[Peaches]

I live in ohio and this will be my first time riding in the winter. I was just wondering why people think other people who love to ride in the winter is down right crazy? Why should I even care what they think? I would like to commute this winter, but all of my coworkers will see me riding my bike when I leave work. What should I do?

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[MichaelW]

Just do it

[L J Horton]

I can't add anything to what MichaelW said.

Just prepare yourself and your bike for the task. Winter biking is fun.

[bac]

Originally posted by Peaches
I live in ohio and this will be my first time riding in the winter. I was just wondering why people think other people who love to ride in the winter is down right crazy? Why should I even care what they think? I would like to commute this winter, but all of my coworkers will see me riding my bike when I leave work. What should I do?

Hey, people think I'm crazy when I ride the road in the summer! Anywho, as stated so concisely and eloquently above - just do it! :D

[ngateguy]

Originally posted by Peaches
I was just wondering why people think other people who love to ride in the winter is down right crazy?\

Hmm you ever thought that it is because, well maybe just that we are

:fun: :fun: :fun: :fun:

[Steele-Bike]

There are plenty of people who participate in winter sports, but cycling is not considered a proper "winter" activity. As a year around commuter, I have become quite immune to the odd looks and statements of insanity from co-workers. My opinion...Would one think twice about cross-country skiing? Then why not cycling?

[Chris L]

Originally posted by bac
Hey, people think I'm crazy when I ride the road in the summer!

Yeah, me too. More so than in the winter! Heck, who cares what people think, it's their problem isn't it?

[Michel Gagnon]

What's wrong with cycling in winter? I don't care about what others think... only I know what they miss: cycling. In fact, I find the worst time for cycling is during the fall, when we often get one or two weeks of cold rainy days. Snow is less wet and has a lesser cooling effet; besides, most Winter days are sunny.

Now, here are some tips:

- You don't need to cycle all Winter. The bus, a neighbour, your car, or even a taxi is a suitable alternative for days that you feel too cold, too wet, too snowy, too windy, etc.

- As you build up your skills, you'll know what works best for you and equip yourself to be warm -- but not too warm -- and comfortable.

- Check http://www.icebike.org

For many years, I have cycled during "good" winter days (mostly recreational), but I didn't cycle to work in Winter. My first Winter commuting (2 years ago), I simply decided to continue what I had been doing throughout Summer. I took it one day at a time... and realised by April that I missed 2 days of cycling, when the temperature was at -25 or -30 C.

[danr]

I agree, who cares! They're mostly poking fun. I found that winter riding can be the most fun. What I really like about it is you can wear your regular clothes to work, with a light shell (with or without insulation, depending on temp) over your clothes, without worrying about overheating.;)

The only thing I worry about are the people driving around with frosted windows. They can't see me as well. That is why I try to stick to roads with shoulders. I don't stick to them exclusively, but I like to try to stack the odds in my favor. I was hit by a car once. Not fun. But at least I got a new bike out of it.;)

People are going to think whatever they wish, and you can't help it much. Just remember, you only live once (unless you believe in reincarnation).

[bpherson]

I know the feeling....weird looks....but I agree with every one else.....go for it...this is my first winter riding.....and it's not even winter yet......and I'm getting looks from many cars.....and all I can think of is......Whew....at least I can get rid of my days stress on the peddles and road......and not other drivers....what a calming feeling!! That quiet time all to myself........enjoy the winter!!!

[knobbymojo]

Theyll think youre crazy for riding a bike anyway, so why not go for it?

[chewa]

Originally posted by bpherson
I know the feeling....weird looks....but I agree with every one else.....go for it...this is my first winter riding.....and it's not even winter yet......and I'm getting looks from many cars.....and all I can think of is......Whew....at least I can get rid of my days stress on the peddles and road......and not other drivers....what a calming feeling!! That quiet time all to myself........enjoy the winter!!!

i couldn't express it any better!

[Michel Gagnon]

The most calming and exhiliarating effect:
- when there is a snowstorm, and just 5-10 cm on the ground, but traffic moves at crawl speed. I have to cycle twice slower than usual because the street is narrow and slippery... yet, I ride 3-4 times as fast as the cars.

Two Winters ago, in a snowstorm, I was walking back home and noticed that:
- bicyclists were the fastest, at maybe 10-12 km/h ;
- pedestrians followed at 4 km/h ;
- cars were last at 2-3 km/h.

[bikingchef]

I'm a chef for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police here in Canada.
I bike to work 12 months of the years - snow,rain,heat - its all an adventure! Like any bunch of policemen/women they raise an eyebrow at non-conformists. They thought I was strange at first . But now they keep tabs on my progress - questions like - do you have your studded tires on yet? - or how do you stay warm on a day like this?
Start biking to work and keep at it. People will get used to it and find it to be an interesting part of who you are. Underneath they might even be a bit envious that you have the guts to live your life as you please . I once saw a bike with a sticker on it that said "One less car" - that is another reason for choosing to bike. Good luck Ron

[detrieux]

Peaches,

I live in SE Ohio and I know that Ohioians are not the most tolerant people in the world. So if they are not that tolerant, why should I tolerate their inability to accept my riding a bike. As it was said before, who cares.

[greywolf]

just do it. your doing it for yourself , not for them.theyle get fat & pastie thro the winter while you will glow with your own wellbeing. just dont fall of the bloody bike or they,l say "i told you so" :beer: