chipko

well there are lots of reasons but what i noticed this morning is the fact that there are more foul-weather cyclists than i thought. Rarely do i see another cyclist on the road on my ride. I know other people who commute, but i dont see anyone on my route. Occaisionally I'll see some people on the the sidewalk, but nobody seems to use the bike lane. However, this morning i noticed the tracks of three other cyclists in the snow. It was cool to know that not only are other people riding, but they are riding in the snow too.

Roody

Do you think this is a new trend? I've seen more bikes this winter than the pas two winters I rode through. I was surprised to see another cylist at the credit union when I pulled up this morning. I also saw several riders on Washington St. as I looked out my window, gathering courage for that first slippery ride of the season. Maybe some people weren't expecting the sudden onslaught of winter. By mid-January, chipko, I bet you and I will be the only cyclists braving these slippery Lansing streets!

Roody

Oh...to answer your question...I love commuting in the snow because...

One reason is that the car is warm and dry, but IMO very dangerous in slippery conditions. I had some close calls last winter while driving up north (one year ago today), even though I am a talented and experienced winter driver. Also, my stepson and best friend were both seriously injured in an ice-induced auto accident.

I've had my share of falls off the bike in ice, but I never got seriously hurt. One time I got painful bruised ribs, but the other times no injury whatsoever to self or bike. So I do feel a lot more secure on the bike. Rarely, when it's too slippery for even a bike, I would still rather walk than drive.

tokolosh

i can't speak for snow, but i noticed the same thing here wrt rain these past few months. we've had some wild stuff even for us in october and november. and it seemed like the worse it was, the more chance i'd see someone else biking through it. and then the weather would improve a bit and i'd look for them the next day, and there they wouldn't be again. i don't know why, but i almost feel like i understand it. the really stinky-weather rides have been the ones i remember best so far.

andygates

..because it's a challenge. Because I love seeing the faces of my colleagues when I arrive smiling. Because falling snow is magical. Because I love breaking the trail.

soda

My favorite commute was in the snow. I was late at campus and it had started to snow during the normal commute time. By the time I was ready to go home, there were no cars and the roads had not yet been plowed. It was so quiet and peaceful. I could hear the snow crunching under my tires. Loved it!!

DCCommuter

What I love is that around here, the entire transportation system grinds to a halt with a dusting of snow. The roads are impassable, the subway becomes overwhelmed. My commute, however, is largely unchanged, maybe a few minutes longer. The advantages of cycling just become magnified.

bostontrevor

Some people pay good money and burn vacation time just to go someplace to play in the snow. I get to do that every day for free on my way to and from work. If only they knew.

Roody

Hell yeah. How about night rides in fresh powder snow? Like riding through a field of diamonds.

Bikepacker67

I love commuting in snow because...

When I fall on my azzz I have 4 layers of clothing to make it more humorous than painful.

Silverexpress

I love commuting in snow because...

It's an adventure....

2manybikes

And they say.......... "Ride a bike in the snow? Are you nuts? Aren't you cold?"

as they load the skis on top of the SUV for the drive to Maine.

Gojohnnygo.

Please don't get me started about reason to ride in the snow. I went off the deep end last year with a mega amount of post.

I ride the frozen ice
As I glide along
I wonder if it notice
My frozen bike
As I glide along
I don't care
My wheels grip


I did it again.

Help me somebody pass me a drink. I don't want go into that mode again.

Bikepacker67

Shall we try some winter-commuting haiku?

chipko

I gotta second this Roody. Full moon + Fresh Powder + Bike = Happiness

seely

I built up my SS for winter riding recently. 32:16 gearing, knobby rear 2.1" with a 2.3" downhill front on Ditchwitch rims, rides like a champ in the white stuff. The 32:16 isn't nearly as slow as I envisioned... how fast can you really go in snow anyways?

OldShacker

So far I have yet to have snow this year that sticks to the ground. It snowed most of the day when I was at work but was mostly gone by the time I was off work. Last week we had some rain and the next day it was in the teens when I took off for work and upon descending down a hill I found that my back brakes were frozen open. I had to pull with all that I had and upon doing so they locked closed on the rim. I was able to free it and got them working again. That got my heart going again.
I ride mostly bike paths and found that there are only a few of us diehards when it snows on the paths I take. I do wish for some snow so I can try my new cross bike out this year. One of our fellow commuters here takes the streets for over 20+miles one way when it snows in Dayton, OH. I do not know what kind of weather will stop him and for a guy over 50 he kicks butt on the road all year round.

I enjoy the paths when there is snow on them. I like to be the first to lay new tracks in the morning.

huhenio

That is it.

I am building a snow bike and I am holding you accountable for this madness

Damn poets ...

seely

Did someone say, snow bike?

Two of my friends built these up this year, and all I can say is it has to be the most fun bike to ride. Goes anywhere and everywhere.

max-a-mill

huhenio, if you need to do it on the cheap AND, if you are not opposed to a mountain bike talk to me.

j3ns

Sure I like biking in the snow. It's so peaceful and quiet. Especially when these lovely flakes are falling, it damps down all the sounds from the environment. It brightens up the day also.

But I guess that by spring I will be ready to give two fingers for getting rid of this damn white poo once and for all.

sydney_b

No real snow here yet, but think I'm mostly ready. Love riding when those big flakes are coming down, or when the snow crunches under the wheel. Heck, even the blinding , wind-driven stuff will be OK once in a while. I count my commute as the day's first successful accomplishment and it's all the greater when the weather is a bit foul.

Keep your toes warm,
/s

Gojohnnygo.

Sweeeeet Snow Cat rims. I need a pair of them.

bostontrevor

No, Large Marge. They're bigger than the Snow Cat.

marmot

Wow, winter cycle commuters. May I ask a few questions?
I ride strictly for fun, and always in fair weather, but I see you guys out in the snow and frankly, you scare me. Aren't you one tiny mistake away from falling and sliding under a car? Aren't you worried about the lack of daylight before and after work? You do know, don't you, that the drivers aren't expecting to see you looming out of a snowstorm? You can dress for the weather, you can ride as carefully as you can, but nothing can protect you from a motorist who doesn't see you or a vehicle that slides out of control. We make our own choices and live (or die) by them. I wish you luck, but I have a hard time comprehending yours. Maybe it's not as dangerous as it looks? I hope so.