Monday, January 21, 2013

Motivation

 
Our daughter is home from college and has a job while on break...good worker by the way.  So seeing how it was -17°F this morning, I was up 5 AM making sure the vehicles would start.  It was her car that didn't start but I partially blame myself for that.  We didn't plug it in.  When I tried to start it I don't think I did that right either.  But I had it running before she had to leave for work.  The bicycle had no problem starting though.  For my families benefit I rode the back trails so people didn't see me.  hehehe  

It was a choice of either riding the dreaded indoor trainer or brave the elements.  I chose the elements.  That trainer is the most motivational tool there is for getting me outside to ride.  The Fat-bike riding conditions in our area are nothing short of great.

It was at 10 below 0 on the Fahrenheit scale (-23C) when I left for the ride at 10:45 but only 8 below when I rolled back in to the house at 11:40.  It was warming up.  Tomorrow will be colder.  I added a sweater and goggles to my regular cold riding gear.  I was not one bit cold, but I messed up when I stopped to take the last picture.  I just slid my goggles down and snapped the picture, but when I slid them down I was breathing on them.  That created ice which made it difficult to remove and ride, so I cut the ride to just less than an hour.

When I got home I headed to the basement to stock the wood stove and load this drivel up. I think my job for the next couple of days will be similar to REO "Keep the Fire Burnin".  

Lets get outdoors and have some fun!!

PS...Thanks for reading.  :-)  

10 comments:

  1. You are hearby a honorary Fairbanksian. There are riders who manage to keep riding down to -50f there, I was not one of them tho. Did you purposely use low temp grease on your new bike? You would be needing it now.

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  2. -50f would be tough. I did not use special grease, but the hubs are 9:ZERO:7. I am hoping they will not need any special attention. The Sram X-9 rear shifter was a little slow, but nothing I can't deal with.

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  3. "For my families benefit I rode the back trails so people didn't see me."
    Love that comment!! Lol

    -26.......... -43 with the wind @4a.m. On my way to work! I took the long way into work.
    No need to take the back roads that early in the morning!! Ha Ha
    Glad you're getting some miles on your new "Fat Boy!!"
    Pedal On!!!
    Peace

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    1. Yes, I am really liking the Fat-tire. Was out again today and spotted two cars. I noticed one of them hit the brakes, come to a stop and then kept going.

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  4. My nephew let me ride a 9zero7 when we were in Marquette last month. It was a blast! I don't think I'd need one down here where I live for more than a couple months. However, it would be awesome.

    I'm saving right now for a new road bike.

    Stay warm!

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    1. The Fat-tire is indeed fun. I did ride it a little before the snow hit and I think I will be riding this unit year around.

      A new road bike?!?! NICE

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  5. Chuckle, chuckle...I am awaiting my "fog proof" Turtle Fur balaclava which is in the mail.

    So, off to swim in the AM. No cold toes for me.

    CAD

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    1. Turtle fur...would that be snapper? I was out today for an hour and half, but it was much warmer at -2, and had no problems. I left the glasses home.

      If you put some flat pedals on, you will be able to those big white bunny boots you have. I swim like a rock.

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  6. Nice pic with the balaclava, you freak! I looked almost identical this AM; coldest morning so far this winter at -18C; co-workers are calling me insane and all that. I like that part.

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    1. Funny...A guy that works with the smart half was again calling me names yesterday. I have gotten used to the name calling. That is because most folks around these parts think if you're older than 15 and ride a bicycle, all the names they come up with fit.

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