Winter convert

[rousseau]

What the heck, I figured. I'll go out for a little jaunt on the hybrid tonight. I don't think I've ever ridden in below-zero temps before, not even as a kid, so I figured I might as well give it a try. The air was -6 degrees (21F) with an exacerbating wind chill, and we've got a nice dusting of snow on the ground.

And damn if I didn't have fun! Cautious fun, of course, with no skidding or crazy stuff, but still. I'd had no idea. I thought I'd be indoors until March, but now I'm realizing that there's something to this winter thing. All I need to get now are some seriously wind-resistant gloves, some better socks, and something that lightly covers the face. Oh, and next time I think I'd better wear my helmet.

Behold, a convert!

[CrosseyedCrickt]

welcome to the club
winter riding is as fun as.... as fun as.... riding a bike in the winter! ;)

I can't figure out why people spend $500.00+ on an indoor trainer when a winter beater bike could be had for $100.00

[rousseau]

Well, I do have the recently-purchased Tacx trainer downstairs with my road bike set up on it. Cost me $350. Got a TV with cable sitting in front of it and everything. Once I get the issue with my "trainer wheel (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=249340)" straightened out, I fully intend to put it to good use.

But this winter riding is a revelation. Though I'm not sure if I'll brave it if the snow gets too deep. We get over 80 inches of snow over the whole winter here (about an hour east of Lake Huron). You get much snow in Detroit?

[CrosseyedCrickt]

not as much as I'd like
I spend alot of time in the UP though, in Paradise Michigan, close to Sault St. Marie, and we get LOTS of snow there

in the Metro area it isn't the fact that we get alot, but that it never melts and is a nasty grey color from all the crap around here

[rousseau]

I just put fenders on my winter beater. Should have done that a long time ago! I'm still a committed road cyclist, but I've gained a new affection for my second bike, a cheap Fuji hybrid that I bought a year ago and that got me back into cycling.

I'm looking forward to lots of outdoor riding this winter!

[vtjim]

:) Yep, welcome to the club.

13F (-10C) here this morning. 27/-3 here now. Riding home in about 10 minutes. :D It was snowing earlier, too.