Snow clouds over Sumas Mt.
Rode up the Paradise Valley Rd from Mark & Janet's place on the Frost Road. Hit snow at Bo & Terry's place, which is the last house on the road, but kept riding up above the cliffs and all the way to the end of the road.
The snow and frozen road made me think that climbing in difficult situations is good for both mental and physical conditioning. The slippery, irregular road surface forces you to think about where your REAR tire is
Quick, how many of you have any idea where your rear tire is tonight, or at any other time for that matter. Few of us normally think about our rear tire because with the new bikes, if you can get the front wheels over an obstacle, the rear tire will almost certainly follow. There are times, though, in marginal traction situations when being able to put your rear tire in the right place can make the difference between riding and not riding.
Riding in bad conditions also teaches you when you have the best traction, which
modfies some summer riding habits. For instance, I'm in the habit of applying power when I
cross the center of a logging road because the road surface is likely to be larger and
looser. I peddle when I switch lanes because I want the added stability it gives the
manuever. When riding in mud and snow, though, you learn that the center is likely to be
so soft that your best bet is probably to coast across and apply the power when you hit
better surface on the other side.
Approximately 1100 verts.
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