My winter
12-07-19, 11:14 AM
#1
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My winter
It’s just too dark out! I truly admire those of you who ride throughout the year - especially in the frigid climes. Stay safe out there!
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Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
12-07-19, 11:45 AM
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[of D'uh]
”This might be a good winter”
Maybe so, but Winter Blahs are always a common condition yet cycling can be the remedy
”This might be a good winter”
Maybe so, but Winter Blahs are always a common condition yet cycling can be the remedy
[of New York City]
My motivation to ride in the winter ebbs and flows, but yesterday and today, I felt really good on the bike. For what it's worth, I'm talking about commuting, not recreation/fitness rides.[
[b]I'm not super tough like you Minnesotans. I have some days when I just don't think it's worth the trouble. We get a lot of slippery stuff, since our temperature hovers right around freezing for much of the winter, and this, combined with the insane traffic we have, makes cycling dangerous.
That's when I say no thank you at least on some days. But we have tons of people doing deliveries on bikes here in New York City, and we have for over a hundred years. These folks are tough. I see them out there in absolutely all weather
My motivation to ride in the winter ebbs and flows, but yesterday and today, I felt really good on the bike. For what it's worth, I'm talking about commuting, not recreation/fitness rides.[
[b]I'm not super tough like you Minnesotans. I have some days when I just don't think it's worth the trouble. We get a lot of slippery stuff, since our temperature hovers right around freezing for much of the winter, and this, combined with the insane traffic we have, makes cycling dangerous.
That's when I say no thank you at least on some days. But we have tons of people doing deliveries on bikes here in New York City, and we have for over a hundred years. These folks are tough. I see them out there in absolutely all weather
[of Colorado Springs]
…You just need to find the motivation…
And if you can't find the motivation before you start your ride, you will find it somewhere on the ride or even at the end.
…You just need to find the motivation…
And if you can't find the motivation before you start your ride, you will find it somewhere on the ride or even at the end.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 12-07-19 at 12:02 PM.
12-07-19, 01:24 PM
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I happen to like riding in the dark though.
I won a 1600 lumen serfas light though. that was a game changer
I won a 1600 lumen serfas light though. that was a game changer
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12-07-19, 01:50 PM
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I have previously posted about my positive (prioritizing) motivations for winter commuting [including]:
…I have come to enjoy (somewhat) meeting the challenges. Dressing up in layers and adjusting the gaps in clothing on a dark early morning imparts a sense of adventure like an astronaut suiting up for lift-off.
And while the solitude of space is more profound, the solitude of winter morning riding is more intense than in the summer, and I like cocooning into myself as I ride…
And while the solitude of space is more profound, the solitude of winter morning riding is more intense than in the summer, and I like cocooning into myself as I ride…
…I have done a lot of night riding over the years. Often, the roads and paths are very quiet, and on country roads, I find myself in a cocoon or tunnel of light and my imagination can run wild…
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12-09-19, 05:28 PM
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early cold dark rides when it's wet outside has not been a favorable experience. Early warm rides are more gratifying for me.
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12-09-19, 06:49 PM
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Now that I am old and wise I see the folly of my youth. Commuted year round in all weather for 20 years and loved the feeling of risk at night, especially during the winter with lots of snow on the ground. Can't believe I was that stupid. Now I wonder how many close calls I had, but didn't know it because the driver spotted me at the last minute and saved my bacon. No longer recommend snow commuting on public roads to anyone unless absolutely necessary.
12-09-19, 09:30 PM
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I ride pretty much exclusively in the dark. Have three excellent front-end lights and a very good taillight. Unless there is snow, ice, or massive wind, I am out there pretty much every morning. My usual, easy ride is from 0430-0600. I do a longer, 50-60-mile ride once a week and then maybe once a month, I'll do a centuryish ride.
I like riding so early because very few people are out. It is quiet and pleasant. Maybe a cop every now and then. I have far fewer drivers and cyclists (almost just got hit by one of them!) and peds to watch out for. Often, I am the only thing on the road and I love that. It's peaceful.
I like riding so early because very few people are out. It is quiet and pleasant. Maybe a cop every now and then. I have far fewer drivers and cyclists (almost just got hit by one of them!) and peds to watch out for. Often, I am the only thing on the road and I love that. It's peaceful.
12-10-19, 05:46 AM
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12-10-19, 07:36 AM
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What is this "darkness" you speak of?
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12-10-19, 08:10 AM
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Look on the bright side: The winter solstice is less than two weeks away.
12-10-19, 08:32 AM
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we'll enjoy your rest vicariously while you enjoy our riding. one good turn deserves another, right?
fwiw - it takes me a long time to get out the door ...
fwiw - it takes me a long time to get out the door ...
12-10-19, 01:19 PM
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I will admit that I would like to be doing some riding this winter, but my doctor insisted I not ride single track anymore (I crash on mountain bikes). We have a fantastic fat tire bike scene in the Twin Cities that would be fun to be a part of, but again, I’m not allowed to crash. So . . . vicarious experiences are the norm fir awhile.
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Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.
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12-10-19, 02:15 PM
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12-10-19, 02:51 PM
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I`m a Senior Citizen, and I ride all year long.
Riding in the winter can be Refreshing and Exhilarating!
Really!
I don`t ride through the snow. but I ride when the streets are cleared and dry.
I love riding through the City parks in the Winter.
Sometimes you have the entire park to yourself!
If you wear the right clothing, and ride on the right days, Winter offers the Best riding of the year !!!!!!!!!!!
'
12-11-19, 07:27 AM
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12-11-19, 08:41 AM
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Here in the Netherlands I try to make a long ride every weekend, but due to family obligations I never depart before 3 PM. We're further north than all of the large Canadian cities, so I ride mostly in the dark these days. I don't mind the darkness, but hate the cold rain. We didn't experience snow yet (The Netherlands are not a very cold place), but if the roads get slippery I will stay inside.
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12-13-19, 06:16 AM
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12-13-19, 06:19 AM
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Snow can be fun as long as it's a nice day out. June 16, 1999 on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier N.P.
12-14-19, 06:26 AM
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SAY IT AIN`T SO!!!!
I`m a Senior Citizen, and I ride all year long.
Riding in the winter can be Refreshing and Exhilarating!
Really!
I don`t ride through the snow. but I ride when the streets are cleared and dry.
I love riding through the City parks in the Winter.
Sometimes you have the entire park to yourself!
If you wear the right clothing, and ride on the right days, Winter offers the Best riding of the year !!!!!!!!!!!
'
I`m a Senior Citizen, and I ride all year long.
Riding in the winter can be Refreshing and Exhilarating!
Really!
I don`t ride through the snow. but I ride when the streets are cleared and dry.
I love riding through the City parks in the Winter.
Sometimes you have the entire park to yourself!
If you wear the right clothing, and ride on the right days, Winter offers the Best riding of the year !!!!!!!!!!!
'
Often the rial-trails around here are completely deserted and all I see besides the odd critter are human footprints. The trick is to dress in layers. I find too that if you can wear something that stops the wind that it's much easier to dress warmly.Also, on really cold days I use a blue-plastic dust mask so that I'm breathing in warm air. That REALLY makes a difference.
Cheers
Last edited by Miele Man; 12-14-19 at 06:28 AM. Reason: Changed name of mask to dust mask
