Excellent winter ride last week...

[Bill]

As I try to consider whether I can find a way to stave off frostbite in this weekend's forecast I think about last week's ride. Some of you may remember some solid advice that I received from a fortune cookie,

Thanks to Ana-Maria for leading the ride and Drew for joining us for some gravel adventure I was finally able to make it happen,

For a winter ride, temperatures weren't too bad and wind was low, but Ana-Maria's phone decided that is was cold enough that it should hibernate. I was tasked with the Ana-Maria trademark group selfie. As you can see I have some work to do to learn how to get it to focus on the group rather than the spot of mud on my helmet cover.

My camera also seems to need some help with the high-vis gear. Regardless of the questionable photography this was an excellent ride.

There were a couple of icy spots, but roads were good. The worse part was Maple Bend where the rain / freeze cycles we have seen in this El Niño winter led to some serious ruts. We did have to deal with a flat. Some were certainly more ready to get going afterward.

We made it back.

It was cold enough for numb fingers and toes, as well as some beard-sicles.

... but was still awesome to get out with the club again.

Members can see more more discussion and photos starting on this post in the Weekend Gravel rides thread in the ride group.

If you're out this weekend, stay warm.