With snow forecast for this weekend (3-5, 5-8 or 10 inches), regardless of the total accumulation, this generally means that roads and trails in the Delaware State Forest will be frozen until around the end of March. . I stayed away from the forest during hunting season and vacations and didn’t want to wait another 10 weeks.
This morning I decided to get dressed and venture outside. It was 28 degrees at 9:30 a.m. This meant a full balaclava, lobster claw gloves, 2 pairs of wool socks and thermal overshoes. Although I usually ride as much as possible throughout the winter, I really hate cold fingers and toes.
I pulled out of my driveway, through the community to the deer trail that comes off Five Mile Meadow Road and straight into the mud. Five Mile Meadow was difficult. Ben Bush Road wasn’t too bad. The Standing Stone Trail as well as the Burnt Mills Trail were quite wet. This made for a messy but fun ride. Coming back, Flat Ridge Road was wet in places and the back half of Five Mile Meadow was pretty muddy at the bottom, but once I climbed a mile or so it was pretty dry. I saw bike tire marks on Flat Ridge and Standing Stone Trail.
I hate waiting for spring to return to the forest. I may have to wait for fresh snow and hop on the mountain bike for an adventure through the winter wonderland. Anyway, today was just about being in the woods and enjoying the quiet.
What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing in my head while riding), today – Rush – Red Barchetta