Early spring riding, meh?
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Did 58 miles yesterday, almost all on the Legacy trail. I took the velo, since the weather this time of year is highly....variable... and the velo has a much wider comfort range for both wind and temps.
By 6 pm (I got home around 3), the wind was howling so hard I wouldn't even want to be driving in it.
By 6 pm (I got home around 3), the wind was howling so hard I wouldn't even want to be driving in it.
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Jim - yep we got some magnolias going on up here on Rt 38...
Boston - another storm rolling in Sunday night into Monday ... not technically a Nor'Easter ... more like a "South-Wester..." at least it will bring with it warmer temps and a little humidity ...
Boston - another storm rolling in Sunday night into Monday ... not technically a Nor'Easter ... more like a "South-Wester..." at least it will bring with it warmer temps and a little humidity ...
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I was hoping I'd be done with the below freezing rides by now, but nope. UV Index of 5, with balaclava temperatures is an annoying combination, requiring the use of sunscreen to prevent a weird facial tan. Real spring might arrive by next weekend. The last week of March was far better than all of April so far.
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What do you mean? We're getting another snow storm over the next few days in Denver. lol
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25°F today
Stupid Colorado weather!
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
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Not a fan of spring, come to Minneapolis, we do not really know what spring is.
This is Easter Day (Apr 12, 2020)
edit - for the record, it was 60F the day before ... so there's that.
This is Easter Day (Apr 12, 2020)
edit - for the record, it was 60F the day before ... so there's that.
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 04-13-20 at 07:34 AM.
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#32
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April 18th here, Boston is getting a "coating to 6 inches" of heavy wet snow flakes. Here in my neck of the woods, it is accumulating (slightly) on the grass and melting on contact with the pavement.
Grim and grimmer ... the next two weeks are scheduled for scattered showers
Grim and grimmer ... the next two weeks are scheduled for scattered showers
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The roads look ok and I’ll bet the few inches would be ok w/o studs off road. If I wasn’t nursing a knee I’d be out there
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Finally warm here but 3 days in a row of diabolical wind. Double digit celsius temps all this week, but wind up to 40-50 km/h (which is an improvement over today). Time to take the winter tires off 1 bike and 2 vehicles. Hauling the Venza tires out of the basement and carrying the winter ones back down is quite the workout.
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Early spring riding, meh?
Thanks for that nice reply, @RedSon; any relation to @RedSox? The magnolias are well past peak, but other flowers are in full bloom.
I don’t know where you post from, but I have written about the Boston climate to this thread "Best cycling city in USA?
This short, sometimes fleeting Spring is noted by several natural and social mileposts: the first crocuses, Red Sox Opening Day (cancelled), the Comm Ave magnolias, The Boston Marathon (postponed until September),subsequent blossoming trees and flowers; and spring is firmly established by the second Sunday in May with the tens of thousands-strong Walk for Hunger (cancelled).
Today is May 2, the second Saturday in May, and an absolutely gorgeous Spring day.
In my mind I have described a distinct season of the finest Boston weather, that I call “Leg Season”:
I don’t know where you post from, but I have written about the Boston climate to this thread "Best cycling city in USA?
"Does a near-perfect weather place exist?"
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Today is May 2, the second Saturday in May, and an absolutely gorgeous Spring day.
In my mind I have described a distinct season of the finest Boston weather, that I call “Leg Season”:
...Summer for the time being, and the more prized for it....
I celebrate the nice weather part of the year as a self-proclaimed "Leg Season," when short pants are the usual dress.
It starts on the first Sunday in May with the Annual Walk for Hunger, and ends on Columbus Day with the Annual Tufts 10 K Road Race, both attracting thousands of participants.
It starts on the first Sunday in May with the Annual Walk for Hunger, and ends on Columbus Day with the Annual Tufts 10 K Road Race, both attracting thousands of participants.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-03-20 at 12:16 PM.
#39
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May 9th and what can only be described as a freak round of cold Arctic air and non-accumulating snow showers up here in Rt 38 Boston. With a "cold snap" into the mid 40s by day, low 30s by night.
