This past weekend the Twin Cities and most of Minnesota received at least another twelve inches of snow. There was even some thunder snow! It’s very strange hearing thunder in a blizzard. The Twin Cities area is now experiencing the second snowiest winter (74.5”) in history since 1891 (76”)!
Just a week ago, I was out riding around on my SV650 and my Super9 enjoying unseasonably warm weather with highs up to 50F and lows in the mid 30s! It was fantastic getting out on two-wheels again! I didn’t realize how much I missed it. I also enjoyed being able to ride something besides the Ural every day.
Most of the snow had melted from my yard with ugly brown grass appearing instead. The four to five foot snow banks had nearly disappeared too. The monster above has been going strong for some time though. The light post is embedded in the middle of it; it only sticks up one-two feet above. Amazing.
The Mississippi River even started to clear up:
It was a nice tease. Spring did a good job battling old man winter, but it appears he’s been knocked out cold. The massive snow banks have returned along with the cold temps.
The Ural had a nice week-long break, but now it’s the primary ride again. Just a few more weeks until spring is officially here.
For those interested, this is the current state of the R1150GS:
There is still lots to do!
Counting the storm we just had that dumped 18½" of snow over the last couple of days, our total is only 51½". Still well below average. Last week instead of clear weather and 50°F temperatures, we had clear weather and -40° weather. Still not very conducive to riding.
ReplyDeleteNice that you are able to get out.
Richard
RichardM: Wow! -40F? I suppose. It IS AK after all. :)
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had that here in a quite a few years. The last couple of winters have been very mild. This is the first "real" (snow/cold) winter we've had in four or five years.
Dear Chris:
ReplyDeleteYou and Charlie6 (Domingo Chang) have made me see the light. If my ship comes in, I will seriously consider adding a Hannigan Trike to the stable. If only because there are so many marginal days when riding would be fun, even though I don't trust the surface of the road. While the temperatures have been fairly mild here, they have remained below freezing and the melt is almost glacial.
I doubt I can get out much before April 1.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Dear Jack: We've turned you over to the dark side of three wheel (and videos too!). :) That extra wheel provides lots of extra confidence when conditions are questionable! Most of the melt we had was replaced in just a weekend of snow. sad. On the plus side, it gives me more time to complete all the bike maintenance I've ignored all winter.
ReplyDeleteThe little SV looks so sweet out there next to that giant mound of snow. My other half has been out every good day and today was one of the good ones.
ReplyDeleteSharon: Thanks! It would sweeter next to a big green, grassy hill. This winter has gone on long enough. :)
ReplyDelete