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April 28, 2023
The 8th Snow of Spring (4/27 - 4/28)
The 8th Snow of Spring (4/27 - 4/28).
So, pretty much all of the snow had melted from out last snow and then we got this snow. It started on 4/27 and ran through 4/28. Not sure how much snow we'll get out of this one. Margie and I walked around the lake and it was warm and sunny. Then, when I got home, it did start snowing again, but this time, the plows were out and the snow wasn't sticking at all.
Let me go check outside now to see how much has accumulated so far. OK. So far (4/28/23 at 12:15 a.m.), it looks like we've got 3" - 4" of snow. Forecast calls for 4" - 8", so I'll check again in the morning.
Update: Looks like 3" - 4" total.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 28, 2023 at 12:06 AM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 25, 2023
The 7th Snow of Spring (4/25/2023)
After I replaced my Jeep's headlight and refilled the anti-freeze coolant reservoir, I figured I'd run down the hill AGAIN today, with the massive well-documented cold front moving over us. IT was fine going down the hill. The roads were wet. And it was just a very light rain. That is all. I ran into the walmart at C470 and Bowles. It was empty. That should have been a clue that something was wrong.
I got some snacks at Walmart so the cats and I would have enough food to survive the storm, and then headed home.
I started my ride home in the Jeep and it was probably approximately 9:15 p.m. roughly. The roads were a disaster. Snowing hard. Roads are snow-packed. There were zero plows out. I'm not sure how long I was there. It wasn't very long. But while I was there (shopping at Walmart), it was snowing hard in the foothills.
So, on the ride home, it was snowing hard. The roads where snow-packed. There were zero plows out. There were no lights in the canyon. And my headlights didn't seem to offer much help either. Not one car passed me and I could hardly find the road at all. Mostly it was just a guess. I did not see any crashes, but I can promise you this...these roads are going to be an impassable nightmare before this storm is over. You couldn't even see the road at all. There were zero plows out. It is snowing hard. We're supposed to get a foot of snow tonight. We've hardly even gotten an inch or two when I drove home.
Normally, before a big storm, the state trucks are all out spraying saline solution on the highways...that did not happen today. Not at all. There were zero snow plows. The roads were completely snow-packed. You couldn't see the roads at all.
Not sure what is going to happen tonight. I got home at about 9:45 p.m.4/25/2023.
I can not imagine what is going on right now on US Highway 285. There was not a single plow. No one had plowed anything.
Update: Looks like we only got about 6" of snow last night. Plus, it was a heavy spring snow, so it's melting away pretty good. The driveway is totally clear.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 25, 2023 at 10:21 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ Headlight Low-beam Not Working
So yesterday I went down to Auto Zone down the hill and they sold me a new headlight for about $20.00. The new headlight is a Sylvania XTRAVision H6024. I installed the headlight and it seems to work pretty well. I can't really tell any difference from the other headlight when I turn them on, so that's a plus.
I charged the Tahoe's battery and drove the Tahoe out of the garage and put the Jeep in the garage because I figure, if I'm going to get out and go for a ride in the 12"-18" of snow forecasted for tonight/tomorrow, I trust the Jeep more than I do the Tahoe, I think.
Then, I decided to fix the Jeep's engine coolant issue. It has an empty reservoir under the hood that appears to indicate that it should be filled with engine coolant as a supplement to whatever is in the radiator. The theory being that it will somehow flow into the radiator if the fluid is low. So, I went back to Auto Zone and they sold me some engine coolant...it's called Peak Original Equipment Technology - North American Vehicles - Gold Antifreeze and Coolant - Concentrate. This is the concentrated kind where you have to mix the coolant 50/50 with water.
So, I mixed up the Gold Antifreeze up 50:50 with water. So one part Antifreeze + 1 part water and filled up the antifreeze reservoir on the Jeep.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 25, 2023 at 7:16 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 23, 2023
A Foot of Snow
From 8:00 p.m. today (Tuesday 4/25) - 2:00 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday 4/26), they're calling for 10" - 15" of snow in the forecast for Marshdale.
I will point out here that it is currently clear and sunny and there is zero snow on the ground. Our last snow was 2 days ago on 4/22 when we got 4 1/2", but all of that snow melted very quickly and there is currently no snow on the ground.
