Mt-Rd-Mt

80 degrees in April - need I say more? I took advantage of the summer-like weather to get out on the bikes as much as my early season stamina would allow these past three days. Friday I took part of the afternoon off and did some mountain biking at Bear Swamp with a friend and coworker. The trails were a bit wet, but not as bad as they could have been - there was still snow on the ground in some spots. The skunk cabbage was pushing through in some spots and there puddles were alive with early rising amphibians. I just hope it stays warm and we don't get a cold snap that will could lead to killing off those that woke up to enjoy the warm weather.

Spring time at Bear Swamp

Skunk cabbage

Saturday was another stellar day. I rode to the farmers market (no bike racks - have to talk with Ben about that...) and stocked up on local cheese, eggs, and apples. I then visited the site of the now demolished brewery that I've been photo documenting. I will get more pictures up of that soon, I hope. In the afternoon, I completed another bike ride around one of the Finger Lakes - Otisco this time. I rode clockwise around the lake after parking at the Marietta post office. There was a strong wind blowing from the south, south west that was certainly a challenge. There were a few times it pushed me out into the travel lane but fortunately there were no cars coming. After crossing the southern end of the lake, I encountered the aptly named Church Hill Road, steepest grade I've ever climbed on a road bike. I managed to make it to the top without stopping but it wasn't pretty - I was moving at a blistering 3 mph, barely enough to keep me upright. A few cars came down the hill as I was going up and I can only imagine what they were thinking. The uphill was rewarded with a nice decent on which I hit 43, the fastest I've ever gone on a bike. It was wind aided but fast enough for me. I briefly toyed with the foolish idea of trying to loop Skaneateles as well but poor nutrition, time, and the headwind made me throw in the towel after only a few miles. I made it back to the post office parking lot just as two other roadies were packing their bikes onto a MINI Clubman.

Otisco Lake looking south

As steep as it looks, or steeper

Today wasn't as warm as the past two but I am not complaining as the sun was out and it was in the 60s. I went to Fairport for Easter dinner with the family and afterward rode at Dryer Road. I've forgotten how many fun trails there are and how dry they stay. I looped some of the usual suspects but decided to try Juicy Bacon, a black diamond that I've only riden with Michael. For this early in the season - not at my sharpest of technical abilities - everything went so well I went back for seconds,,, and then thirds. I don't usually like bacon but today I couldn't get enough. Eventually I had to call it a day because the sun was setting and my drive train was screaming for some lube.

So good, I had to go back for seconds and thirds

I am pretty sore but managed just over 40 miles these past three day, split 1/3 mountain, 2/3 road. I've bested last year's April total and it is only the 4th. Could be a sign of good things to come.