I should do a post in February

Well, I didn't die. The month-and-a-half long cold snap down to -57F at my cabin didn't kill me because I barely did anything outside the whole time. It almost killed me, though... mentally. I got 50 below in Fairbanks for my birthday and even colder where I live. Thanks, Mother Nature. I really appreciated it. Yeah.
Since it warmed up, I've battled to regain the desire to go outside and experience this thing they call 'fun.' I almost forgot what it was.

Skiing seemed like a reasonable idea during the cold snap and a few friends finally convinced me to go outside. It was worth it.

Then the outdoors editor for the local paper called me and asked some questions about fatbikes. I was featured in the story.

I put out Far North Fatbikes' third edition of our newsletter, The Fat & Happy.

Then, I got to head out into the great white world of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve to co-manage the hospitality stop (photos) at Slaven's Roadhouse for the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. The aurora gave me a nice goodbye the night before I left and then welcomed me the night I arrived at the historic roadhouse.

When I got back, my buddy Brett & I headed out into the White Mountains with our fatbikes and did the 100 mile loop in two days. It was a coarse reminder of how far 100 miles is and how out of shape we were from the cold snap.
The only thing I have to say, don't wear a backpack while biking. It kills ventilation.

My buddy, Jack, came into Anchorage from Nome, so J.R. & I went down to see him and ride fatbikes.
J.R. is working on a video of the trip. Watch for it coming soon.

Our bud, Colby designed a sweet new logo for Far North Fatbikes.

I'm working on a trip report of the White Mountains biking trip, but decided I should probably do a post in February.
More to come soon, after I catch up on sleep and do a short bike trip this weekend... just a 40 mile day ride, no big deal :)

Still Cold

Yes, I live in Fairbanks. I should not be complaining about the temperatures lately, as I moved here knowing it has the largest temperature range of any city of size in the world, from -66 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is ridiculous... the temperature at the Fairbanks airport has been above zero degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 33 hours since December 23rd. Now, we are to have yet another week of 20 & 40 below... not that it ever left. We set records in November for the numerous low temperatures and number of days in a row at them.

I really hate this cold.

I've learned this winter that I stop having fun at 20 or 25 below zero.
Any enjoyment at all seems to end at 25 or 30 below zero.

When I lived downstates, winter was my season. I actually hated summer. I almost always got out more in winter than the summer months. Now, the reverse is true, completely due to the extreme cold. I get out so little in the winter that I'm about ready to explode by the time summer rolls around, so then I'm really active. Three winters in a row, I haven't done a damn thing until at least mid-January, if not later. Last winter, I didn't even have 100 cumulative miles on my bike before doing the White Mountains 100 bike race. I went off-trail once, on snowshoes. This year has quite literally been too cold to do anything remote, out of town, away from the safety of a warm space.

But then again, it seems worse to sit inside and stop doing the things I love outdoors than to go out in 30 & 40+ below. Pick your poison.
I describe recreating in these temps as you can beat -20. You can stay warm. But you cannot beat -40. It will always win. You may never stop fighting it, though, because it could be the last time you're ever cold. That battle is neither fun nor enjoyable.

I'm ready for warmer temperatures... maybe permanently.

They say 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger.' But if it's not making me stronger, is it killing me?

Things To Luc At (in person)

Calling all Alaskans: This Thursday at 7pm, Luc Mehl is giving a special presentation at the Morris Thompson Center in Fairbanks. He's kicking off the Alaska Public Lands Information Center's annual Explore Alaska Film & Lecture Series with a compilation of stories, photos, and video from multiple Wilderness Classics in both summer & winter, biking/skiing/packrafting Denali, and various long-distance multi-sport wilderness routes in Alaska.
Definitely something you shouldn't miss. It's free and starts at 7pm, Thursday, January 19th.

Wisdom from the Spice: Bear Spray

Time is never dull when J.R. is behind the camera.

Feeling Sheltered

You should know what this is if you've been following along.
It's existence in my arsenal is a product of a massive
collaborative discussion we had in December.
2 lbs 9 oz on my scale, body & poles.
2 lbs 6.5 oz post date with scissors.
I'm 6 ft & a side-sleeper.
It's long & tall enough.
I'm happy.

Outdoor testing to come.