First snow of the season

Yesterday it was snowing off an on all day. Hovering around the freezing mark, all of it was just melting. As I went to bed last night I was hoping some of it might just stick over night. On the off chance it would, I set the alarm to be up and early to catch the first snow ride of the season.

I wasn’t disappointed. About an inch was staying to the grass and gavel, while the roads were just wet.

I woke up Karate Monkey and started spinning the cranks. Headed through a construction site, which proved to be too muddy to be enjoyable. It took all I had to maintain forward motion, and I was just getting really really dirty. I road a highway to a gravel road, and enjoyed that for a while. A little canal path cruising and time to head home. Our garden hoses weren’t frozen, so I was able to give KM a shower, as well as my lower body before heading into the warmth.

I also took the Xtra to work for it’s shake-down run. I was pleasantly surprised that everything is dialed in! Even the ratchet shifting on my vintage Shimano “thumies” is working like it was new. I wasn’t sure if they would work well together or not (they’re from different bikes) but I am very impressed with how well it’s shifting. I still need a cable for the front derailleur, and for now I’ve just got the travel adjustment screws waxed out to hold it at the center chain ring. Works good enough for now.

I can’t believe I’ve had my Xtra out of commission for so long. After riding it today, and I am reminded of all of the stuff I’ve hauled on this bike. How did I get by without one? By driving my pickup truck too much that’s how. Anyone who is considering getting an Xtracycle, I more than highly recommend it. When you think that this bike will revolutionize your transportation life; you’ll be amazed at how it will blow even your highest expectations out of the water!