Tag Archives: rain

Rainy Days

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Seems like we’ve had rain for days here in Carson City, and more is on the way. We’re getting more rain than Seattle! Everything is greening up around town and in the mountains.

Scott J
Scott J on the 7 Steps Trail

Ash Canyon has been a pleasure to ride in. The sheep spared some of the cheatgrass this year, and it provides a nice border along the singletrack. Spring flowers are starting to pop up, including one of my favorites, Indian Paintbrush.

Indian Paint Brush
Indian Paintbrush along the Baldy Green Trail

According to Wikipedia, “The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible and sweet, and were consumed in moderation by various American Indian tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate Selenium in their tissues from the soils in which they grow, and can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed.” More on these interesting flowers HERE.

Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush

So far we’ve been pretty lucky with the rain, only catching the beginning or the end of the storms on the lunch rides. The sand is pretty firm up in Ash Canyon, making for nice climbs and plenty of traction on the downhills. It’s also noteworthy that the trails have held up extremely well under constant rains, a good indicator of proper design and drainage.

Ash Canyon
Mountain View on the Four Day Trail

While I can’t wait to get up to Lake Tahoe for some epic riding, it’s probably not the best idea in these frequent storms. Until then, I have no problem enjoying the trails close to home. I’m still amazed that I can get a true mountain experience just minutes from my work desk. Just another one of the benefits of living in Carson City!

Scott R
Scott R cutting the grass on the Creek Trail

Spring Commuting

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To say that I got caught off guard for tonight’s commute home would be inaccurate. Afternoon thunderstorms have been predicted for days now, but I’ve just gotten lucky until today. I probably should have known better!

When quitting time rolled around today, there was light rain falling. All I had was my short sleeve work shirt, and a wind vest. I dug through my gear drawer, and was happy to find a winter jersey that I hadn’t taken home yet. I was saved! I lucked out this time.

Commute Home in the Rain
Commute Home in the Rain

On the way home I thought about my brand new wind/rain shell at home, and how I should have had my fingered gloves with me. You can get chilled rapidly in the rain if you don’t have the proper protection from the elements. It’s unlikely you’ll be surprised by a rainy commute in the morning here in Carson City, but you can count on an afternoon thunderstorm during the spring and summer. Make sure you’re prepared.

We Got Rain!

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For the first time in a long time (weeks, months?) we got some rain this weekend! The trails in Ash Canyon were starting to feel like you were riding on the beach. I didn’t get up on the trails immediately following the rain, and rode for the first time on Monday. Wow! What a difference. Some sections of the trails felt like someone had gone up with a tamper and packed the sand immediately after the rain…concrete.

Fall in Ash Canyon
Fall Skies

Here are a couple pictures from Sunday when the family and I took a little hike up near the water towers with the dogs.

Ash Canyon Bouquet
Ash Canyon Bouquet

P.S. You may have noticed a lack of updates this last week. I believe I am coming out of my blogger burnout, and will start churning out the content once again. The Bike Rodeo was my last bicycle advocacy obligation of the year, and after it was over, I was in need of some down time!

Memorial Day Weekend

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Last week we were having temperatures in the 90′s. The kind of weather that tricks you into putting your warm clothes away for the year. It’s been a different story this weekend though, with a storm system lingering over the area. It almost feels like coastal weather, with gray skies and intermittent rain showers.

Seven Steps to Heaven Trail
Kristy on the Seven Steps to Heaven Trail

The riding in Ash Canyon is fantastic with the wet packed sand and happy green plants; however, bring some rain gear because you will most likely get wet! We had a great lunch ride on Friday with the gang. Fair weather for the climb, and then a mix of rain an hail for the descent. It wasn’t till we got back to town that things started getting a little cold and miserable, mostly due to insufficient clothing…shorts, short fingered gloves, no ear protection, etc.

I’m sure there are some campers that have been bummed out about this wet weather, but I’m loving it. It was just what I needed to slow me down and force me to take a rest. I’ve spent many an hour in the easy chair this weekend, enjoying a book and a small fire.  My batteries are starting to feel recharged after having the life sucked out of me by all the Bike to Work Week planning and festivities.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!