This past week defined "tweener" to a tee. What felt like mid winter earlier in the week gradually turned to Indian summer. Winter is preferred but until then, enjoying the weather we have because it's the only weather we get!
The snow from Monday held off through the week and knew Saturday morning would probably be the last hurrah. Called up DL Nord Ian Fritz for a hill repeat session on Suicide Hill. Just being on snow this time of year is a treat and despite multiple times up and down, the time goes by fast. Ian is great to have around with his positive do anything attitude. Boxing, yoga, being one of the leads in the school play, few of the activities keeping the wheels moving for Ian.
Earlier in the week it was cold enough to freeze over the lake. I checked it the next morning. Not quite thick enough to walk on but a clear, solid sheet of ice froze perfectly. Checked it each morning and night and by Saturday morning was good to go for a skate. It was warming up quick and I new the minutes were numbered. We stayed close to shore with a plan "just in case" ! I've been on thinner ice before and one year beaver trapping fell through with waiters on and glad to be able to type today.
Pre-game warm up! With a thin layer of water on top, it looked like we were on open water. When we started making big waves, knew it was time to get off. So far the lake remains ice covered and should survive until cooler weather returns.
Finally hooked up with fellow team rider Denny Barry on Friday morning for a frosty ride on hard trail on the Maplelag course.
Snow was a non issue other than making things even brighter!
Denny brought a new rider to the area, Ben. First time hitting the Maplelag course and nailed everything nicely. He has a mx background which always favors those guys getting in to mountain biking.
Jens before his first game of the season. Repeating last Sunday, going to morning church in Brainerd than Northern Lakes in afternoon. No swagger whatsoever. Ha!
Looked on the MORC website before heading over to see about Cuyuna. Thought even a 45min to 1 hr ride would be possible with 3 hours in between games but posted as closed because of deer hunting... not sure of any special permits in the area as the season is closed and there was no signage indicating closed trails. Regardless, the day was perfect and made for a nice hour hike going up to a high point to show Jonell the sweet flowing track and views from the top.
4 comments:
Being a ignorant southerner, Just how thick does ice need to be to walk on it?
Thanks for the comment.
3-4" of good ice, meaning clear and pure. Sometimes it will freeze than snow right after and that is sketchy. Snow pushes down on ice and pushes water through cracks. We've had great ice the past few years. People that recreate on ice like to see 6" of ice made before snow.
I remember when I was a kid (that was in the old days) and Glen Lake froze over some years, the ice was perfectly clear. We could skate all over the lake and see all the way to the bottom.
We would play hockey at night and chase the puck half way across the lake. Lake ice is awesome when it freezes smooth with no snow.
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