Terrierman

Can spring be far behind? You do know spring peepers never look through ice don't you? And while I'm at it, if I absolutely positively have to have a headwind in March, let it be from the South, like today. Thankful again to be alive and seeing the signs I saw.

MichiganMike

I am in Cleveland this week, and this is what I saw:

Tuesday
21° / 10°
Wednesday
31° / 19°

Send some of the out of the south wind this way please!

CrossChain

Blue skies and mid 70's here in the Central Valley at the foot of the Sierra where snow can be seen on the peaks. Late afternoon ride past green pastures, fresh born baby goats, curious cows............yes, Terrierman, life is good indeed.

Little Darwin

Ah green pastures in California... I remember, that will last what? Three weeks?

But, I do miss the year long cycling season...

Louis

Hold on to your hat, we're going to get another blast of snow tonight. I'm about 35 mi. south of you.

Tom Bombadil

No peepers out here. The ponds & lakes are still hard frozen. The ice fisherman still have their fishing huts up on the lakes. Last night it was 8 degrees when I took the dog out. And I've got about 15" of snow in my yard. So if there are any daffodils up, then it will be a while until the snow melts down to where I can see them.

CrossChain

We in CA learn to sieze our green while we can. A winding ride right now up into Del Puerto canyon whose rolling emerald hills remind of Ireland are a dreamy vision that must tide us over after May when all turns to brown. Yet, there is a semi-desert beauty that makes the cool shadowy oasis of the Knights Ferry General Store (est. 1848) with its dark wood floors and pre WW2 refridgeration cabinets holding Eskimo Pies and the tangy echoes of Nehi Orange a restful goal through the shimmering road mirages to get there. Each place has its own character-- and charm. Even, maybe, San Diego.

Digital Gee

As everyone knows, San Diego is America's Finest City (financial scandal notwithstanding). And to think I moved here from Cleveland, the Best Location in the Nation, right, Louis?

Louis

The "Best Location in the Nation". Ha, I don't know who made up that slogan, it's been around forever. I don't get up that way too often, but I understand there have been some improvments. It's gonna take a lot to live up to that line.

When did you leave Cleveland?

Terrierman

I think more people know Cleveland as "The Mistake on the Lake" than "The Best Location in the Nation". Don't they?

DnvrFox

Right now, I could do without your bragging! Our spring never comes until about April 15 or so.

MichiganMike

Just here for work this week. I travel all over, and the two best places I have found for biking (paths/trails) are Denver and Chicago. Washington DC is pretty nice too. I drive everywhere and just bring a bike with me.

I like your location too Terrierman. I used to have to go to Springfield MO a couple of times a year. I'd stay out in Branson and just drive up to Springfield each day. Very pretty area. Some nice roads to bike on. Never tried that trail you have there in Springfield, though I wanted to.

I want to try the Canal Path here, but the weather never cooperates when I come.

Shifty

I always look forward to cycling in the country in mid-March each year. The daffodil show is just getting started, and I'll take my annual bike ride to this little country festival just out of Eugene that celebrates the change of seasons
https://www.junctioncity.com/news/daffodils/index.htm

Terrierman

I'm about halfway between Springfield and Branson. It is pretty, thanks and you're right about really having some decent (read little used paved country roads) to bike. I'm able to take a 20+ mile route and spend maybe 1/2 mile on a major highway, the rest is the "old highway" with lots of off shoots I can take too. Springfield now has several hike/bike trails, they call them greenways now. Sounds better than trail I guess. Galloway Trail follows Galloway Creek as it meanders through town, passes through a park and connects to a Missouri Department of Conservation nature trail (no bikes or dogs on the nature trail) and to the first section of the James River Trail which now is only a mile but will expand with the proceeds of a recently passed 1/4 cent sales tax initiative. Together they add up to a nice little 13 mile loop that is always fun to ride and easy on the eyes. There is also the South Creek trail that follows uhhh... South Creek through town and out to Wilson's Creek Battlefield. It's a little more urban in parts, but more wild in others. Some real hills on the south end of South Creek, where one goes up to the bluff above Wilson's Creek. I understand that South Creek will be better connected to the Battlefield section soon and extended as well. You can get a 15 mile or so loop in there today, looking forward to having more of that to ride too. There's also the Frisco Highline that is the rails to trails bike path that connects Springfield to Bolivar, which is a 30 + mile one way trip. Right now the Sac river bridge is out due to yahoos burning it, but it's supposed to be repaired this year.

So there are a few decent dedicated riding areas too, along with the nice country roads. If you ever get back this way again and care to go for a ride, let me know, my schedule is pretty flexible and I'm sure I could work something out.

stapfam

Todays weather was absolutely perfect- Up in the high 50's- slight breeze and brilliant sun. Got home to find my lawn still under water from the ceaseless rain that has fallen since Sunday- and guess what the weather is doing till the weekend? Persisting down again.

rule

Heh...I have been watching for this in my neck of the woods for the last two weeks. This morning was the first time that I have heard the birds chirping in the pre-dawn. And the daddy ducks were chasing the momma ducks when I cut through the park. Spring has now officially sprung.

Louis

Yeah, they're trying to bury that one.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra are both local attractions. I'd love to visit the Rock Hall but driving in Cleveland is not my cup of tea anymore.

cc_rider

I see snow.

John E

"The winter is forbidden 'til December;
and exits March the Second, on the dot!
By order, summer lingers through September,
In Camelot!"

John E

I can't think of ANY large central business district in which I would enjoy driving. In highly urbanized areas, my bike, my walking shoes, and public transit are freedom, and a car is an albatross.

Monoborracho

I'm just back in from 24 miler at lunch time. It was 60 F when I left and 72 when I got back. The arm warmers came off about halfway through. Hardly any wind. A great day to be alive.

All my daffodils bloomed within the last week or so and I may have to start mowing the grass this week, but the mesquite trees have yet to bud.

Every day above ground is a good day !!!

Tom Bombadil

Geez, what do you consider to be spring?

Your average high temperature is already over 50. By April 11th it hits 60. And your forecast for the next 7 days looks wonderful.

DnvrFox

....

Digital Gee

I was ridden out of Cleveland on a rail, tarred and feathered, in 1973. Some family still there, but I'd never move back. It has improved, however. I was impressed with the new downtown a few years ago. But what happened to Halle's? Higbees? Baileys? Uncle Bills? Hockey?

Thrifty1

Cardiologist gave me the OK today! Tomorrow is supposed to be 70 degress and light southerly breeze so I will attempt the 10 miles around Lake Hefner.
I am a bit apprehensive since I had my heart attack while riding around Lake Hefner, but looking forward to "getting back on the horse"........