Straw poll: Are you winter biking in this mild winter?
support for all things MyWHaT is appreciated.
Winter on the bike
With this mild winter, only one big snowfall and scattered flurries, how many of you have been winter biking more than you have in previous years? Are there any newbies taking advantage of the mostly dry asphalt and cement this year?
_
And, show of hands, who has taken a spill?
_
Assuming of course you weren’t injured, it is kind of exhilarating, no?
I’ve wiped out once; a trip home at night along the Boardman Lake Trail. The trail was dry thanks to the anomaly called the sun we had for two days, but then I came upon a patch of ice that I simply didn’t see until it was too late. In those situations, once I know I’m going down, it’s … kick the bike out, tuck the chin to the chest, and let the body relax. No injuries, but a nice little wake up call.
Wipe out!!!!!
Hey, #TCMI careful biking along the Boardman near TACS. 3" of ice. Weeeeeeeee!
—
MyWHaT/G. Howe (@glhjr) January 09, 2013I encourage newbies and kids to practice falling before heading out!
- A Quick Lesson In The Art Of The Two-Wheeled Winter Commute (MyWHaT)
- Ann Arbor’s Get Downtown “Guide to winter walking and biking” is more extensive
_
_
__
Reminder: Before commenting, please read the comments policy. If you feel you need to rant against the world while raising enumerable tangential issues to personally attack individuals or organizations, consider creating your own blog and tracking back to MyWHaT. If it is of value, you will attract readers. Or, send me a message with all the rants you wish; I’m a connoisseur of ranting. Otherwise, please contribute to a healthy, friendly discussion in the comments section below.
Blank Here
It was a stunning ride in this morning. I pedaled in on the slicks today…no need for the snow bike. But ice IS ice. Falls happen because of sudden hand movements, or the rare icy ridge that will send a tire suddenly sideways. With the lack of adhesion, super steady hands are always the best riding technique. Look behind you, (when you stop). Are your tire tracks straight, or wobbly. Wobbly riders fall. Curves are to be taken slow and steady. It’s simple to simulate riding your bike on ice….just let the air out of your tires….steady, straight riding will be slow but you won’t fall….sudden turns will catch you out and make you aware. Winter mantra: Smooth, steady and straight. Enjoy (and keep your blinkers on…..”motorists” aren’t expecting you).
This is the second mild winter here in Chicago – haven’t needed my studded tires for 2 years now. Very deceiving. At least we have some cold though, so I finally had to drag out my winter riding gloves -actually donned both layers yesterday, a first! I ride year-round anyway, but am getting in even more days with the lack of snow and ice here.