."
Sedan driver asked about the road I just emerged from.  Won't get you anywhere but in a line to wait to get to Grand I tell him.  Wierd.  Traffic is going to hell quickly.  Never mind their problems, must get to Boulevard Sports.  I think it is raining now.  Great.

Ice coated I climb up Ingersoll to Polk Blvd then take a right on Chamberlain.  I did say hello to a woman who was picking up the trash that fell out of her bin when the wind hit it.  Yes, strong wind from the NW with gusts up to 50 mph.  Another day in paradise.  Garbage day on Polk Blvd.

At 4:53 pm I reached Boulevard Sports.  mace informed me that they close at 6 pm.  An hour and seven minutes to spare!  Now he tells me.  He thought I knew.  And I did since I was here last week on the same night waiting for him to close so we could go to Jon Cox's birthday bash at Lot 33.  Read Only Memory.

Transaction completed, bike loaded and I am off.  Take the pedestrian bridge across the freeway, cross Ingersoll and Grand and enter Greenwood Park, roll past the swimming pool and take the Bill Riley Trail hoe.  It will put me with in  1/2 mile from my house.  Minimal interference from cars.  Good Plan.

Ingersoll was easy enough to cross.  Grand Ave was different.  Not difficult but odd.  Westbound traffic was at a standstill.  I dismounted and nonchalantly walked the bike across the road to the entrance of the park and then hopped on in full view.  Yes cagers, I am moving, you are not.  Someone in a late model car of generic Asian type was spinning its wheels all the way up out of the park. Not getting anywhere quickly.  Spin out tracks everywhere.  Transmission catching hell.  Mid-January and people still cannot drive.  Still refuse to put the proper tires on their cars.  Fools.

At last, the safety of the trail.  As I rode down it I saw a bicycle below me heading west on the Walnut Creek Trail.  I shouted hello and to my surprise he waited for me.  It was that wonderful feeling that one gets when battling the world alone and finally sees another fellow traveler.  He was heading to Beaverdale, the long way.  I forget why he did not take the NST but he said Cottage Grove was just as jacked.  Citywide cager paralysis.  We parted and I followed the tracks his cross bike left as the snow was getting deep and it was getting dark and the trail edges were beginning to disappear.  I was 5 miles from home.  4.5 of those were all trail.

After a mile and a few i reached the Raccoon River bridge in Water Works park.  Some cars were driving in WW.  Get the fuck out!  No time to view nature from the comfort of your Climate Changer.  Then the reason the cars were there became apparent.  Traffic on George Flagg Dr was backed up and standing still for the west bound vehicles.  These people were hoping that there was an exit in Water Works.  Not for cars.  For cagers, there is a loop.  Nice try!  Escape from Des Moines was turning into a nightmare for those poor souls.  Once again, dismount and weave the bike between cars on foot.

Somewhere between Waldinger corp and Fleur Viaduct I saw a dim bicycle light.  When my lights illuminated the reflective chevrons on his trousers I knew who it was.  David Lanham, my recommendation for Commuter of the Year,  He rides 12 miles or so everyday from Urbandale to the Capital.  We cross paths almost every morning and sometimes on the return commute.  He has ridden through the worst of it like me and Mary.  Another comrade.  Another patriot hero.  Looking up at the viaduct I saw that traffic was jammed again.

"Don't you wish you were driving tonight?"

"And they think we are stupid!" he replied.

 Indeed.  Sure, we are cold and sweaty and our average speed is taking a hit tonight but we are moving.  We are not stressing out.  We are not in fear of our lives.  Time for a laugh.  Time to shout YES!!!  Stupid, yes we are.  We parted.  Never enough time to talk in the morning or at night.  I felt a bit sad for him having to fight that headwind.  But the trail will protect him.  I fought it and lived in the morning.  Almost every morning lately it seems.  Good luck, Dave, God be with you!

Wind, my mighty foe.  The drifts were getting bad as the trail enter the south side of Gray's Lake.  But that stretch is short and trees are around the curve and will protect me until I reach the river bank.  Conflicting theories of what side of the trail I should be on when fighting the drifts.  Nothing too bad.  Keep going.  1 mile until home.  Confluence was tempting but I rolled on. Then I had an idea.

Mullets was approaching.  Why not roll in?  Enter the bar in my bike warrior clothing and order a shot of Fireball in front of everyone?  People will be like "My God, you rode a bike here in this snow?"  Jaws will drop low when I tell them where I began.  And jaws will hit the floor when I tell them that the bike is holding a 15 lb bag of Solid Gold Wolf Cub Large Breed Puppy food.

I parked underneath the patio.  It was difficult to unzip the front pannier to retrieve my wallet.  I smacked the snow off like the Union cavalry officer in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly did before arresting Blonde and Tuco as Confederate soldiers.  As I walked through the inner door to the bar the speakers played a familar drum beat.  Boom boom boom boombaboombaboombaboomba boom boom boom.  Then a synthetic bass line hit.  Blue Monday by my favorite band, New Order.  Perfect timing!  Now as a hardcore New Order fan and Lost Viking, I would have rather heard Temptation or Sunrise, Or the Perfect Kiss or almost any other NO track except Rock the Shack or ShellShock.  But Blue Monday is their biggest hit and the #1 selling 12" single of all time, any artist..  This could be a long night.  But I behaved and after the shot drank only 2 beers, Blue Moon and a Shiner Holiday Cheer, before suiting up and riding the 1/2 mile home.  Dinner and tire change,

POSTSCRIPT

The front tire of the FX was flat in the morning.  Installation error I hope.  Grabbed the other tube and installed it before taking my shower.  Thus, I lost valuable time.  I took the trail to work.  Snow still dry and soft.  Drifts not bad.  Wind sucked as usual.  Studded tires worked well and paid for themselves on that journey.  A bit stiff and not as comfortable as the tires they replaced.  but that's what they need to be.  I remember stopping a the light on 35th and Westown Pkwy.  My boot told me that it was slick and icey.  My tires said shut up.  I could not wait to get to work and ask them how their drive home was.  Probably not as fun or as epic as mine.