tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post1663607498964623046..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Winter: The Beautiful and the Damned DifficultVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45047792176894867142014-05-23T20:22:02.463-04:002014-05-23T20:22:02.463-04:00I use my bike to commute for all purposes, work, s...I use my bike to commute for all purposes, work, shopping, appointments etc. - I don't have a car and nor do I want one. I just love cycling but, if the weather is extremely cold, rainy or windy then I walk; I want to enjoy my bike and on those occasions when I leave her at home I enjoy a different experience and most importantly appreciate even more the next time I ride.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56992225368468071442012-08-09T22:30:06.981-04:002012-08-09T22:30:06.981-04:00I love winter riding, and curiously am looking for...I love winter riding, and curiously am looking forward to it again very much (even though it is mid August.) One thing I have found really helps is prep work.<br /><br />I lube the daylights out of the moving parts of my commuter with an oil like Phil's Tenacious Oil which lasts almost a week in a Southern Ontario snow/slush fest before needing to add more. I also coat the lower parts of the bike and exposed nuts etc with rust proof spray which matches that which we put on our cars. The bike also gets 700x40 Schwalbe studded winter marathon tires. 120 studs a tire means virtually no slipping, and like a car snow tire, the rubber stays soft even at -25. Just don't dry steer the studs - they can pull out. In deep snow or on ice, run the tires a bit soft so more studs hit the ground. Other than fenders and good lights, the bike is the same as it is in the summer time.<br /><br />As far as what I wear? I am a huge fan of layers and use a lot of them - wool is best. I top the whole mess off with either an EMS jacket I have (totally wind and waterproof) or a canvas farm coat (styling!). I don't bother with fancy pants and ride in the winter in jeans with thermal long johns under them. Bogs go on the feet - nice and warm, nice and waterproof. Way too flexy, but there ya go. Usually, unless we are getting "thick wet rain" (really wet snow) I arrive where I am going dry. <br /><br />It only takes me about 5 minutes to clean up at work which is not much longer than it does in the warmer months when I ride in.<br /><br />Best bit is though, all I see from my fellow winter two wheel wanderers is smiles. And I like the crazy looks I get at work. Also, there is something wonderful about blasting down a MUP (ours get -mostly- plowed all winter) at 25kmph or so in about 10-15cm of powder snow at -15. The snow makes a neat "poof" noise. Last year's useless winter had virtually no snow and I missed this. <br /><br />All that blather said, I totally get that most don't like doing this. For me, it is a lot of fun, but that is just me (and my friends actually - we are all a little nuts :P)christopheruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00956383502098368364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72609707415541072142011-01-13T14:41:21.611-05:002011-01-13T14:41:21.611-05:00I live in Sweden, and have a 10km ride to town, ow...I live in Sweden, and have a 10km ride to town, own no car. I have to ride in winter too. I love winter, but we have minimal road service here, so it does get very hard to ride in all the mess cars makes; washboard-like ice slaty slush etc. I have come to the conclution that Hakkapelitta´s is not enough, I need a fork with suspension too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5538402285129278582010-01-19T12:27:19.937-05:002010-01-19T12:27:19.937-05:00The simple fact is again that a bicycle is a tool ...The simple fact is again that a bicycle is a tool for getting from one place to another, and it's great to use it as long as it's effective in accomplishing that goal. When it's not, use another tool (your feet, bus, car, etc) that is a better tool given the circumstances, unless you just have no choice, of course. That being said, even the best and most convenient means of travel isn't always enjoyable under all circumstances, it's just the best choice.<br /><br />In Portland, it's fun and adventurous to ride the few days we get any kind of snow, but I can see doing it everyday for months could be difficult and tedious (given that you're not in Copenhagen where they clear the paths everyday).