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 Ed on January 24, 2013 at 3:18pm

I rode today. I fell, hard. My whole right side feels crunchy, and I am pretty sure I am building a perma-bruise on my right elbow. Oh well. I also walked today... it felt weird... I didn't like it much.

Permalink Reply by Steve Weeks on January 24, 2013 at 3:19pm

This could be arranged! (See below!)

h' 1.0 said:

I would rather have root canal...
Actually, a root canal would be a lot less of a bother than a broken hip. The studs *are* noisy, I will admit... but when you run into that slab of black ice, they sure give you a nice, warm feeling!

Steve

EDIT: Sorry to hear, Ed. Studded tires may not be sexy, but they prevent that sort of thing quite effectively.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 25, 2013 at 1:25am

There is snow out there covering the streets.  I am breaking my streak and taking the subway. :-(

Permalink Reply by Teresa on January 25, 2013 at 1:32am

Me too. Darn snow!

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on January 25, 2013 at 2:54am

I rode home in the snow on Wed evening and it was very slick and kind of scary. This is the first winter on my Linus bike and the skinnier tires are definitely not as stable. So, no riding for me again until the streets are drier. :(

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on January 25, 2013 at 3:23am

Yup, rode in. 

Go slow, strap on your patience, be extra alert for those little "wheel slips" that you can correct quickly.  Get up if you fall.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 25, 2013 at 3:30am

I'm too old to get up when I fall. :)  As I walked to the subway along Milwaukee, traffic was a mess and the street was a slushy mess.  The side streets were really snow covered and slick.  I miss my bike, but I don't regret not riding in that.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 25, 2013 at 4:39am

It is more important to stay alive and in one piece than to have some bragging rights, so you made a wise decision, IMO

I fishtailed my bike the 1.5 mile or so to the Metra. The side streets that I usually take to the train were slick and slow going. Should have dtayed on the main roads, which seemed in decent shape this morning.

Lisa Curcio 4.0 mi said:

I'm too old to get up when I fall. :)  As I walked to the subway along Milwaukee, traffic was a mess and the street was a slushy mess.  The side streets were really snow covered and slick.  I miss my bike, but I don't regret not riding in that.

Permalink Reply by John Wilson 6.0 on January 25, 2013 at 4:39am

Word. I admit to not biking this past week because of the temps and the snow. But I hope to be back on the bike next week!

Lisa Curcio 4.0 mi said:

I'm too old to get up when I fall. :)  As I walked to the subway along Milwaukee, traffic was a mess and the street was a slushy mess.  The side streets were really snow covered and slick.  I miss my bike, but I don't regret not riding in that.

Permalink Reply by blair on January 25, 2013 at 4:42am

My skinny tires don't like this stuff.  CTA this morning.

:(

Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 25, 2013 at 5:04am

I wussed out today.  Wasn't so much the snow/slick that deterred me, as the enormous "idiot factor" on the streets.  First snowfall always freaks the cagers out, and today was no exception.  I saw even less patience/care, and even more really dangerous/stupid moves, by cars today.  Stay safe, everyone!

 

in it to win it 8.0 mi said:

Yup, rode in. 

Go slow, strap on your patience, be extra alert for those little "wheel slips" that you can correct quickly.  Get up if you fall.

Permalink Reply by Steve Weeks on January 25, 2013 at 5:19am

Sorry to hear about all you guys who can't ride because the streets are slick. ;-)

I rode in today, same as usual, with no falls or even close calls. I passed a car on a slight hill... the driver was spinning his tires on the slippery surface; I just zipped around him.

Where the studs don't help is where the snow is packed down by car tires so the studs can't contact the pavement. Under these conditions, the tires ride up over the packed snow, and if it's not actually frozen solid, the tire can "punch through" to the surface. During that momentary "free-fall", there is a noticeable loss of control... so even with studs you have to pay attention. Shifting your weight rear-ward to lighten the front wheel helps keep you going straight under these conditions. The best places to be in the lane are in the tracks of the car tires *if* the pavement is at least partially visible. The next-best place is to the side on snow that has not been packed by car tires; you have to be careful so as not to get "doored".

Oh, as a bonus... the studs don't make any noise on the snow. :-)

Steve

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