Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Coldest FT3 on Record

Of course, that is only based on what the thermometer said last night. We all agreed we have felt much, much, colder on several occasions and that 33 and raining is a much worse condition to ride in than a clear and cold 25 degrees. Of course this event doesn't account for the time that some select FT3'ers rode from Strawberry to Kirkwood and back in January. That ride began, and likely ended, with temps in the 'teens, if you don't know the details about that one then you should read the entire blog.

Last night's ride began as any proper SSFT3 would, with a round of... "what the? Are those Budweiser's?" NoHandle sprung for six King of Beers and we happily enjoyed them. Then the Spawn showed with more PBR's and we didn't have time to stand around in the cold and drink them so we went along our way. The Spawn likes to ride lead, we think, as much as our DRL, so he lead the group that included Cap'n, Councilman, XTeric, NoHandle, and Buttons out qualifier way. After determining just how cold we were and that XTeric had forgot his Camelback we swung back into the lot to finish our ride and go get tacos. Just kidding. We grabbed his Camelback and I grabbed an extra pair of gloves and we headed back out. We rode along the lake clockwise and climbed Barnesback to Park Creek. A proper choice on a cold night as we all stayed relatively warm and comfortable on the long climb. We then rode Park Creek all the way to Powerline, then dropped B is for barf and the little fun DH trail with super sweet 6 inch jumps back down to lake level. It was at least 9 by the time we finished, fingers and toes were starting to go numb, there was no short riding on this cold evening. There was also no sign of Peter.

The taco part was better. Spawn brought the remaining PBR's in and set them on the table, we all knew this was a life goal of our chicken wing friend, it was sad he was not present to enjoy the moment. Canned, free PBR's at the taco table. Yes. Spawn was also served his tacos last.  It was clear who was in charge last night, it was the two taco bitty's, no sign of Mother Rye or Even Keel. The old friendly engineer/professor told our table of thawing MTB'ers that Button's looked like a Muslim. Just then the recently-returned taco bitty with multiple jobs asked us if we had any allergies. Odd question, we all thought. Then the tacos arrived, first Buttons and NoHandle got theirs, then XTeric and I (Councilman left after the ride) and then the Spawn. Buttons was the first to discover a pork taco hidden in his batch. Yes, he was called a Muslim and served a pork taco in the same night. We all got one, just one. It was a nice treat and we were all pleased to receive tacos that did not include rufy's. Or wait, I mean, what happened next?

15 comments:

  1. Just saw the Chicken Wing aboard a bicycle. He said it was his first time out since the incident. He was rolling the commuter all the way home.

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  2. Thanks for the nod and the hilarious ride reporting.

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    1. So glad you're back on wheels, CW - commuting, no less. Time to revert to other handle? Or save that for first post-wingbone FT3? Regardless, may the increased blood flow and elevated endorphins from pumping those leg bones speed wing recovery.

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  3. So, fellas: how're the conditions in Pollywood after this weekend's unprecedented snowfall? Do we dare FT3? I'll be there if any other foolhardy souls care to join. Not gonna go out alone, though.

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  4. Pretty snow covered and icy here in Pollywood. Haven't tried to hit the trails but will try and see if anything is clear this afternoon.

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  5. Thanks, Spawn. Anyone else want to chime in regarding the feasibility of a bike ride? If Polly is too icy, are there any alternative locations or routes that we might consider? Lower down the hill possibly? I'm open to anything between here and Folsom.

    We could arrange a Mosquito meet-up if a remote location is chosen. Basically I just need to ride my bike, and company is always good.

    Who's in? Thoughts . . .?

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  6. What did you find Spawn? Anything rideable up there?

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  7. Ran to the back of the lake this afternoon. Coverage is 95% with 6 inches in some spots. Looks as though someone attempted to ride but made it only a mile in.

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  8. Typically, I would ride lead ya'll on an epic Tour De Pville Steeps, during which time you would trespass, drink a lot of PBR's and enjoy a tremendous time finishing with ride-through drive-through tacos at the local Jimboys. However, this evening I am out, both due to a head cold and other pressing matters at home. Unknown Local wants to ride, I believe he is capable of leading a tour de steeps, I hope something goes down, make it happen gents.

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  9. It appears that Cap'n has given us a challenge. Any takers? Name a time and a place . . . (say, Mosquito, 6:00?)

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  10. Well, gentlemen; due to the preponderance of replies in the negatory and none in the affirmative, it looks like I'll be either staying in for the evening or heading out for a short solo jaunt on the least frosty routes I can find. Maybe I'll just set up the trainer in the garage and rock out. I'm pretty sure I have some tortillas and beans to approximate tacos for a post-ride recovery meal. Regardless, it looks like I'm out for the as yet unplanned ride.

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  11. Yikes, did a ride go down last night or has the streak been broken?

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  12. No ride, c-man, unless you count one guy going nowhere for about 40 minutes in his garage as a ride. Probably for the best, as a crash on icy pavement makes one feel kinda silly, and I'd say the likelihood of that would have been fairly high if I'd ventured beyond the garage door Tuesday night.

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  13. In the event that Polly trails are still snowbound next Tuesday, does it make sense to designate an alternative ride location? Where else do y'all go further down the hill to get some dirt between your knobs? Cronan?

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  14. Well, Cappy has been trying to lure us to Auburn for the past few years. We typically do a local steeps ride, but that could be d-icey if it doesn't warm and melt a bit more. Studded tires? Fat bikes?

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