In Search of Spring

We had originally intended to go fishing this past weekend. However, Mother Nature had other plans for us. Many of the lakes in Northern Minnesota were still partially or completely covered with ice. Add to this 30 to 40 mph winds and it makes for an unpleasant fishing opener. I also, for the first time in a while, went up north without a bike. My intent was simple...just spend time with my folks, visit with friends, and possibly get out in the woods for a few hours on Saturday afternoon.

I was able to get out and scout some new roads and I have put together what I think will be a pretty sweet ride of 80+ miles. Looking forward to getting out there and getting it done. Of course, not all roads are ready just yet.

 

Solitude

I did a really nice 50 mile ride last Friday while I was up north visiting my folks. It was a mix of gravel and pavement that has the potential to easily turn itself into a much longer ride.

I'm loving riding the Cross Check especially with the new Schwalbe Marathons 40c tyres. It really handles the gravel well along with pavement. What a great bike!!

"The Sturgeon River"

 

"Signs of Spring"

I think I'm OK with the axle weight restrictions.

Dreamin'....

I'm dreamin' of a snow free Northland and miles upon miles of gravel forest roads and fire trails.

Bally Creek Road West of Devil's Track Lake in Northeastern MN

The Never Ending Winter

This year it seems like just when people are feeling that winter is coming to an end we end up with another snow storm. Further north the winter has been much harder on folks and more than likely the deer population.

 "I'm An Optimist"

Once again we received another several inches of snow, but fortunately it was far less than originally predicted. This was followed up by rain, warmer temps, and most importantly sunshine.

Maybe now we can say, with some assurance, that winter is over and it is time to enjoy a little bit of spring. Some new life, renewed energy, sunshine, warmer temps, and the hopes of riding dry single track sometime very soon.

"Getting Fat and Enjoying the Sun"

Spring Thaw

I went for a rather interesting ride yesterday. Along the way I encountered plenty of mud, snow, ice, and a three hour long steady, icy cold rain.

 

 "Element of Thought"

 

 "Gravely Goodness"

With the frost coming out of the ground the conditions were less than ideal. The crushed limestone of the Luce Line and the gravel farm roads were very soft and slow. None the less it sure felt good to get out on the old single speed 29er. I really love this bike.

 

 "Snow, Ice, Mud, and Rain"

 

"Aftermath"

There will definitely be some cleaning to do after this ride.

Random Images from "Up North"

 "The Beaver House" in Grand Marais

 "Lake Superior Ice"

"Ice Castle"

 "iPhone Panorama"

 "The Harbor-Early Morning Light"

 

 "Cascade River Cedars"

"Watchful Eyes"

 

 "Fire and Ice"

"Fitger's Taps"