By the standards of Santa Rosa, the last few weeks have been especially stormy, wet, and cold, including unusual amounts of snow at the highest elevations and overflowing waterways at the lowest elevations. Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, the North Bay, and the greater Bay Area have all suffered localized flooding to some degree, and multiple … Continue reading "Laguna"

During some winters, California as a whole receives little rain and snow. That’s a problem for plants and animals, but good for bicycling. During some winters, California as a whole receives much rain and snow. That’s a problem for bicycling, and sometimes a problem for everyone else. This winter has seen no shortage of rain … Continue reading "Down in the Flood"

It seldom snows in Sonoma County. I’ve lived here since 1984, and I’ve seen snowflakes in Santa Rosa twice, with total accumulation of less than half an inch. Roughly once per decade, the higher elevations around the Bay Area — above one or two thousand feet — receive an inch or two of snow. Guess … Continue reading "Blizzard on Bald Mountain"

I hadn’t planned to go for a ride in the rain today, but then I saw Greg’s post. If he can venture out in wintry Gopher State weather, how can I vegetate on the sofa with a bottomless mug of tea and a box of glazed doughnuts? If he can pedal through the slushy remains … Continue reading "Traction in the Rain"

When I rolled out of bed this morning, here the temp was approximately 70 or 75 degrees F warmer than balmy locales in the Midwest. For the second day in a row I decided to ride in honor of my vortexed comrades in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois. I scooted out the Greenway with the … Continue reading "Sonoma Vortex"

I had other deeds I needed to accomplish today, but I made a little time for a short ride. I wanted to show solidarity with my comrades in places like South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois, who — in the face of the polar vortex — no doubt ventured out on two wheels today wearing nothing … Continue reading "Cold, cold, cold"

Another pleasant January day in northern California. High cloud and filtered sunshine, with temperature close to 70° F in some places, but a chilly wind out of the north while pedaling. I drove down to Mill Valley, parked near the elementary school, and biked through Sausalito, across the bridge, and on the path along the … Continue reading "Put your arms around me, baby, like a circle ’round the sun"

Finished my morning chores. The sky looked excellent, especially for the requirements of the Challenge of the Month. The Ogre being slightly under the weather (nothing serious; heading for the shop tomorrow), I grabbed the lonely Long Haul Trucker. Had to remind my hands where to find shifters and brakes levers. Cruised over to Spring … Continue reading "Obscured by Clouds"

Plenty of rain around here so far this month, which is exactly what is supposed to happen in January. Last time I checked, we were up to 80 or 90 percent of average for the rainy season. That limits my opportunities for pedaling and means I need to hop on two wheels whenever there’s a … Continue reading "Water, death, sheep, cloud"

It has been raining for a couple of days. More rain on the way, but a short break today. In order to comply with the Challenge of the Month — clouds — I grabbed the camera and headed out on the Ogre for a quick spin. Took two photos, and camera batteries died. Reached for … Continue reading "I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now"

After being out of town sans bicycle for a few days, I figured the Ogre would want to get out and bid farewell to 2018. Despite the moderate temperature, a cold wind howled and gusted out of the north. I think it blasted straight down from Hastings, Minnesota. It blew me all over the roads … Continue reading "Community Bikes"

The temperature was in the 30’s (Fahrenheit) this morning, but it was expected to warm up and the forecast called for rain starting around noon. Inspired by recent news about an incident from five years ago, I bundled up and headed down to Andy’s park, with a couple of detours along the way to look … Continue reading "Andy Lopez Park"

Out the Greenway and back. Made a couple of short side trips to see about photographing walls. Other than that, not much excitement except when the garbage truck stopped in the middle of the road and tried to back up over top of me while I was pinned in place by traffic and parked cars. … Continue reading "Wonderwall to be here"

After my brief interlude in Minnesota — it seemed like a fevered dream, almost a fantasy — I returned to Santa Rosa where I discovered the temperature was not expected to rise above 55 degrees Fahrenheit today. In bone-chilling, life-threatening conditions such as that, my Gopher State host, Greg, never rides his bike. He just … Continue reading "Another brick in the wall"

Today marked the thirteenth consecutive day in Santa Rosa (and the Bay Area) with the Air Quality Index in the “unhealthy” range or worse. That’s a record. However, the weather prognosticators finally forecast the wind would kick up today and clear out most of the smoke ahead of a big rain storm moving in tonight, … Continue reading "Smoke and Art, part 2"

Our smoky air is not nearly as dangerous and destructive as the fire that roared through Paradise (and continues to rage), but it is harmful enough that schools have been closed, outdoor events cancelled, and residents warned to stay indoors. That’s been going on for eight days. By the time I headed out today, the … Continue reading "Smoke and Art, part 1"

The Bear Creek Greenway between Ashland OR and Medford OR was always on the itinerary for this trip north, weather permitting. It rained Saturday night, but this morning the forecast promised the precipitation was done for the rest of the day. Ha! We drove up I-5 from Yreka under thickening clouds. Shortly after my ace … Continue reading "Bear Creek Greenway"