<br /><br />I'd probably choose to ride the bus and walk much more often in those circumstances, as we and everyone else did in Lithuania when it was snowy/icy from December through March. They didn't salt at all, as far as I know, but simply cleared roads and sidewalks each morning, and people rarely had mobility problems because almost everyone walks and rides transit every day of the year, it just takes marginally longer when it's snowy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90611365893652834882010-01-18T09:42:12.874-05:002010-01-18T09:42:12.874-05:00Well said! People should try winter riding a few ...Well said! People should try winter riding a few times (to figure out how they should dress), but if they don't like it, no big deal. I think a lot of people would be surprised by how normal it feels, and a lot of people would be miserable.Dottiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984050970208363927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34029038028187476692010-01-18T00:32:50.833-05:002010-01-18T00:32:50.833-05:00I sometimes think of how competitive I once was ab...I sometimes think of how competitive I once was about my cycling and equipment, even long after I stopped racing. Let me tell you, it's been really nice to lose that! <br /><br />That said, I do have a reason why I haven't ridden in the snow we've had. And that reason is medical!Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79734918415261963332010-01-17T21:41:26.137-05:002010-01-17T21:41:26.137-05:00CrankyPants - I certainly did not intend to evoke ...CrankyPants - I certainly did not intend to evoke ire, and I hope that's not the case. I honestly admire both Dottie from Let's Go Ride a Bike (I would ask her for <a href="http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/2010/01/icy-sunday/" rel="nofollow">one of these photos</a> to have as a poster for my wall, but fear that she might misinterpret!) and my own husband, whose winter pursuits are quite authentic. I wish I were at their level and also found the whole thing easy. But I'm not and I don't. So I just wanted to point out that there are many experiences out there, and how "easy" or "difficult" something is, is a very subjective thing.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27719277603704079732010-01-17T21:40:13.226-05:002010-01-17T21:40:13.226-05:00imaginary bicycle - I've been looking through ...imaginary bicycle - I've been looking through my images and realise that I erased the ones of me riding the Electra Ticino, so I won't be writing a formal test ride report after all. But I posted my thoughts on your wordpress blog (you have 2 blogs now!). Hope they're helpful. <br /><br />Krista - My husband commutes in the snow as well. All things considered, he still finds it easier than driving to work, because the parking situation there is crazy. And he finds it easier than public transportation, because the closest T stop is a 10+ minute walk from our house anyway. But he is also much more athletic than me and a more experienced cyclist - so even cycling in a blizzard is within his comfort zone. That's very cool and I admire it, but I'm just not at that level yet.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31330125437035526682010-01-17T21:09:22.788-05:002010-01-17T21:09:22.788-05:00Beautiful pictures and great post! I love your ho...Beautiful pictures and great post! I love your honesty - I think it's particularly helpful for those newer to riding (like me, for example) to know it's okay to not force yourself to ride. Sometimes it's possible, but just not practical or pleasant. I'm finally realizing that's okay and I don't need to put myself through the throes of guilt everytime I feel that way.Angiehttp://fouronaquarter.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3318351224806351452010-01-17T15:08:35.550-05:002010-01-17T15:08:35.550-05:00Filigree - Thank you for saying what needed to be ...Filigree - Thank you for saying what needed to be said (and saying it quite well too). Cycling isn't always easy or fun or carefree. Sometimes it actually takes quite a bit of effort both mentally and physically. The sad part is just saying so will undoubtedly raise the ire of certain bikes-as-fashion purists. Funny, isn't it? It's like a religion, and you just don't mention the elephant in the room lest you be cast out.<br /><br />BTW ---- I lo-o-o-o-ove winter riding, but I certainly understand why others don't like it.CrankyPantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17463504170125392866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57662365087286961802010-01-17T10:10:24.727-05:002010-01-17T10:10:24.727-05:00I loathe winter. We call it the season of complain...I loathe winter. We call it the season of complaints at our house. Truly, I am happiest when it's at least 80 degrees out. YET. I love cycling in the winter. Weird.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16297506556949994442010-01-17T09:39:38.267-05:002010-01-17T09:39:38.267-05:00oh man, i hear ya! i have yet to get back on the b...oh man, i hear ya! i have yet to get back on the bicycle since i've been home (over a week!) and i'm feeling mighty guilty, but it is seriously slushy and icy out there and it takes so long to get suited up in all the layers.