First Snow: October 12, 2006

W

Wayne McCown

New member
I have posted two photos of the C-Dory in our backyard this morning (10/13)...covered with snow. Buffalo and counties west and south of Rochester got more than 12" overnight, a record even in these parts for the earliest first snow.

Presently, as I write this note, the I-90 Throughway between Buffalo and Rochester is closed. Also, power is out in several significant areas (such as Batavia) to the west of Rochester.

We got off light in Rochester.
 
Amazing! It was in the 70s here in DC yesterday, down to the 50s today.

By the way, what kind of folding bikes are those and where did you get them?

Norma
 
Four letter words, like "snow", are not nice words to use amongst those of us who like our water to be in a liquid form! :disgust I know that means a screaching halt to your boating season, and you have my condolences.

It was 83º when I got up this morning, heading for a high around 90. After many years in the frozen northland, I have tried to share winter sailing tales with my brothers and sisters up north who are entrapped in the evil white stuff.

Don't read "The Shining"... it's far too early in the season. I have actually read frightening stories of people who get so desperate due to the cold that they cut holes in the frozen water to try to fish.

Here are a few words you might want to do a search on to help ease the pain:
trailer
sunbelt
balmy
palm trees
warm
sandy beach

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I bought this pair from a private party, used, some years ago. They are the DAHON 5-speed bikes with the 16" (=smallest) wheels. My wife wishes the wheels were larger, so if I were to buy a new pair I would get the 20" wheels.

These fit nicely on the C-22 (as you can see), and they are lightweight (=easy to lift on and off the boat). I simply put down a small piece of "blue foam" to protect the surface under each bike, and then use a single bungee cord to hold each in place against the bow rail. We have never had a problem with this arrangement, even when trailering.
 
I have just learned that some areas in western NY got as much as 24" of snow overnight!! "Lake effect" snow is typically very spotty, and varies by locale.

Lake Erie yesterday was 62 degrees, still quite warm. So as the cold front blew in from the west across the lake, warm wet air from the lake's surface rose, and then fell again...in the form of snow!

The snow is now melting, but I-90 is still closed (at 10:30 am).
 
We have about five inches down and more to come. But it will all be gone in two weeks and we will have time to finish fall chores before winter really comes. (This is what I optimistically remind myself). Tornado one day and then ten days later snow. Most unusual.

I have a 20 inch wheel folding Dahon bike. Works great. I kept it in the cockpit on a recent cruise. I wasn't fishing but did use the bike most every day. There are some other nice brands too. Check Downtube on the net. Real bicyclists seem to like that brand and they are the same price range as the Dahon. I thought the Dahon was great for boating and glad I have it.

Mark
 
Sorry to here you live in such a hostile environment, it will be in the 50's here today, Mike Layman Alaska!
 
nscogin

I have a Dahon 3 speed with the 16 inch wheels. I used to travel quite a lot, and I would take that with me. I have also been a bicyclist for the last 30 years or so. My bike is a great size, not real light, of course, but so convenient and easy to fold and unfold. Other than looking like a circus clown perched on this little thing, it is quite a good bike. I have put a couple thousand miles on mine with no breakdowns. The only thing I would change, and will when they give out are the tires. The ones that came with the bike are still good. The maximum pressure is 35 PSI. When the give out, I will change them out with higher pressure tires, but not more narrow. That will make it easier to pedal, but still be a comfortable ride.

dave
 
Because many of the leaves were still on the trees, and the snow was very wet and heavy, a great deal of damage was sustained in areas of NY west of Rochester. Dozens of work crews have come from all across the area to Batavia and Buffalo to help remove down trees, reconnect power lines, etc. The hotels are booked full for the next week with workers. I just got a note that my Teaching Assistant, who leaves in Buffalo, still has no heat, lights or water! She had to go to a mall to grade this week's papers.
 
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