After getting dumped on for the last couple of days with maybe 8" of fresh snow, Spring has returned. The weather guessers were projecting bitterly cold temperatures for today but it didn't happen (big surprise). In Alaska, there seems to be a fascination with weather and I guess I'm no different. I hear that it is still snowing in Anchorage with almost 2' of accumulation just in the last week.
This image is from a
webcam at the local newspaper looking south towards the Cushman Street bridge and downtown Fairbanks.
It did take four attempts to get the rig up the driveway due to the fresh snow but once that obstacle was out of the way, it was fairly smooth sailing. I think I may have worn down the studs on the rear tire again. With all the clear pavement, they really wear out quick. The ones on the front tire are still doing great possibly because they only touch the pavement when the bars are turned.
The parking lot has been cleared at least once as yesterday the snow was about 6" deep when I left. I think the only reason I still park in the motorcycle parking is out of habit as the sign suggests that riding season starts on May 1st. These are days where a 2WD Ural starts to look pretty attractive though I'm not sure I want to take on the additional maintenance and repair issues that even the new ones seem to have. Plus, this is the bike that I already have.
Just for comparison, this is what the parking area looked like last year in mid-April.
Richard:
ReplyDeleteI don't envy you and your cold temperatures. Even on our coldest day ever in history, I don't think we have gone down to 3°F and here you are basking in perceived warm temps.
I think we are forecast for `54°f (12°c) today, but rain again tomorrow
I think you need 2WD
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
After a period of cold temperatures, getting above 0°F really does feel warm. Especially if it is nice and sunny as well. Above freezing doesn't even show up on the long range forecast.
DeleteI don't need 2WD because I can always take the bus...
Richard, we are way behind last year and the year before but not nearly as far behind as Fairbanks. We have a winter storm warning in effect currently; ice-rain, ice pellets and possibly snow (depending on where the temperature falls goes)to start sometime? Today at 6am it was +5C but fell over the day and is predicted to hover at freezing (thus the problem.)
ReplyDeleteSounds like its time for a "snow day". Sleet, freezing rain. All of the school buses sliding into the ditch...
DeleteSounds a lot worse than here!
I definitely like last year's picture better ;-)
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten what last year was like. I guess that's one of the advantages of blogging, you can always go back and check. I think I like last years weather better as well.
DeleteRichard, all things wrought by man, eventually break....I sure am glad I got the extended warranty however. The Anchorage URAL guys has a top notch reputation btw.
ReplyDeleteI hear that the new Urals are much more reliable but the Anchorage shop is still 350+ miles from here. I guess I've gotten used to the idea that newer vehicles rarely need repair these days with 10K oil change intervals and 100K factory warrantees.
DeleteBig difference between last year and this April. At least it is sunny. Sunny and cold is better than cloudy and cold.
ReplyDeleteHey - it looks like it is your time to share in the Spam love. I've had some funny ones lately I've kept for a follow up spam post.
Today was another sunny and cold (-17°F) morning and you are right that it is better than cloudy and cold. I don't get very much spam, at least not enough to worry about.
DeleteRichard you are a hearty soul, I don't think I could ever adjust to those cold long winters and short summers. Wow there is a huge difference between last year and this year. So how does global warming play into this? Seems not so warming to me.
ReplyDeleteWhen folks talk about global warming, they are referring to fairly small changes in the average temperature and the dramatic effect this has on our environment. I think that the most common example is only a couple of degree rise in the average temperature will be sufficient to cause additional melting of the polar ice. And with more water (dark) exposed instead reflective snow and ice, these areas absorb even more heat raising the temperature even more which accelerates the melting.
DeleteThere is a bumper sticker for sale somewhere that say "Alaskans for Global Warming". I need to find one of those one of these days. Maybe Vancouver will become the new tropical destination....
Funny. I was able to read the title of this post the other day. Then I walked out to my truck and took a picture of the temperature gauge showing 87F. Your spring is hitting, but hints of our humid summers are emerging.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear the crunch of snow under the hack tire. Keep having fun!
It's warm enough now that I don't even bother with plugging in he heated gear anymore. 87°F would be our mid-summer high temperature but still with low humidity. It makes for wonderful weather. The only time I hear snow crunching under the tires is when I push the rig out of the garage.
Delete