Marshdale winter weather forecast 10" - 15" from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (4/25) - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (4/26).
Aspen Park winter weather forecast 12" - 18" from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday (4/25) - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday (4/26).
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 23, 2023 at 10:38 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 22, 2023
6th Snow of Spring
It's currently 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (4/22/23). Snowfall: 4".
It started snowing last night (4/21) and into this morning (4/22). So far, we've got about 4" of snow. Looks like there's a chance of snow all day, so I'll try to update the snowfall measurement some time tonight.
Update: 4:30 p.m. - Still looks like we've got 4' - 4 1/2".
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 22, 2023 at 9:46 AM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 19, 2023
2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ Headlight Low-beam Not Working
One of the headlights is out on the 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It works on high beam, but not on low beam.
This guy seems to have a similar issue.
No low beams. High beams work.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 19, 2023 at 8:31 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 14, 2023
5th Snow of Spring
So today (Friday April 14th), we got our first snow in a while. All of the snow had completely melted from the yard, and I wasn't really missing it, at all. But then, today's snow came. So far, it looks like we've got about 1/2" to 1" of snow. If we can get past this snow tonight/tomorrow morning, then there is no more snow in the forecast. Woohoo!!!
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 14, 2023 at 8:17 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
Return of Ben
My buddy Ben drove down from Canada for a couple of days and we were able to get some road trips in.
Today is Friday 4/14/2023 and he left today after we had lunch at Los 3 Garcias. The food was delicious and I had not eaten there in a long time, but it used to be one of my staples when I was working.
Today, Ben went down the hill to tour the Coors factory, and then headed out. This time he was in a car instead of on his Kawasaki KLR650, which I think he sold at some point.
I think that he should be OK on his trip back as it looks like, although we're getting snow here in the foothills, I think it's just rain down the hill, so weather should not be a problem.
On Wednesday (4/12/23), we took the Jeep and tried to summit Berthoud Pass, but it was temporarily closed due to an avalanche, it seems. We drove up to the Jones Pass trailhead, but it was still closed for the foreseeable future. Then, we drove up to Loveland Pass, got some pics, and headed back down the hill.
Yesterday (Thursday 4/13/23), we drove up to Leadville in the Jeep. We went over Fremont Pass (11,318 ft) to get there.
We had lunch in downtown Leadville (I think it was at the Golden Burro Cafe), then we started up Mosquito Pass just to see what it looked like, but we turned back as it is still snowed in. Then, we drove to Montgomery Reservoir, but it was still frozen solid and most of the roads are closed off.
Afterwards, we headed back from Leadville over Fremont Pass (11,318 ft) again. I meant to take Tennessee Pass(10,424 ft) and go by Camp Hale, but I messed up and we did Fremont Pass twice.
Also, I considered going over Independence Pass (12,095 ft), but it is still not open for the season, apparently.
Then today, Friday 4/14/2023, it started to snow, and Ben did the Coors short tour and headed back to Canada. The forecast calls for 2"- 4" of snow for Conifer/Aspen Park. It looks like we've gotten about 1" of snow so far. I think he should be OK though, as I think that they're just getting rain down the hill.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 14, 2023 at 7:25 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 11, 2023
Kenosha Pass, Hoosier Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel (4/11/2023)
So, we had another warm day today, so figured I'd go for a ride and not waste it. Also, I really liked taking I-70 home last night from Frisco for a couple of reasons:
1) You can ride much faster on I-70 than on US Highway 285
2) There's less wildlife trying to cross I-70 than on US Highway 285
So, I figured I'd take US Highway 285 to Fairplay, then turn North on US Highway 9, then stop to check out Montgomery Reservoir. Then, from there, north through Breckenridge, Frisco, and back home on I-70 again, as I can make good time on I-70 and there's not as much wildlife crossing the road.
So, I put on all of my gear and left the house at 2:16 p.m. Trip meter = 0.0. Elevation = 7,760' above MSL). Headed south on US Hwy 285. Temp = 75°F.
At 3:18 p.m., I summited Kenosha Pass (9,997' above MSL). Trip meter = 33 Miles. Temp = 68°F.
