Even though this winter was not particularly longer than winters' past, it certainly felt like it was. I think it felt longer for me because last riding season was so phenomenal, I simply didn't want it to end! It was our first year of Ghost House hunting & though there was enough material / pictures for a winter's worth of writing, winter still takes it's toll, specially on ones mood and the long wait for spring eventually becomes unbearable. I was lucky enough to get out for a ride at least once every month this winter except December but it's never enough. Sometimes I wish I lived in a part of the world that had the usual 3 months of winter as opposed to the 6 months we get here in Northern Canada. But, when summer finally visits this part of the world, I must admit, we enjoy a short intense burst of beauty that's hard to beat anywhere. We're only 3 hours away from the Rocky Mountains with it's unparalleled beauty, it's world class fishing, where you have a good chance of seeing a Grizzly, or a Bald Eagle, where you can sit and feel yourself slowly rejuvenated in the shadows of this mountain wilderness.
I've recently learned that the prairies where we live also have their charms & riding along old farm roads in mid summer, smelling the fresh growing canola, wheat, hay mixed with a thousand other scents is a definite feast for the senses. To ride along and be surrounded on all sides by deep yellow canola that stretches for miles in every direction is a sight you'd have to see for yourself, yes, I do live in a beautiful part of the world, though I've taken it for granted for the many years I've lived here. Of course, sprinkled amongst this natural beauty is the gems we hunt for..... Old Homesteads, Pioneer houses, anything of interest that has a story to tell. We're lucky to have these places in abundance & they contribute to the charm of these Prairies we call home. It was on this first ride of spring that I was able to, through the leafless trees, see this first Ghost House of spring. I'd ridden by it last season many times but with the trees in full leaf, was not able to see it. The old house brought me much excitement as it was the first of what I hope to be many such discoveries this season.
Just over a week ago I think winter caught word that it's soon to be replaced by spring & it hit us with a blast of brutal weather, with temps. down into the low -30's & wind chills even lower. But try as it might, it's a losing battle as this week has been in the +4, +8 range with even higher temps to come. So, last sunday being +8, I dug out my musty old gear, put on my long johns, layered myself with jackets, donned my balaclava & went out to the shed to retrieve my trusty 650 Steed! With a few kicks, the bike was soon up & running & after warming it up good, I was off down the skating rink of a road till I reached the main road which was dry. A quick right turn takes me to the back country roads & freedom from splashing cars, dirty salt laden melting snow & traffic. This was my first official ride of spring & I was able to put on 60 or 70 km's of relatively trouble free riding but for a little snow on the odd stretch of road.
My first ride was destined to be my favorite River ride & just to be on this road after 5 brutal months of winter was pure heaven. As I came down the hill to the river, I stopped at a lookout spot, dismounted the bike & sat on the wooden bench & soaked in the sun, smelled the fresh melting scents, enjoying every minute. I could feel the strain of winter leaving my body, being drawn out by the warm spring sun!! Then it was off down the familiar roads to visit a couple old friends I haven't seen in some time. They seem to have wintered well, their roofs finally un-burdened of snow. One of them had a freshly smashed out window, hopefully not the beginning of a trend!! I made it all the way to the end of this ride & knew then, that spring was back & so was I. I'm sure we're still in for the odd blast of bad weather now & again for the next month or so but I also know there will be plenty of riding going on between those bad days.
So with that...... Here's to season 2!!! The 2014 Ghost Rides of Alberta!!!
James.
So with that...... Here's to season 2!!! The 2014 Ghost Rides of Alberta!!!
James.