November 3rd (Morning)

Ok, the weather guys really need to get their ducks in a row here. Or I need to buy my own thermometer (probably the best idea). Yesterday morning they said it was 4°, 75% humidity. And it was warm. Very warm. I had used the foot warmer packs, but wished I hadn’t as my feet were too warm. I ended up ditching the leather gloves. The jacket was unzipped. My skull cap was pulled up above my ears. I was warm!!!

This morning, again they said it was the same, 4° but with 80% humidity. So, I figured I’m not wasting another $0.50 toe warmer pack this morning and decided to go without. And it was COLD! The cars were covered in frost, the air was cold, the trails were frosty! And by the end of the ride, my feet were frozen, my hands were frozen, my jacket was still zipped up to my chin and I couldn’t seem to pull my skull cap low enough over my ears… Sheesh!!!

So, enough ranting, I just don’t know how to explain the “in reality” differences when the computer reads basically the same numbers. Does that extra 5% of humidity make the difference between a “warm” 4° and a “cold” 4°? Just 5%? Hmmm….

Anyways, the ride was pretty good. I did feel a bit tired and sore and with the cold air, I took it pretty easy. I didn’t go too fast down the couple of downhill sections in Juniper. By the time I got to Frolek’s land, I was warmed up but still took it easier than I would on a good day. It was a fun ride, and I managed the dip/corner section with just a dab as well as the new, lower trail at the top of the Peterson Creek valley with only a dab as I went over the root. I also made the technical climb up and out the east bank of the creek. The climb was good, steady, and I didn’t meet up with anyone.

One thing is that my taillight died… I mean, no warning! It was working full power last night, and this morning when I left, but at the creek bottom I noticed it was off. So, once I hit the street at the top, I turned it back on and it stayed on for a whopping 2 minutes before turning off again. I guess that will serve me right for not carrying extra batteries with me! Although I think I would also need a small Philips screwdriver to get at those batteries anyways… Regardless, with the large built in reflector, at least I wasn’t left hanging out to “dry” with nothing at all. Not the best, but better than nothing. And still within bylaw regulations so I don’t have to worry about getting a ticket…

Oh, and the trail between the trailer park and Pineview is obviously a very well travelled trail! The path I have been taking around the newly fallen tree is all but a legitimate, actual trail already in just two days. Crazy!