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
Last edited by parkbrav; 05-09-20 at 10:22 AM.
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I heard that, I have a few palm plants that are losing their sense of humor (as is my Wife). they're looking forward to their 4-5 months outside! we've got 3 more besides these 2
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-09-20 at 02:58 PM.
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"Early spring riding, meh?"
I have written about the Boston climate to this thread "Best cycling city in USA?
This short, sometimes fleeting Spring is noted by several natural and social mileposts: the first crocuses, Red Sox Opening Day (cancelled), the Comm Ave magnolias, The Boston Marathon (postponed until September),subsequent blossoming trees and flowers; and spring is firmly established by the second Sunday in May with the tens of thousands-strong Walk for Hunger (cancelled).
Today is May 2, the second Saturday in May, and an absolutely gorgeous Spring day.
I have written about the Boston climate to this thread "Best cycling city in USA?
"Does a near-perfect weather place exist?"
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Today is May 2, the second Saturday in May, and an absolutely gorgeous Spring day.
I celebrate the nice weather part of the year as a self-proclaimed "Leg Season," when short pants are the usual dress.
It starts on the first Sunday in May with the Annual Walk for Hunger, and ends on Columbus Day with the Annual Tufts 10 K Road Race, both attracting thousands of participants.
It starts on the first Sunday in May with the Annual Walk for Hunger, and ends on Columbus Day with the Annual Tufts 10 K Road Race, both attracting thousands of participants.
May 9th and what can only be described as a freak round of cold Arctic air and non-accumulating snow showers up here in Rt 38 Boston. With a "cold snap" into the mid 40s by day, low 30s by night.
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
Have we unleashed a new demon upon ourselves by postponing the Boston Marathon and/or cancelling the Walk for Hunger, thus delaying Leg Season?
↓↓↓↓
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-09-20 at 05:39 PM.
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ɅɅɅɅ
Don’t let them gloat, @rumrunn6,
As I posted earlier this year to the Metro Boston thread:
just occurred to me, the winter forum will be going dormant soon. so sad. so used to this subforum being a go-to place for reliably, weird fun
Yesterday [March 15] was a great day for an all day ride.I packed snacks, a coffee mug, my Bluetooth speaker, and a zip up cycling fleece and rode from home to Myles Standish Forest. It took me 5 hours to get there...
I rode around the park for maybe 20 minutes before heading back to the entrance to sit and rest after the long 74 mile ride. I sat and finished my coffee and reveled in the days accomplishment.
I rode around the park for maybe 20 minutes before heading back to the entrance to sit and rest after the long 74 mile ride. I sat and finished my coffee and reveled in the days accomplishment.
Hi @Ghazmh,
I enjoyed and was impressed by your ride description, especially so early in the year. FYA there is a thread on the general Cycling Forum:
The OP does not indicate his location, but I think it would be amusing to post your ride description on that thread to show BF how hardy we Metro Bostonians are, and rebut those sunny-faced cyclists' patronizing attitudes,e.g.especially with a chilly photo of the bare trees.
I enjoyed and was impressed by your ride description, especially so early in the year. FYA there is a thread on the general Cycling Forum:
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-09-20 at 06:09 PM. Reason: added photo of trees
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May 9th and what can only be described as a freak round of cold Arctic air and non-accumulating snow showers up here in Rt 38 Boston. With a "cold snap" into the mid 40s by day, low 30s by night.
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
So I guess that Arctic Oscillation that kept the polar vortex out of here all winter finally cracked - in May - and sent us what is hopefully a final blast of cold weather
By mid July we will be reminiscing about how much we miss the lower temperatures.
Still, would it hurt if Boston got to warm up just a little? Please?
Silverton, high in the San Juan mountains, has a rhubarb festival in August because that’s about the only thing they can grow up there.
