I Rode - Spring 2011

Gorgeous sunrise on LFP today. So glad Spring is only a few days away!!!

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on April 18, 2011 at 3:16am

Maybe the winter "I rode today" thread can be re-opened temporarily so us woosie riders can bask in the chainlink cred for ridiing in the snow and wintry weather today.

Riding on a warm day hardly counts as being a real rider...

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Permalink Reply by Michelle Gregorek on April 18, 2011 at 3:39am

"Riding on a warm day hardly counts as being a real rider..."

I don't understand that attitude. Not everyone has joints that can function in this type of weather, speaking from experience. But I am still a real rider and continue to encourage all to ride.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on April 18, 2011 at 4:12am

I sometimes have the pleasure of riding west on Milwaukee behind a gentleman who has one of these horns. I like trailing him because he's pretty fast and quick on the horn. Unfortunately, he usually drops me after about 4 blocks. (He's got the chops to really clip in a headwind. I don't!)

I have friends who continuously ding their bells when they notice rear brake lights on parked cars or reverse/backing up lights. I don't expect that's particularly effective. The guy's horn is definitely audible!

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Permalink Reply by Reddog (Cliff) on April 18, 2011 at 2:21pm

Broke out the winter gear this morning. Glad I did not put it away. While I rode in the snow and slush this morning, I tried to remind myself, that in February we would have considered this not bad weather at all.

But this winter certainly seems to be lingering. Or at least getting one last parting shot in.

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on April 19, 2011 at 2:33am

NOT gorgeous sunrise on LFP today. Where is Spring???

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Permalink Reply by Gin on April 19, 2011 at 3:07am

Hang in there, fellow cyclists! These are truly winter's last gasps. We are still technically in the Bike Winter season (Nov 1-April 30).

Also, FWIW, I don't think anyone who prefers to sit out cold, wet weather is a wuss or not a "real" cyclist. Efforts like Bike Winter stem from a positive desire to build people up--to encourage and equip--not to cut anyone down.

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on April 19, 2011 at 3:23am

I've been hanging in there all winter, a few more days of crappy weather isn't going to stop me now.

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Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on April 19, 2011 at 3:40am

It was easier riding in February when you forgot how nice it was to ride in non-freezing weather than it is now.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on April 19, 2011 at 3:59am

Go, Melanie! I'm on the other end of the spectrum as you. I want to have that "can do" attitude, but my mind and body is not capable of handling being miserable all day. What's the point when all the joy is sucked out of it? I'd be walking around all soggy and cold even with the proper gear. On top of that the idea of riding in it is wholly unappealing. The respite of the car is hardly enough, but still, it's something.

I was out on my bike this morning for short neighborhood pet care business and that was craptastic even though I wasn't traveling more than a few blocks. I have a feeling it's going to take me a lot more time to master these elements--cold, rainy, windy=a definite deal breaker for me. Last time I checked, I think I still qualified as a real cyclist :)

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on April 19, 2011 at 4:16am

If you're on the bike, then you are a cyclist, no matter if it is sunny and warm or wet and cold. I agree, some days I just want to say "WTF is going on with this crappy weather" and wake my SO up to drive me to work (and I have done it on certain days). But whenever I do that, I usually come out of my office at the end of the day and see someone on their bike and I regret not riding. Just keep cycling as much as you can- there is no reason you have to ride in the rain or cold- I cycle for my own reasons, and I believe everyone has their own reasons and impetus to use their bicycle instead of other transportation, as it is only yourself that you have to answer to.

I am not sure if it is a can-do attitude that I have or that I just hate public transportation, traffic, driving and congestion. I have found that my 8 mile trip to work and 8 miles back goes faster when I cycle, I get less frustrated at people in general and my mood is better overall. That is my reason for cycling in all types of weather- it makes me happier in general.