Fast Times at Staples High

 

A last minute change occurred for this week's RC Ilumenati's Tuesday Night ride (on Wednesday) because one of our riders just celebrated his birthday. JB, 3rd from the left with the sunglasses, turned 50 and Ride Leader Mat O suggested that do wings or pizza after the ride.

2020 Frozen Apple - finally 3 years later

 

I signed up for the Frozen Apple right before the Global Pandemic shut everything down. I had heard some folks went out and did the ride on their own but I never got around to doing that. I met Dave (pictured above with the groovy glasses) at the Lent Cove parking lot in Peekskill, NY. Before getting on the bike I took off a layer and lathered up with sunscreen. It was going to be a glorious day.

Première balade à vélo a l’OOF en 2023

In case you don't speak French the title of today's ride and this post means: First bike ride to OOF (Ovens of France) in 2023. I am sure my waistline is thankful that I have waited this long to finally ride to OOF but I can't believe it has taken me nearly 3 months to ride there.

We made it!

 

Daylight Savings kicked in over the weekend which means the weekly RC Ilumenati rides will have more light!

Lunartic Dirt

Another cold spring Saturday morning and what was supposed to be a Newtown Lunartics ride to OOF became a push back and then most guys bailed, except Scott and I. Instead, we met up with Brad and to hit some dirt roads and single track around Newtown.

Back to the Grind for a Greis-n-shine!

After 8 days out west it was hard to get back to cycling and my first outdoor ride didn't take place until 4 days after my return.  Mornings in CT have been cold and Saturday morning the Lunartics were going to ride to OOF but the cold morning scared everyone off, including yours truly.  We did however do a Greis-n-shine from the Newtown Flagpole midday on Sunday.

The Best Day at Jackson Hole

Last day on the mountain and my father was rocking!

The temperature had really dropped overnight and it was -1 degree F when we got to the mountain but the sun was out and it really didn't feel that cold.

I decided to ski with my Dad and my nephew today because my Sister, her kids and some friends were headed out to do the difficult terrain, including the headwall.

Last day

And the ski gods were smiling with this view of the Grand Teton this morning.

 

XC Skiing Teton Pines

 Compared to last year, the skiing at Teton Pines was infinitesimally better.  

My father, Peggy and I went out for a loop and the track was outstanding!

Cache Creek from Cedar Lane

My ride couldn't get up the entrance road to Cache Creek today so I had to start from Cedar Lane. 

Fortunately there was plenty of snow and the trek up to the parking lot was smooth.

Skiing Jackson Hole Mountain

 

I am glad we skied Snow King yesterday because the people who were skiing here said the wind was brutal and Sublet was closed in the morning because of it. The snow squalls were limiting visibility but the wind wasn't blowing hard and when the sun peaked out it was quite nice.

Curiosity delay on the way to Teton Village

There's only one way in and out of Teton Village if you want to ski Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and that's Moose Wilson Road and it also common to see moose along this stretch of road. I had heard from someone who headed out there earlier that the pair was a bull and a cow and apparently the bull tried to get frisky earlier but the cow wasn't having any of it.

Snow King Mountain: Ski In and Ski Out

The weather on Friday at Teton Village was supposed to be really, really windy so my father and I decided to ski Snow King. It's so convenient. Just walk 50 yards, put on your skis and off you go.  On my first solo visit to Jackson Hole, I was off the plane and on the slopes in an hour! Last year, my flight was canceled due to equipment issues and I ended up flying to Idaho Falls where my Dad picked me up. 

Blue Bird day at Grand Teton National Park

We started from the Cottonwood Creek Parking area and you could not have asked for a better day. There was a slight breeze which made the standing temperature of 24 degrees feel like 24 degrees. My Dad, his girlfriend Peggy and I headed north towards Jenny Lake and compared to last year, there was a lot more snow. 

Good Morning Grand Teton!

When I got up Thursday morning and looked out the front window The Grand (Teton) was enshrouded by clouds.

American Airlines Flight Fiasco

The night before I was supposed to fly out to Jackson, WY, I drove down to Newark Airport and stayed the night at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel. They also have airport parking so it killed two birds with one stone, especially since I had a 5:30 AM flight the next morning.