BE CAREFUL tonight

For anyone who's riding back home this evening, please be careful. For the first time in 3 winters, I opted to grab a ride from a co-worker than ride the bike home. We went Montrose to Ashland, then north on Ashland to the Jewel by Bryn Mawr. And not one swath could I see as being bikeable. I had to walk myself and the bike back to my apartment by Glenwood and Ridge, falling on my ass twice.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on December 17, 2008 at 12:54pm

Don- another way to get a picture up is to click on "add an image" (the icon second farthest to the right above the thread box ) instead of add attachment, fyi. The add an image will show the picture in the thread with your text.

Don Sorsa said:

Eight of us rode on the Bloomingdale Trail for an hour or so. One of the snow cyclists rode 5 miles from the south loop to The Handlebar just to get on the ride! Where there's a will...

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Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on December 17, 2008 at 12:59pm

Thom said:

jamimaria said:
I made it home okay. I took Wells up to Lincoln and Lincoln all the way to Lincoln Square. I found that biking in the lane worked really well for me. For the most part I could go as fast as the cars since they were going so slow.

I probably left work at about 6:15 and made it home at 8....though I did stop along the way and do some Christmas shopping.

However, I do hope that a little plowing is done....though I"m thinking that the bike lane probably won't be plowed and cars won't be as patient when I have to take the lane.

I met someone named Jami(e?) last night, and she told me about the chainlink. I was riding my Xtracycle down Lincoln, loaded down with a huge plastic bin full of books - good extra weight in back to help minimize fishtailing. Fortunately, I made it to the bar in time...

That was me! I was wondering if you made it okay cause I didn't see you later. I spent a lot of time stuck in traffic. Welcome to the Chainlink!

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on December 17, 2008 at 1:26pm

Where did you enter the trail? I've been meaning to check it out. I hear it's pretty rideable even though nothing has been done to it so far(construction-wse, not plowing)

Don Sorsa said:

Eight of us rode on the Bloomingdale Trail for an hour or so. One of the snow cyclists rode 5 miles from the south loop to The Handlebar just to get on the ride! Where there's a will...

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Permalink Reply by Don Sorsa on December 17, 2008 at 10:14pm

We will shoo t for going on the trail northwest of Milwaukee and Leavitt but there are other places as well: anywhere without a super steep incline. Getting off the trail can be a problem but we found a place and climbed down without injuries.

There was snow on the ground - duh - and nothing had been plowed but there were no cars no pedestrians no traffic lights so personal pedal power determined distance and speed. The bridges over streets were covered with ice so we walked through those short stretches, or fell! I enjoyed the ride and look forward to returning, but I am always looking for any excuse/reason to ride my bike.

Floating snowflakes, the susurrus of wheels, the cold crispness - what do ya want for a Chicago winter, eh?

Where did you enter the trail? I've been meaning to check it out. I hear it's pretty rideable even though nothing has been done to it so far(construction-wse, not plowing)

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Permalink Reply by Ammo on December 18, 2008 at 11:55am

Today seemed much better on the roads. Minimal slipping, just riding through slush mainly. It is chilly out though!!

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Permalink Reply by S on December 18, 2008 at 2:59pm

Ammo said:

Today seemed much better on the roads. Minimal slipping, just riding through slush mainly. It is chilly out though!!

Things got better just in time for another winter storm. Gotta love this weather.

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Permalink Reply by justJason on December 18, 2008 at 3:22pm

Not being from here, is this "Winter Storm Warning" definitely worth heeding? I mean, look at it outside! kinda pretty for a winter day, no? And there don't seem to be any clouds in the region (according to the weather channel's radar). Even my Chicagoan co-workers are starting to scoff at the warning.

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Permalink Reply by Ammo on December 18, 2008 at 4:37pm

In chicago, don't believe anything until you see it.
27 years here and they still don't get it right. It is way too unpredictable.
Always be prepared though.