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Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#46
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don't mind hearing from Californians. reminds me when we took the kids to San Fran one March for a friends party. I was walking barefoot on green grass in shorts & a t-shirt. we rented bikes & rode the bridge across the Golden Straight to Sausalito & took the ferry back, at one point, I even took my shirt off, which my son criticized. some day he'll understand. back home, schools closed due to a blizzard & we had to dig the car out of the airport parking lot in Boston. it was fun in the sun, knowing it was so deifferent back home
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-10-20 at 07:30 AM.
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I think these […winter] cycling threads really “jump the shark,” when the California and Florida cyclists chime in.
don't mind hearing from Californians. reminds me when we took the kids to San Fran one March for a friends party. I was walking barefoot on green grass in shorts & a t-shirt. we rented bikes & rode the bridge across the Golden Straight to Sausalito & took the ferry back, at one point, I even took my shirt off, which my son criticized. some day he'll understand.
back home, schools closed due to a blizzard & we had to dig the car out of the airport parking lot in Boston. it was fun in the sun, knowing it was so deifferent back home
back home, schools closed due to a blizzard & we had to dig the car out of the airport parking lot in Boston. it was fun in the sun, knowing it was so deifferent back home
…PS: Here's a cartographic joke: A dowager from Beacon Hill once went to California. When asked how she got there, she replied, "By way of Dedham."
When asked how she liked California, she thought it was "nice, but too far from the Ocean."
When asked how she liked California, she thought it was "nice, but too far from the Ocean."
...I have ridden out West in the Desert, Rockies, and vast Plains, and while interesting and scenic, the views are unchanging for miles, and I really enjoy the intimate quirkiness of Metro Boston.:
"Suggestions for next epic ride"
Personally. I'm very happy cycling in Metro Boston, and have posted an informal Cycling Guide to Metro Boston (link) that would make a nice hub and spoke tour...It may seem parochial, but I think the cycling around here is great.
One can be in scenic countryside within about one hour from downtown, while passing through an interesting, compact urban and suburban scene. Furthermore you can extend your range with a convenient Commuter Rail that allows fully-assembled bikes during off-peak hours. In Spring through Fall it’s a temperate climate.
Besides the cycling, Boston is such a popular tourist destination that there will always be something interesting to do off the bike…culture, nightlife, sports and so forth...
If you’ve never been here before, the experience may be even more…epic.
Personally. I'm very happy cycling in Metro Boston, and have posted an informal Cycling Guide to Metro Boston (link) that would make a nice hub and spoke tour...It may seem parochial, but I think the cycling around here is great.
One can be in scenic countryside within about one hour from downtown, while passing through an interesting, compact urban and suburban scene. Furthermore you can extend your range with a convenient Commuter Rail that allows fully-assembled bikes during off-peak hours. In Spring through Fall it’s a temperate climate.
Besides the cycling, Boston is such a popular tourist destination that there will always be something interesting to do off the bike…culture, nightlife, sports and so forth...
If you’ve never been here before, the experience may be even more…epic.
"Does a near-perfect weather place exist?"
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Personally the only weather I don’t like to ride in is rain, and no rain would be a desert. That said, I really like riding in all seasons, even winter. So my near perfect weather would present the best of all seasons, without the extremes, and I already live here.
Nice, albeit short Spring with beautiful blossoms and that first few weeks of relief from Winter; glorious summer; cool crispy Autumn with colorful foliage; and even a bracing, and challenging Winter, but not one impossible to ride in.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-11-20 at 06:16 AM. Reason: added quote about the quirkiness of Boston
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I posted the most recent entry to this thread on 5/10/20, 9:05 AM; it is now 5/17/20, about 10:30 AM. IMO. a one-week hiatus on the Winter Cycling Forum signals the end of Winter.
Last year I posted
Above reply posted 5/22/18, 3:46 PM; it is now 5/29/18, 5:42 PM. IMO, winter is over after a one week hiatus on the Winter Cycling Forum. Time to take off the studded tires .:
Then there was this thread started on July 23, 2009 "How do you handle approaching snow plows.".Posted from Attleboro, MA.
Then there was this thread started on July 23, 2009 "How do you handle approaching snow plows.".Posted from Attleboro, MA.