Brrr

[us56456712]

My wife and I tried for a 12 mile bike ride today. It was raining when we started but by 3 blocks the rain had frozen into wind driven sleet which stung the face. She considered quitting as it was stinging her pretty face but I convinced her to POR. It shortly let up so it wasn't coming down so hard it hurt. It then started to snow and we got cold so we only went 8 miles. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail was only rideable for about 4 miles, until the elevation rose 200 feet and the trail was snow and loose ice and unridable unless you have a fat bike. We turned around and went back to town. We then rode along Lake Superior but the wind off the Lake made our hands and feet cold as we didn't have chemical heaters (I figured you don't need those this time of year). There are still 5 foot snowbanks along 3 areas where I take my road bike on longer rides, but the roads are clear. They are predicting a week of below average temps before it gets back to average temps in the 40s (hopefully upper 40 or even 50 would be good) for this time of year. Time for hot chocolate as I am having a hard time typing as my hands are still numb. Here is the local forecast from out TV channel.

Upper Michigan's Forecast
Current Conditions in The U.P.
Temperature: 37°F Overcast Updated 4/21/2015 12:46 PM by NWS
Feels like: 28°F Barometer: 29.29 in.
Wind: W at 15.0 mph Humidity: 81%
Today - Rain/Snow Mix
Hi 38° | Low 30°
Breezy conditions with periods of snow mixed with a little rain. A couple inches of snow could accumulate on grassy areas
Tonight - Flurries
Transition to all snow overnight with chilly temperatures

Tue, April 21
HI 38°
Wed, April 22
HI 34°
Thu, April 23
HI 37°
Fri, April 24
HI 39°

 

[us56456712]

7 months of snow is a bit much. It snowed in early October and hung around in the sheltered spots in the woods and then real snow came to stay on Halloween this year. I was cleaning up the leaves in my yard but now I will have to wait to finish that. Later today I am scheduled to help rake and cut deadfalls off the west end mountain bike trails, 17 miles cleared and only 42 more to go. I don't know if I should bring a rake or a shovel and snowshoes? If the cleanup is cancelled (a 2PM go/no go announcement will be posted on the RAMBA Facebook page) I will go for a bike ride. It's still snowing now and is predicted to snow all day and night.

 

[rydr1]

Looks like your going to have your work cut out for you. It's all for a good cause.

We are spoiled here, if it's under 60° Fahrenheit, we have indoor activities.

 

[alistair clark]

Gee US 56... just looking at your photos makes me thankful that I don't have any of the white stuff. Here in Motor City it's in the high 30's low 40's. dark and gray.