After many hiccups and frustrations, I got the fat bike (bought 12/20) last night. It isn't the one I ordered, but it is close, and it is in my grubby paws.
My grubby paws (and the rest of me) took advantage of the sunny afternoon and my early arrival this a.m. at work to be home by 4, feed and walk the dog, and take the bike out for its inaugural ride.
I didn't go far, but it took me a long time. The tires are huge, fat, slow, and knobby. I barely needed to use my brakes when I wanted to stop. It just sort of stopped itself. The geometry is different than my road bike, obviously, and this was my first bike ride wearing my snow boots.
I went along Lake Hiawatha (at the end of our street) over to Lake Nokomis and rode around the lake. Lots of snow, lots of ice, and only two little slips of the tail end coming remotely close to knocking me down.
It wasn't far, but it was a workout nonetheless. It's nice to have this addition to my winter repertoire, since apparently our winters are not messing around.
The photo by the tree is from the south side of Nokomis looking at tiny downtown Mpls. The photo on on the bridge is from where Minnehaha Creek empties out of Lake Hiawatha, looking northwest over the lake toward downtown. Not from Minnesota? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem about Hiawatha, a fictional Native American heroine. Nokomis was Hiawatha's grandmother.
Oh yeah, Valentine's Day. I don't really celebrate it, although I have been know to occasionally make valentines for my family. This year my adoration is directed to the fat bike. I'm quite fond of you!
Never fear, I also admire all of you who support me with my MS-related bike rides. Thank you!!
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MaggieMS150
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