Ditching the trainer

It's been a little bit cold recently with lots of snow and highs in the 20s. Training days had been few and far between. Running in the snow and ice is doable, but I can't seem to motivate enough to get on the trainer. With a short break in the weather I jumped in the car and headed to my dad's house where the food is home cooked, the heat is always on, and the door is always open.

Foresthill is one of my favorite places. If there was a hospital and swimming pool there I'd move in an instant. My dad's been there for about 10 years and I thought I'd explored the surrounding area. Little did I know that this weekend I would discover my new favorite ride...... okay I have a bunch of favorite rides. Any day outside on my bike is a good day, but this weekend was exceptional.

The road to Foresthill is nice enough with light traffic and scenic views, and I usually ride on it to the end of the road and back to my dad's place. This weekend I was craving something a bit longer and made a right hand turn onto Mosquito Ridge road. I can't believe that during all the years I've been coming here I hadn't discovered this road until this trip. If you live anywhere in the area this road ride is a must do. This road truly goes to nowhere and ends somewhere deep in the Sierras without going all the way through. Because it really doesn't go anywhere there is nearly no traffic. During my 4.5hr ride I saw 3 cars, 3 motorcycles, 2 different herds of deer, and a couple turkeys. The road surface is good with no cracks or potholes. The best part is the near perfect climbing and descending. The road ribbons it's way down to the river at that perfect grade where you can pedal the entire 10 mile descent. I climbed and climbed and climbed up the other side of the ravine, but never reached the end. Guess I'll have to go back soon when there is a little more light in the day. Over the 2 days I got 9+ hours of riding outside and only polished off 1 box of Girl Scout Cookies in a bonk induced haze.

Bliksem doesn't like being cold either and can often be found in the only warm spot in the house....directly in front of the heater.

Hanging with Dad, Mary and Amanda. I think Bliksem was off chasing the turkeys.

Bliksem was undeterred by the fact that the turkeys were bigger than her.

The start of Mosquito Ridge road. My goal is to make it to the end of the road this year.

Descending to the American River.

Happy happy!!

Crossing over some fork of the American....

Sierra foothills.

...... and the running is always fun!