I continued on US Hwy 285 south to Fairplay. At Fairplay, I turned north on Colorado State Highway 9 and rode north until 4:00 p.m. when I summited Hoosier Pass(11,542' above MSL). Trip meter 64.8 miles. Temp = 56°F..
Turned around and backtracked just a bit to check out Montgomery Reservoir. This is where Jennifer and I used to slaughter the rainbow trout. Got to Montgomery Reservoir at about 4:10 p.m. Trip meter = 67.4 miles. Temp = 69°F.
Ran into a guy there and we talked for some time he was walking his dog and telling me about how his wife/gf had done him wrong. Felt bad for the guy. There was a locked gate which prevented me from riding the motorcycle up to the old log cabin.
At 4:30 p.m., I left Montgomery Reservoir. Temp = 69°F. Headed north back across Hoosier Pass, down through Breckenridge and Frisco.
At 5:04 p.m., I left Frisco. Trip meter = 89.3 miles. Temperature = 63°F. Go on I-70, through Eisenhower Tunnel, and back to Floyd Hill, Evergreen, Marshdale, to Sonic in Conifer.
6:15 p.m. at Sonic in Conifer. Trip Meter = 150.9 miles. 75°F.
6:50 p.m. Home.
I think my route today looked something like this:
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 11, 2023 at 8:07 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel (4/10/2023)
So yesterday (Monday 4/10/2023), it was warm and sunny and I figured I'd go out for a ride.
So, I put on all of my gear and left the house at 2:00 p.m.72°F Trip meter = 0.0.
I headed up I-70 to Empire, then I followed US Hwy 40 to Berthoud Pass. (3:15 p.m. 51°F Trip Meter: 45.5 miles).
Stopped to get some photos and I was surprised at how much snow was up there. The Berthoud Pass sign was basically buried in snow. And you couldn't get near the sign without crashing through 3 feet of snow to get there.
Then, turned around and rode back down to Empire from Berthoud Pass and headed west along I-70 and the frontage roads. Just before the Eisenhower Tunnel, I exited and cut underneath I-70 and passed by Loveland ski resort and then stopped at the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass. (5:00 p.m. 61°F Trip Meter: 79.3 miles).
Tried to get some photos of the Loveland Pass sign, but again, it was just pretty much buried in snow. So much snow that you couldn't stand beside it for a photo op.
Then, I continued down on US Highway 6, and I saw another motorcycle near the bottom of the pass. When he pulled over and stopped, I followed him. We talked for a little bit. Apparently, I had met him last year riding up near Montezuma somewhere.
Continued down Hwy 6 to Swan Mountain Road to Frisco. Then north on Highway 9 to I-70 and home via I-70 to Floyd Hill, then through Evergreen and Marshdale to Sonic in Conifer.
7:00 p.m. at Sonic in Conifer. 161.8 miles .68°F.
Then, home at 7:30 p.m. 171.7 miles. 58°F.
My ride looked something like this.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 11, 2023 at 7:08 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 9, 2023
Kenosha Pass
So today, it was warm and sunny and, after Goat Happy Hour, I decided to make a break for it and try to summit Kenosha Pass.
It's been warm enough lately that I'm letting the cats out all day. I still put them up at night, but that may change shortly. Now that the snow has all melted in the yard, it's probably time for me to just let them come and go as they please.
It looks like it's about 43 miles each way and, when I got to the summit, there were two dudes on Harleys that were just wrapping up their tour of the summit and fixing to head back northbound on US Hwy 285. So, I just joined with them and followed them back as far as North Turkey Creek.
So, I'm pretty sure that that was the first time I've summited Kenosha Pass this year (4/9/2023). I'm not sure what the temperature was at the summit, but my guess is somewhere between 50F-54F.
Then, when I got back, I went to the Sonic. I hate that they've taken the Steak and Bacon Cheese Sandwich off of the menu. They'll still let you order it, but the fact that it's not on their menu makes me think that it will be going away soon.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 9, 2023 at 8:05 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 8, 2023
Today's Ride - Lion's Head, Bucksnort, Pine, Pine Junction
So today, I went for a little ride in the Jeep since it's been nice out. Rode up to Lion's Head by Staunton State Park, then down to the Bucksnort (closed), to Pine, then back north to Pine Junction, then back home. It was nice to get out for a little bit as we've finally got some nice weather and the snow is melting.
