Stardate 2017.047

It is winter, after all.


This is one of Snowcatcher's numerous methods of photographing flakes of ice.


And Now Some More Waterton
Currently, it's snowing cats and dogs. So, I'll share some pics from about a week ago, before the snow returned. Let's start with a patio paw-print from the illusive and domesticated Felis Catus.




The cold and icy narrows portion of the ride is just that, cold and icy.




This is the segment of the narrows that is always shaded.




The CT was too icy and rutted to try riding up.




The day was warming up nicely.




The South Platte River




All I saw today was ice, snow and water — no wildlife.




The ever elusive and now mud-splattered Snowcatcher came along for the day too.








Now I need to wash the bikes. Here are some words to live by; a clean bike is a happy bike.




More to come, I'm just not quite sure when more will be.

Adios

Stardate 2016.189

It's Right Around The Corner
The Black Pearl and I ventured up Waterton Canyon to the fork of Trail 800 and the Colorado Trail. This was a reconnaissance trip to see how much snow was hanging around. There are a few patches of snow here and there, and this segment of trail was quite ride-able. Many of the numerous trails following the narrow foothill drainages may still be snowbound; I'll test some of them on an upcoming ride.



The following snowbound pic was taken this past 27th of January just beyond the farthest left turn in the road in the above pic. A lot of snow has melted during February and early March. On the other hand, we can receive a lot of snow March into April.



The Colorado Trail technically begins at the mouth of Waterton Canyon. Actual trail riding begins 6.2 miles upstream. Denver Water (they maintain the Waterton access) restrictions also end at this point.



After a short, stiff little climb, the intersection of Trail 800 and the Colorado Trail is reached. This intersection is upper Lenny's Bench. The bench is in memory of a boy scout who lost his life to an accident in the area. I know nothing about the accident. About 520 miles southwest of this photo, the Colorado Trail reaches Durango, Colorado. The bike route takes several detours to avoid a handful of wilderness areas.

Some cycling notes on the Colorado Trail from bikepacking.net:
Distance...530 miles
Climbing...60,000 feet
Singletrack...60% (trail riding)
Record Male...3:20:44 (day, hour, minute)
Record Female...5:05:27



You may be wondering why my bike is in many of my pics. Well, yes, I'm a bit attached to it. But more importantly, it provides visual scale. It affords a reference to trail width, trail roughness, snow depth, or anything else desiring some sort of scale.




The forest understory is starting to green up a bit.




The trail switchbacks up (and down) through a Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) ecosystem.




Below are typical switchbacks encountered along this particular trail.




The above turn in context. The turn looks a bit distant because the photo was shot in wide-angle to capture the whole turn.




Stay tuned for more!


Adios

Stardate 2015.321

A Frosty Surprise

The white stuff came back for a visit. I rode Waterton Canyon and the Colorado Trail several days after the storm. I turned around just below upper Lenny's Bench because I was carrying my bike more than riding it. (There is a lower Lenny's Bench too.) However, less than 48 hours later, most of the snow had melted and the trail was mostly dry to upper Lenny's.



Bear Camp...
I named this Colorado Trail camp-site Bear Camp because I have greeted bears in this area. The first time was several years ago during the fall with about an inch of snow on the trail. I stopped where this photo was taken, then continued on for about 50 yards before deciding to stop again. When I looked back down the trail, a sow and her cub had just crossed where I had stopped. They had to be right above me while I was doing whatever. Had I seen them up close, I would have become quite excited, I'm sure.



No sooner than this spot had melted out, it filled in with snow again.



Just 44 hours later, the snow is on the fast track out.



Ewe hoo! Up here...
The sheep are out and about. The rams are in a bunch roving around, and the ewes are likely looking for birthing ground. Lambing season is just around the corner. The Canada Goose is paired and nesting too. Down covered goslings to dote over are not far off. So I imagine a cat or two are prowling around.



The Bavarian speedsters were along for the ride today as well.

"Help Dieter, help!" cried Wolfgang.
"You een trouble Wolfgang?" yelled Dieter.
"Ja, ja, I'm caught een a white hole!"
"You strong man, Wolfgang. Just think Jens Voigt and Spock; you can get out."
"Ja, okay, shut up legs and pedal, pedal, pedal," a grimacing Wolfgang cried out.
"Shift down, Wolfgang!" Dieter hollered.
A relieved Wolfgang panted back, "Ja, ok, dat helped. Don't tell Lee Zard; he'll give me hard time about not watching for white holes. He might not share cookies and guacamole dip anymore."
"You guys can't outmaneuver me!" I snickered. "I saw the whole spectacle. Live long and prosper, you two hooligans."



Despite the snow, spring is everywhere!



Upper Lenny's Bench is the intersection where Trail 800 and the Colorado Trail part ways. I did not know Lenny, nor what type of hiking accident claimed him. It looks like some afternoon weather may build, so it's off to the barn I go.

Adios