<br />i'm looking forward to more bike commuting when school starts (always better than the bus), but you're totally right--it is way less fun to be freezing your ass off.What Would a Nerd Wearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13015946397027534393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72527777988582625482010-01-17T09:29:59.431-05:002010-01-17T09:29:59.431-05:00giffen-- i agree with you about the more undesirab...giffen-- i agree with you about the more undesirable aspects of the T, and compared to practically any urban rail system in europe it fails miserably. on the other hand, also consider that it's probably the second best system in the US (next to NYC), and is a fraction of the price of the NYC subway system. in fact, the T is the cheapest urban transit system in the country when you buy a monthly charlie card-- $59/month for unlimited train and bus service. i'm probably also a bit biased toward the T since i'm spoiled with only ever having to use the red line-- arguably the most reliable line in the whole system. (i'm also biased towards it because my company gives free charlie cards to discourage car commuting, so i ride the T for free). but if i have to rely on the green line or the bus system regularly, i'd probably start describing the T with various obscenities as well.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17438782743677594442010-01-17T07:51:01.563-05:002010-01-17T07:51:01.563-05:00Thanks for this - and for the lovely snowy picture...Thanks for this - and for the lovely snowy pictures.<br /><br />I do love hearing about intrepid cyclers through snow and ice. They're an inspiration. But I want to keep my longtime simple enjoyment of just riding for the fun of it and the eco-sense (-nomic and -logical). And not start to feel guilty or less than authentic as a rider because I sometimes choose the car or walk instead.<br /> <br />p.s. I'm still eagerly awaiting your test ride of the Electra Ticino?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47724822289306855342010-01-17T06:21:01.020-05:002010-01-17T06:21:01.020-05:00Yeah, I like your approach. Winter cycling is only...Yeah, I like your approach. Winter cycling is only good when you can enjoy it a little bit. No need to force it. But I think it comes naturally and after a few years it gets easier as one is more aware of how to dress and how to cycle in certain conditions. Still more exhausting than in the summer. And kind of depressing when there is a lot of slush on the streets and the sky is gray. Well, not to much snow and slush in Vienna, anyhow. Mostly dry roads, and so cycling in the winter is not that hard :).annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14989947994626570874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44497671718231731612010-01-17T03:20:49.913-05:002010-01-17T03:20:49.913-05:00I appreciate this post. I read your blog often and...I appreciate this post. I read your blog often and sometimes I feel jealous that I dont have the will power to get out and ride in teh snow. I commute in good weather (non-snow) but my husband commutes rain or shine/snow or not. but to hear it from someone else that it isnt always possible or that enjoyable to commute in the snow I dont feel so bad now. Thanks!Kristahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16353312194696237562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28817508322169797732010-01-16T23:07:30.984-05:002010-01-16T23:07:30.984-05:00As much as I support public transportation, and lo...As much as I support public transportation, and love it in other countries, I *hate* the T. I ******* hate the T. The waiting is the worst thing. Poor temperature control (cold, windy bus stop, Park St. oven, hot bus, cold train, etc.) is the second worst. Then there is the disrespect. The smells. The noise. The scenery of blank and angry walls. The COST!!! It's so damn expensive nowadays. I will do anything, ride my bike in any weather, just to avoid taking the T. I curse the years I relied on it before discovering the wonders of two wheels.Giffennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12599387471195011762010-01-16T22:38:43.364-05:002010-01-16T22:38:43.364-05:00You must mean this:
Road Salt Turns Streams Toxic....You must mean this:<br /><a href="http://www.conservationmagazine.org/articles/v7n1/road-salt-turns-streams-toxic/" rel="nofollow">Road Salt Turns Streams Toxic</a>.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73754392427340048242010-01-16T22:33:04.617-05:002010-01-16T22:33:04.617-05:00just to clarify about road salts and other de-icin...just to clarify about road salts and other de-icing chemicals: they don't have to be synthetic to be bad. the best de-icer (and the one that is most widely used) is plain old table salt, but just because it's naturally occurring doesn't mean it doesn't wreak havoc to the ecosystem!somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70501244653485410662010-01-16T21:28:06.926-05:002010-01-16T21:28:06.926-05:00somervillain - An acquaintance of mine who used to...somervillain - An acquaintance of mine who used to work for the EPA introduced me to these books. The information in them is something I had always independently suspected, but never realised that for decades there had been research to confirm it. It does change the way one views the world.