OK, so we get our first warm (above freezing) day in weeks, so I decide to celebrate by, of course, going for a ride. Up high, where it's still winter, even though by dropping off the mountains to the south, I could have enjoyed 60 degree weather instead. I'm glad that I did, though, 'cause it was a superb day to be riding in the mountains of western North Carolina. The photo shows a popular ice climbing area on Hwy. 215, just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This has been the best year for ice climbing in this region in decades, with nearly constant below-freezing temps and heavy snowfall guaranteeing good ice. I found that even though Metzler makes a great dual sport tire, the tread is sadly lacking on hard packed snow and ice. I had some real pucker moments at times when I'd round a turn to find shoulder to shoulder ice - drop the 'outriggers' and hang on for dear life. Luckily, the bike kept the shiny side up.

Below, the region west of Hwy. 215 is well-suited for tree farms, with thousands of acres being groomed for the growth of Christmas trees. They do well in the high, chilly, and wet mountain country of western North Carolina.

Wolf Lake is a favorite for kayaking at other times of the year, but today, much of the lake was covered in ice.

Another view of Wolf Lake from an over-looking ridge.

The fun starts when you round a curve to find hard packed snow covering most of the road. You pick a line and then watch as it gets narrower and narrower. The snow itself wasn't as bad as the rock-hard ridges of ice. If you failed to hit them at the right angle, one wheel tended to go south while the other headed north.

More tree farms in the Canada community in the Charlies Creek region.

Leaving Charlies Creek and Pinhook Valley, I hit Hwy. 215 and climb north towards the Parkway. While turning around after taking this shot, the rear wheel buried deep into the snow and I had a heck of a time getting back to the mud. I guess that it's about time to replace the rear Metzler.

One of the ice climbers enjoying good ice just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.