Inversion

Wednesday morning ride in. 29 degrees at the house, 17 in Boulder. A rare occurrence when it's that much colder down there, but pretty common in the winter to get inversions where the it's clear up high and clouds can be seen flowing up the canyons before the snow starts later in the morning. I got in that window where it was clear in the 'middle zone' and the snow hadn't started down below yet. Almost immediately when I got into work though, the snow started dumping and by quitting time there was a good 2 inches on the ground. The bike paths into town were in excellent shape not having been plowed, however, i didn't get 1st tracks as there were at least three or so other riders that got fresh tracks before me. There's something about riding the snowy bike paths into town. It may sound odd but to get off the congested roads and onto the quiet snow-covered paths; to not have to stop the entire 6 miles; to be meandering alongside the creek, sheltered by the cottonwoods and seeing coyote and fox tracks cross the path...well it's just warming to the heart. Met Heyride at the beer store downtown for a much appreciated lift home and headed up the canyon. Talk of skiing continued, of avalanche accidents in other states, of upcoming hut trips and powder days. Upon getting back home, it was hovering just above zero degrees and is forecasted to get even colder. But the snow is stacking up on the railing as i sit in front of the fire thinking of dawn patrol on Friday morning...mmm....cozy.