Then, I went to check on the barrel at Evergreen Lake to see if it had fallen through the ice. I was surprised that it looks like someone monkeyed with it and sort of pushed it halfway off of the wooden sawhorse that supports it. (I suppose it could have been the wind, I'm not sure.) But I reported it to the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club of Evergreen.
My ride looked something like this:
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 8, 2023 at 7:39 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 7, 2023
Squaw Pass
Today, I rode Squaw Pass for the first time this year. I did it in the Jeep as it's still not overly warm just yet, but I wanted to get out and do some recon on the pass to see if it's safe to hit on the Africa Twin. The road is mostly clear of snow, but there are long stretches when they didn't plow both lanes completely, so the road is about 2 feet narrower than it should be.
I got to the section where they try to trick people into paying to ride up to the summit of Mount Evans, but that was closed due to the snow. Apparently, the goal is to try to get it open by the 4th of July.
If you ever go up there, you don't have to pay as it's a state highway, and our taxes already paid to build the road and keep it open. They're just trying to trick people into paying them more money. So, don't fall for that scam.
It's about 18 miles on Colorado State Highway 103 from Colorado State Highway 74 to Echo Lake. Then, continuing down Colorado State Highway 103, it's about 13 miles to Idaho Springs. So, you're on Highway 103 for about 31 miles.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 7, 2023 at 7:49 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 4, 2023
4th Snow of Spring
So, it started snowing last night (Monday 4/3/2023), and it snowed all day today(Tuesday 4/4/2023), on and off. So, I measured and it looks like we've got 4" so far. Snow should stop some time tonight or tomorrow morning, so we'll see where it ends up.
Update: Looks like we got 4" as of Wednesday morning 4/5/2023.
Before this snow, almost all of the snow in the front yard had melted. Only a couple of spots in the shade of the evergreens still had any snow.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 4, 2023 at 7:54 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink
Joel Michael Singer Headbutts and Regrets It
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 4, 2023 at 10:51 AM : Comments (0) | Permalink
April 1, 2023
4/1/23 - 4th Motorcycle Ride of 2023 (April's Fool)
- Temp High: 66F
- Temp Low: 52F
- Distance: 122 Miles
Today is the first day of April. (Not the first day of Spring - that was Mon, Mar 20th). But it's the first day of April, and about 12 days into Spring, and the weather was spectacular. Clear blue skies. Bright sunshine. Not a cloud to be seen. Temperature was a high of about 56F at the house. So I figured I needed to get out for a ride. It's been very cloudy, cold, and snowy. So I figured I was due for a little adventure. I rode to Conifer and ate lunch at the Sonic. They have a special Steak and Bacon Grilled Cheese sandwich which will be going away soon I'm sure. So I hit that, then to King Soopers in Evergreen to gas up. Here, I reset my odometer and then headed off on my adventure.
From Evergreen, I took County Road 65 to Floyd Hill. Took the frontage road down Floyd Hill to U.S. Highway 6. Highway 6 down the canyon to Colorado State Highway 119. Then up 119 to Black Hawk to Rollinsville. Just north of Rollinsville, I turned down Colorado State Highway 72 down Coal Creek Canyon. At the bottom of Coal Creek Canyon, I took Colorado State Highway 93 south down to Morrison, where I inspected the damage from the fire yesterday. Still a lot of fire trucks down there trying to sort it all out.
Then, I went to Chic Fil A at Wadsworth and Belleview, then back home.
Total distance for the trip:
The trip meter on the Africa Twin says 111.1, but I reset it when I got gas at the King Soopers in Evergreen. So, this doesn't include me riding to Sonic in Conifer, and then to the King Soopers in Evergreen.
The map says I went 122 miles, which seems about right.
When I left the house, it was about 56F. The lowest I saw it get was 52F. And then, when I was down the hill, it was up to about 66F.
So, this was my biggest ride in a while. This was my 3rd ride of the year (and my longest ride this year). But the skies were totally clear and the sun was shining and the snow was basically gone off of the roads (I saw a few patches of snow periodically, but nothing that would make me crash the bike or anything.)
The weather tomorrow is supposed to be just as good. So, I'm thinking another ride is in order.
Posted by Rob Kiser on April 1, 2023 at 7:26 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink