I'm not lucky enough to be able to commute downtown everyday, but from what I remember last winter the path was pretty clear. No signifcant ruts that I can remember. The scariest section though would be near Oak St Beach right at the bend (where you'd be traveling). Water from the lake splashes up and freezes making that section an ice rink. Slow the hell down and hug the wall going around that corner. I've slid on it before and though I remained upright, I also finally stopped about 10ft from the lake. I think I'd rather ride down Clark after a snowfall, at least you know the streets would be plowed soon after a snowfall.