Chuckanut MTB, February 2012

Another mid-winter drought, another excuse at least to sleep in. The Seattle “Snowmageddon” is now but a distant memory…dear Ullr please make it snow again! Mountain biking isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for winter recreation in the Pacific Northwest, but at least we’re able to adapt. Of the rides Eric and I have been on recently, this loop in the Chuckanuts is easily the most scenic. There’s nothing too terribly hairy here. Galbraith, Duthie or Tokul for that matter this is not, just a casual yet fast cross-country ride with exceptional views. Ok we’ve done our penance, now please cue Winter Part 2.

Dolomites, Winter 2011/2012

Off to Italy again for our biennial holiday in the Dolomites. Thankfully no travel drama this time although high winds in Amsterdam did cause delays and threatened to make us miss the AMS – SEA connection on our return. Fortunately it wasn’t anything a panicked sprint through the terminal couldn’t fix and best of all, our bags made it as well!

As in years past, Agata and I again had to content ourselves with 10 days riding groomers comprised almost entirely of man-made snow. Suffice to say that we’ve had our fill of icy slopes and are looking forward to some deep days in 2012. Not that I’m complaining or anything-10 consecutive days out on the slopes regardless of who or what created it certainly beats most alternatives. And like it or not, the fact that the operator managed to get virtually all of the ~750 miles of runs skiable before Christmas, despite mother nature’s lack of cooperation is nothing short of astounding.

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