Monday, December 16, 2013

No FT3 . . . ?



Last Tuesday, we found ourselves locked in the firm grip of winter. As Spawn reported, the lake trails were 95% covered in snow to a depth of 6 inches in places. So with Pollywood out of the picture, many FT3ers were left scratching their heads (or some other area of the body) and pondering the question, "Now what?"

Historically, riders have been known to enact 'Plan B' when faced with similar circumstances. But due to illness, absence, obligations, and maybe even plain common sense, even the P'ville 'steeps' tour failed to take hold. Clearly, this is for the best, as the local roads were downright treacherous. Even the bike path was covered in snow and ice.

I, for one, opted to work out my frustration on the stationary trainer, which provided ample frustrations of its own. Even my greatest efforts at the pedals seemed to be getting me nowhere. I'd had enough of the nonsense after only about 40 minutes; hardly even qualifying as a ride in normal circumstances.

But let's not dwell on the past. A new day has dawned, providing evidence for the fact that the world is still turning on its axis, despite a Tuesday going by with no FT3. Let's not allow it to happen again, though. Best not take any chances.

The snow is melting, and credible sources have indicated that the trails will be in ride-able condition come Tuesday night. There will be snow, yes, and there will be mud. Bring your fancy shoe covers if you wish. Bring your fenders if you're allergic to dirt. But be there, oh yes . . . be there.

By the way: where were you last Tuesday night? Comment in the thread . . .

21 comments:

  1. After running...........yes running on the trails the last couple days here is an updated conditions report. The trails that get the least amount and greatest of sunlight have the best conditions. There is smaller percentage of snow coverage on the trails this week but a larger percentage of ice on the trails this week. There are some sections of trails that are downright ideal and some that are hang on for dear life. A ride is doable but be forewarned about patches of treacherous conditions in some spots.

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  2. Aye, well done PC. Conditions have been treacherous, but with warming temps this past storm will be a damp memory soon. I will coopt this fine callout to report a Sat hobo ride on the EDT. Nohandle, Rock God, and your Councilman all headed west along the famed RR grade. Despite drifts and a modicum of ice, it was fully navigable (and fun) down to Shingle. Despite a lack of serious vert, it is a worthy option when things get deeper in Polly. As for last week, I was at work late. This week looks like more of the same. I will try for a taco showing. Peace!

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  3. Out. I have a 4:15AM wake up and all day meeting in Oregon Wednesday.

    RR route is a worthy alternative.

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  4. After the RR ride on Sat and the amount of slippy stuff where prior tires had already been or shade persisted, combined with the "hang on for dear life" comment from Spawn,I have my reservations about Pollywood tonight. At the same time, I don't have a great alternative offer. Sat to see nothing happen last week, I was in SB.

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  5. I'll co-opt this thread to mention that the annual winter solstice bonfire is on this weekend. 5pm at the NoHandle home. I've sent invites to many of you but don't have emails for all. All FT3ers are invited but I'd prefer to keep logistics and details on the back channel.

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  6. I would like to add Tonight's Taco Tuesday is the last one for 2013. With the next two being on Eve's of ........ there will be no official Tacos served those nights. Plan accordingly

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  7. PC spent time on his trainer last week. That's a ride. Well done and way to take one for the team.

    I am back in Placerville and ready to ride this evening, wherever the roll may be. I vote Pollywood if riding up there is reasonable but am up for P-town too if that is the call.

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  8. I'm stuck in Illinois with the flu, which has also made me miss my flight. I was supposed to be back in pville this afternoon, but seeing as I'm not on the plane, that's not gonna happen. My flight has been rescheduled for Thursday, so I will have to sit this one out.

    I'm sad that I will be missing the last true 2013 FT3. However, for those without major family obligations, or even those with, perhaps a FT3 afternoon ride can go down next Tuesday.

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    1. Sorry to here of your traveling travails. Lets keep the Xmas eve ride thread going. I might be able to sneak out. Hope you get well soon.

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    2. Sorry about the bug, Newb. I love the idea of an afternoon ride, but I am one of those people with 'major family obligations'. I've learned from experience it's best to not abandon guests for even a few hours . . . Wife no like.

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  9. I'll ride Pollywood if that is the momentum. Is C-Wing going to make one of his threatened appearances. Last chance for the year. Tho, I don't really want him to pedal up "under his own power" given the black ice potential.

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  10. Looks to me like 4 riders are ready and willing, but it is as yet unclear what wants to go down. Like B and Nohandle, I am flexible - willing to ride any damn where there's dirt, even if that means suffering some pavement along the way. Anyone willing to make the call? Spawn, your two cents? Say the word, as far as I'm concerned.

    Oh yeah, and I'll be at Mosquito around 5:45 to carpool if we decide to brave Pollock tonight.

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  11. Sounds to me like it's gonna have to be Polly if we want to make Xteric happy. Maybe just choose the least-treacherous routes? Regardless, let's meet at Mosquito and flip a coin if it comes down to it. With Nohandle, B, XT and myself, it looks like we're a solid four at this point. Spawn: you in? What's your vote . . .?

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  12. I'll plan on meeting at Pollywood. Call or text me if that changes. B has the contact info

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  13. Ya I am in. I have some routes in my head from what I have seen on my runs. Mentally prepare for mixed conditions.

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  14. BC from Bambi: "Anyone have a light I can borrow"

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  15. I am in and heading to the Knott lot. Work kept me away from the blog today....

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  16. I prefer to ride in town but it appears to be much too late to launch an advocacy effort. Who will read this anyway.

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  17. Yes, Nohandle was sporting the lobster mitts last night.

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