The Chainlink

My first snow ride. Two words,...Absolutely terrifying

Two words,...absolutely terrifying. Today was my first snow ride to work and I must say that it was not how I wanted to start my Monday morning. I was fully prepared with all of the proper snow biking equipement and was excited for my first winter ride. After all everyone says that it is a lot of fun and I have always thought of myself as a courageous person, but not today. I was scared out of my mind the entire ride. I almost slipped twice within the first 500 feet. Turning back to go home and drive was an option but I figured it would get better once I got to a properly salted road, but I was mistaken. I had several cars honk at me and I was trying to avoid the snow/slush the entire way, not to mention the cars that flew past me and covered me with slush off of their cars. I dunno maybe this will be more enjoyable if its not so wet outside and people are not hurrying to try to get to work. I will continue to ride to work on cold days and days where there is a light snow but if its anything like today forget it.

Any tips to gain fearlessness while riding to work in these conditions???

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on December 10, 2008 at 10:40pm
I had a totally different experience on Lincoln & Clark today. Everyone was really nice and respectful and kept their distance. Another nice surprise - A friend actually recognized me under my helmet, hat, ski goggles and scarf! Ended up some bar with free pizza, trivia and random friends. But my winter gear did take up a lot of space.

Dottie said:
Riding on Lincoln tonight, I had the pleasure of a car honking and passing within less than 12 inches. The man then rolled down his window at the stoplight to yell, "Ride in the bike lane, you idiot," to which I responded that the bike lane is covered with ice and please be aware of my safety, thank you. The ride was no fun at all.
Permalink Reply by terryg on December 11, 2008 at 12:16am
It's been a mixed bag, but I guess I'm lucky that I haven't had any outright confrontations. I seem to be surrounded by either very selfish or very stupid drivers. Like the big SUV that passed me close on the right going south on Wells, by Grand. Not to make a turn anywhere, just to go. Way to go.

I think it's more of a concern to me that I've seen several cars, including a taxi, blatantly run red lights. Solid red lights - not the ones where you hope for a long yellow, but the ones where it's been red and those with the right of way are starting up. shudder.
Permalink Reply by Michael Malone on December 11, 2008 at 7:21am
Sorry to hear that Dottie! In that instance you are allowed to let out any aggression you have on the driver of the SUV. Really let him have it for being so ignorant (and for driving an SUV). Keep riding in the car lane, the cars are in our bike lane constantly.


Dottie said:
Riding on Lincoln tonight, I had the pleasure of a car honking and passing within less than 12 inches. The man then rolled down his window at the stoplight to yell, "Ride in the bike lane, you idiot," to which I responded that the bike lane is covered with ice and please be aware of my safety, thank you. The ride was no fun at all.
Permalink Reply by Todd on December 11, 2008 at 10:59am
I've been riding to work year around for 11 years now. The fear has never dissipated. I had to walk 2 miles of my five mile commute one day a couple of weeks ago.

My problem is UIC. They plow ALL of the snow from the sidewalk onto the bike lane where it congeals into a nice ice-pack.
Permalink Reply by justJason on December 11, 2008 at 11:04am
The conditions this winter are pretty damn deplorable. But I'm trying to look on the bright side: I'm getting so close to perfecting the fluidity with which I scream motherf**ker and c**ksucker at glacial floes and sliding cars.

So things aren't ALL bad. ;-)
Permalink Reply by Tamara on December 11, 2008 at 2:10pm
Dottie said:
Riding on Lincoln tonight, I had the pleasure of a car honking and passing within less than 12 inches. The man then rolled down his window at the stoplight to yell, "Ride in the bike lane, you idiot," to which I responded that the bike lane is covered with ice and please be aware of my safety, thank you. The ride was no fun at all.

Dottie, that's an awesome response! Seriously, I always lose my temper and end up escalating instead of educating. You de-escalated the conflict AND helped that idiot realize . . . that he's an idiot. Good for you!
Permalink Reply by Ammo on December 11, 2008 at 3:58pm
I agree. Usually I spit, kick or yell at the cars when they call me an idiot for riding cautiously. Thank you for setting a good example for us.
Permalink Reply by bill easom on December 11, 2008 at 4:05pm
Leah said:
I feel for you, Leslie - sorry you had such a bad commute! I surrendered to the cold a week or so ago and am not as adventurous when it comes to weather. Today when I was standing on the El platform watching the bikers, I was in awe and hoping they got to work OK!
Permalink Reply by Michael Malone on December 11, 2008 at 9:45pm
first off, an expletive tirade does do good. It releases adreneline and endorphines in your brain making you feel better/high... Science. Second "if you succeed and have the opportunity?" what are you talking about? Hey H3 you keep making the Chicago streets safer one driver at a time, I'm going to get where I'm going and maybe take off a rearview with my U-lock on my way.

h3 said:
Michael Malone said:
Sorry to hear that Dottie! In that instance you are allowed to let out any aggression you have on the driver of the SUV. Really let him have it for being so ignorant (and for driving an SUV). Keep riding in the car lane, the cars are in our bike lane constantly.


Dottie said:
Riding on Lincoln tonight, I had the pleasure of a car honking and passing within less than 12 inches. The man then rolled down his window at the stoplight to yell, "Ride in the bike lane, you idiot," to which I responded that the bike lane is covered with ice and please be aware of my safety, thank you. The ride was no fun at all.

I have to respectfully disagree on both points. Letting out aggression leaves the rider no less frustrated and the driver villified and has the potential to escalate.
Think about the fact that you're sitting in front of a computer telling someone else to place themself in the path of a vehicle.
Dottie handled the situation perfectly. If you have the opportunity, and succeed in letting the driver know exactly why they are wrong in a way that doesn't guarantee that they will not hear you, you've done about the best anyone can.
Permalink Reply by bill easom on December 12, 2008 at 11:03am
I had a slow wipe out on a side street that same morning. I have found out that the salt trucks are now only doing side streets on weekends. fyi
Permalink Reply by Books Steve on December 14, 2008 at 11:11pm
Not even winter yet, and I've fallen twice. Side streets were suicide last week. Hopefully we can avoid the snow-rain-freeze-snow situation we had cause that was miserable. I did learn something: fishtailing the back wheel when trying to accelerate too quickly on ice is a bad time. Almost as bad as trying to use the front brake on ice.

I managed to ride in the snow last weekend without negative effect besides soaking wet feet. Only 3 months and some change until winter's over...
Permalink Reply by E A on January 9, 2009 at 8:40am
How are the roads in today's snow? (I guess we could call it the first real accumulation of the new year)

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