The Chainlink

Long winter commuting on the lakeshore trail, possible with this setup?

Anyone commute long distance on the lakeshore path in the winter? I currently commute 27 miles both ways with most of it on the path (from the northern start to 31st street). I really want to take my bike out for winter commuting (haven't since last week) but don't know if my bike can handle the ice/snow. It is a Giant Cypress ST. Just put on fenders tonight (has front and back lights). Tires are Kenda Kwest (700x38c). Would be using the lakeshore detour (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=4...). What do you guys think? Is it possible without studded tires? Really eager to get back out but don't want to spend a fortune.

Views: 232

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by burden on December 9, 2009 at 3:56pm
Even relatively heavy, uncleared snowfall is often rideable on most of the LFT, where there are no cars churning the snow into viscous gray porridge, breaking it into bouldery chunks or packing it into icy monster ruts. Fresh snow's just fresh snow out there, and it can be a real pleasure to break a trail through it on a bike.

I find the lakefront most treacherous in the early spring, when small puddles in low spots freeze over and lurk there waiting for you to assume that everything's thawed.

The only times I've given up on the trail, it was because the lake was throwing crazy stuff through the air hard enough to really hurt.
Permalink Reply by Matt Milford on December 9, 2009 at 4:09pm
I would like to buy some beefier tires and try to make the trek. The only time I regretted biking was last week when I went into 20 mph northeast winds (took 2 hours instead of 1). I'd rather go the route of winter tires and not so much metal studded ones. Found these tires at Johnny Sprockets, Infinity Armadillo Tire. Supposed to be all seasonally and extremely puncture resistant. Basically I'm looking for some encouragement from someone who does this almost daily on the trail!

Appreciate the reply burden!
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on December 9, 2009 at 4:30pm
If you want to avoid strong headwinds, just cheat and take the road. Winds are always twice as bad on the LFP. Its good training in the summer, but brutal in the winter.

Also, another sometimes treacherous part of the LFP is the little "hump" bridge just south of the Chicago River. If there is snow on it, you can lose traction going up it. Also, the south side can thaw while the north side stays frozen, which you won't know about coming from the south until you crest it, at which point it might be too late.
Permalink Reply by Matt Milford on December 10, 2009 at 10:47am
Nathaniel, it's actually an AR-15, wish it was an M-4 though!
Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on December 10, 2009 at 5:08pm
FYI, our Lakefront Trail expert, Randy Warren, just posted this weekend's Lakefront Trail events and a notice about winter maintenance:

http://www.activetrans.org/lakefront

Thanks,
Ethan, with Active Trans

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service