Winter 2015- who's still riding?

Traffic 'round these parts dropped off pretty dramatically a few weeks ago... hard to tell from the "I rode today" thread who's still riding, as one would have to conclude that Gene is the only one out there most days by reading it....

Who's sticking it out and plans to continue to ride pretty much every day regardless of weather?

(Was winter 2013;   2014 starts on p. 36;   2015 starts on p. 61)

 

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Permalink Reply by Zömbie 8.0 on November 27, 2012 at 1:38pm

Yes, in my experience (finally counted—this is my 6th winter bike commuting), the streets are usually just fine. And during snow and slush events, they are far less treacherous than the sidewalks. 


Also, thank you Kevin and Lisa for the bar mitt info! I've got that hand-freeze problem myself, and while it hasn't stopped me yet it would be lovely to solve.

Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on November 27, 2012 at 3:38pm

It was beautiful along the lake front this morning. Crisp and invigorating. The evening commute was just as nice but with a nearly full moon over the lake. Thanks for the encouragement.

h' said:

I thought it was pleasant today.  Was braced for much worse when I saw the temp listed at 22 degrees.  For anyone going into their first bike winter-- the majority of winter cycling is not much different than today.

Permalink Reply by NYC (7.0 mi) on November 28, 2012 at 3:57am

My toes were cold this morning. It's probably the holes in the front of my Addidas.

Permalink Reply by Don on November 28, 2012 at 7:00pm

Still going strong.  The Mrs. took this pic when I got home tonight right before my goggles completely fogged up.

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on November 28, 2012 at 7:16pm

Mask and goggles already?? I know a lot of the newbs are eager to use their new gear, but wait til the it gets at least in the high 20s-lo 30s for the mask, and teens or sleet/snow for the goggles! You'll build your tolerance that way, and it's not just me trying to be macho:) You'll know when that time comes when the real cold arrives. Also, you'll probably want some kind of wind-breaking material (or at least long-johns) for pants when you're in need for that face gear. Those two things will coincide, at least IMO.

Anyways, good job! Keep it up!

Permalink Reply by Don on November 28, 2012 at 7:29pm

Mask b/c it helps me breathe easier (get winded sprinting round buses when it gets below 40 degrees...I'm not a young pup anymore), and goggles (technically sunglasses w/ clear lenses) so my eyes don't tear up.  I ride down Diversey westbound from Milwaukee which isn't for the faint of heart...not many cyclists round these parts.  That left turn from Milwaukee onto Diversey has to be one of the toughest in the city.  I have longjohns but am fine without windbreaking material.  Have ridden in much, much colder.

Permalink Reply by Don on November 28, 2012 at 8:21pm

And "newb"...c'mon.  If I wanted to use new gear I'd actually have some.  A $10 very lightweight mask and a cheap pair of clear glasses.  And get a load of my BMX grips.  But I had no idea how ninja-esque my fall/early winter setup looked until the Mrs. snapped my pic.

Edit - yeah the messenger bag.  Got me there.  But I had to buy one this spring after my old bag almost dragged me into a crash.  Enough about me...post your pic so I can start calling you out ;)

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on November 29, 2012 at 1:29am

Mr. Marauder, I (definitely a newb) wore the new goggles the other morning when it started out at about 22, and I was glad to have them.  Could not wait for the teens.  So sue me for being a wimp! ;-)

That being said, I did put them in the bag when it warmed up to low 30s for the ride home.  

Permalink Reply by Don on November 29, 2012 at 3:59am

Do you wear any eye protection when it's warmer?  I wear those same clear glasses from the pic when riding at night even in the summer...didn't think that was out of the ordinary at all, but maybe I just have sensitive eyes?

Lisa Curcio said:

Mr. Marauder, I (definitely a newb) wore the new goggles the other morning when it started out at about 22, and I was glad to have them.  Could not wait for the teens.  So sue me for being a wimp! ;-)

That being said, I did put them in the bag when it warmed up to low 30s for the ride home.  

Permalink Reply by Katie on November 29, 2012 at 4:03am

First day of driving :(  I am horrendously sick and there's no way I could bike to work today.  Sadly, there is stuff that needs to be done, I'm the only one who can do it, and my vpn didn't work last night.

*tiny violin*

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on November 29, 2012 at 5:41am

I wear sunglasses when it is sunny, but typically don't wear anything otherwise.  I have some clear glasses that I suppose I should wear but I don't.  My reason for wearing them would be to keep debris from flying into my eyes.  The goggles were to protect my eyes and face because of the cold.  That morning my eyes would have been tearing and my face would have been cold without the goggles.  Warmer weather is not a problem.
 
Don said:

Do you wear any eye protection when it's warmer?  I wear those same clear glasses from the pic when riding at night even in the summer...didn't think that was out of the ordinary at all, but maybe I just have sensitive eyes?

Lisa Curcio said:

Mr. Marauder, I (definitely a newb) wore the new goggles the other morning when it started out at about 22, and I was glad to have them.  Could not wait for the teens.  So sue me for being a wimp! ;-)

That being said, I did put them in the bag when it warmed up to low 30s for the ride home.  

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on November 29, 2012 at 5:47am

HAHAHA!!!

Katie said:

[snip]

*tiny violin*

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