I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Barclor on January 20, 2012 at 12:18pm

I totally agree with the fun factor. But the extra cold temps mean it's going to be slick and that can be a but nerve racking. I'm sure once I get home safely, I'll rave about the fun factor, but until then....I'm still a little nervous.

Joe Studer said:

The snow was half the attraction for me riding in today. Riding in freshly fallen snow is just plain fun.

Barclor said:

I did! though I'm a little nervous about the ride home with the ground temp being as cold as it is and the snow flying.

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Permalink Reply by blair on January 20, 2012 at 12:19pm

Since it's technically Bike TO Work Day, I biked into work this morning. But if last week's snow is any indication of what the Kinzie bike lane and Milwaukee will be like this afternoon, I'll probably be throwing it on a bus for the commute home. Sucks, but last week's commute home in the snow/slush was brutal/unsafe.

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Permalink Reply by Luka Erceg on January 20, 2012 at 12:39pm

I was determined to ride today as this is my first winter riding and I felt guilty missing the last snow fall. So I will see how my new Trek Soho does today on the way home.

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Permalink Reply by Jeremy on January 20, 2012 at 1:00pm

Holy crap. I felt bad leaving the bike at home this morning but looking out the window I'm feeling better about it. Good luck out there everyone who rode, stay safe!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on January 20, 2012 at 1:12pm

Since 90% of my ride is on the LFP, heading south from downtown (rather than north), my commute is a far different experience. I'm not going to get washed into the lake. The path is not as icy. I'm riding in snow, not slush. If I fall, I'm going to leave a snow angel rather than be run over by some car or bus. I've got no real traffic to contend with once I leave downtown, except for other snow bikers like me.

So I totally understand the trepidation that others experience. I just have a different ride. One of the big benefits of my commute.

Ride safe, but have fun!

David Barish said:

I really wanted to ride since today was the Winter Bike to Work Day. The cold was not an issue. Winds were pretty calm when I went to spin class early this morning. A little fresh snow is fun. However, the predicted weather makes the return commute seem like hubris on a bike. It looks to be an adventure regardless of the mode of transportation. I hope I am wrong but really think I made the right choice notwithstanding delays on the Metra.

Joe Studer said:

The snow was half the attraction for me riding in today. Riding in freshly fallen snow is just plain fun.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on January 20, 2012 at 1:13pm

I don't mean to be like chicken little, but I just drove to a clients house. It is bad. Nothing in logan is plowed, including main drags likke Fullerton. Hoping that changes later for all of you commuting tonight.

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Permalink Reply by blair on January 20, 2012 at 1:14pm

Good luck this afternoon! My first winter biking, too.

Luka Erceg said:

I was determined to ride today as this is my first winter riding and I felt guilty missing the last snow fall. So I will see how my new Trek Soho does today on the way home.

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Permalink Reply by blair on January 20, 2012 at 1:16pm

Thanks for the update! I'm really loving this thread when everyone updates each other on current conditions. Really helps!

Holly said:

I don't mean to be like chicken little, but I just drove to a clients house. It is bad. Nothing in logan is plowed, including main drags likke Fullerton. Hoping that changes later for all of you commuting tonight.

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Permalink Reply by Ash L. on January 20, 2012 at 1:21pm

Last night was cold but the liquid courage made getting home after bar night no problem. I've got to say though that today's hangover and leaving my goggles at home made for a crappy morning/early afternoon ride in the blowing snow.