General Cycling Discussion - laughing behind my facemask

I am beginning to suspect that one of my main reasons for getting out on the road in these horrid winter conditions is, aside from my "bike fix", getting to see all the hilarious expressions on the faces of the motorists I pass. It's priceless.
I must admit, though, seeing that Amish buggy sliding sideways behind that poor horse Sunday afternoon was rather unsettling and not too funny at all. Bet things weren't too fun for those living on the eastern seaboard, either.
I had to hang it up for two days after that--rather live to hit it another day than take stupid chances on ice and break my neck. Tuesday was ok, despite the fact that it took two spills to convince me to shoulder my bike for nearly a mile and hoof it to the better road.
I'd like my spring now, if that's ok.

:) New bike $2,500. New wheels $350. New saddle $45. The look from motorist as I pass them Priceless!!!

You guys are riding on the ROADS in slick and sloppy conditions!? I certainly don't let snow, ice or frigid temps hamper my TRAIL riding, but it ounds a bit dangerous for drivers and yourselves to be out on the roads in such conditions...I'd be petrified of a driver sliding into me...bumpety, bump - then up and over top of me. Not to mention the possibility of causing an accident on slick roads by being on those roads on a bike...

I'm not flaming...maybe I read too much into your posts. Set me straight!

Two words - studded tires. On studs a bike is very safe and controllable. Too bad I can't say the same for auto drivers on their "4 season", or worse, performance tires in the winter. :rolleyes:

I've only missed 2 days of bike commuting this winter, both of those were because I thought it was too cold (-33C), now I know better and wouldn't think twice of riding!

Originally posted by bikeCOLORADO
You guys are riding on the ROADS in slick and sloppy conditions!? I certainly don't let snow, ice or frigid temps hamper my TRAIL riding, but it ounds a bit dangerous for drivers and yourselves to be out on the roads in such conditions...I'd be petrified of a driver sliding into me...bumpety, bump - then up and over top of me. Not to mention the possibility of causing an accident on slick roads by being on those roads on a bike...

I'm not flaming...maybe I read too much into your posts. Set me straight! :) (I no what you're saying bikecolorado):)An yes you are not flaming. Ride hard!!!

I was riding in the winter in Michigan once when I hit an ice patch and the bike went out from under me. As I lay there moaning a guy came along with his little dog in a sweater. He had seen me go down from a ways off, I guess. As he and the dog passed he muttered, "Slippery ain't it? My dog keeps slippin' too." And sure enough, as they continued on, his poor little dog had four paws sliding out from under him in four different directions.

I had to laugh.

Here in rural America we still have these anomalies known as "gravel" roads. As long as a bit of the gravel and junk is still poking through the snow and ice you are in business.
I have plans to get my hands on a good road bike someday, but around here the road surfaces are not all that great and I really hate the notion of being limited to certain routes.