<br /><br />Astroluc - Fear and loathing of public transportation is a big reason I continue to cycle in the winter. I don't like crowds, and the feeling of dozens of people pressing against me in an underground tunnel is just too much. <br /><br />giffen -Following cyclists around in my neighborhood would mean blowing red lights and stop signs!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79466348832091139332010-01-16T21:06:47.119-05:002010-01-16T21:06:47.119-05:00filigree, silent spring is the book that has most ...filigree, silent spring is the book that has most influenced the way i think about the world around me!somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52312386036888266172010-01-16T20:52:23.768-05:002010-01-16T20:52:23.768-05:00I agree with somervillain, to the extent that if t...I agree with somervillain, to the extent that if the chemicals are synthetic I would prefer limited treatment. Have a look at <i>Silent Spring</i> and <i>Our Stolen Future</i> to understand this point of view. However, ideally I would prefer it if they developed a non-harmful treatment instead, especially as not all areas can count on non-car and non-bike transportation.<br /><br />When we lived in NH, the roads there were somewhat plowed, but not salted nearly as much as here. This was not for environmental reasons I suspect, but rather for financial ones. Everyone where we lived owned a 4WD, us included, as this was the only way to get around. Still, I got in a very scary accident driving home from work one evening, as a result of road conditions. Not to mention the number of near-accidents, when the car would start "pinballing" on the winding road that were part of our daily commutes. So often it is a choice between immediate safety concerns and the generational safety from contamination. How to choose?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29452611766165071552010-01-16T20:42:20.865-05:002010-01-16T20:42:20.865-05:00Filigree, interesting idea with the mentor thing. ...Filigree, interesting idea with the mentor thing. I've long believed that the best way to learn how to cycle around a city is to do it with a seasoned local. Here's a little trick which I often use in new cities: Follow around cyclists who look like they know what they are doing. Not for long enough to creep them out, but for 5-10 minutes or so. You'll learn all sorts of cool tricks. For example, that's how I discovered that Summer St. can be used to get to South Boston by bike. Okay, I hope this doesn't sound too creepy.Giffennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73940301434105485832010-01-16T20:25:20.209-05:002010-01-16T20:25:20.209-05:00MDI, while i'd love not to worry about riding ...MDI, while i'd love not to worry about riding on black ice and slushy snow, salting roads does more than corrode bikes and cars (and public infrastructure, like bridges). it also damages ecosystems, and has other negative biological effects on wildlife. sure, there's an argument to be made for public safety, and also for economic continuity (can't slow down capitalism because of a bad storm!). however, it's mother nature, and maybe we should all take a cue from her and seek alternatives to our transportation habits when the weather turns foul and dangerous. as much as i appreciate an ice-free ride to work, and also think that salting is a necessary safety measure, i do wish that municipalities would cut back on their excessive salt usage. studies have shown that the necessary amounts of de-icing chemicals for effectively clearing roadways is orders of magnitude less than some towns use.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37196381659487539962010-01-16T20:10:04.323-05:002010-01-16T20:10:04.323-05:00Giffen - Thank you for your acceptance : ) And I a...Giffen - Thank you for your acceptance : ) And I also like the way downtown looks in the winter; those lights create a magical atmosphere. I am envious of you cycling at least an hour and a half each day; perhaps next year that will be me. <br /><br />One thing I notice, is that I find it a lot less stressful to cycle in the winter with the experienced Co-Habitant than on my own. So it would be neat to have a "winter mentor" programme, where a more experienced cyclist leads a less experienced one on a winter ride that the less experienced cyclist would not have been able to take on their own. Just daydreaming here - but imagine a virtual bulletin board where cyclists post "Mentor wanted/ Mentor available" ads, listing the routes they wish to take and the day...Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com