Ohio Commuter
12-07-06, 02:48 PM
Well, this is my first winter commuting. Today was the first time I have ever experienced riding in the snow. My bike is an old Cannondale H400 with what I call 'hybrid' tires on it. It was snowing when I started out. The roads were mostly covered and conditions deteriorated quickly. I rode up and down hills that cars were either struggling with or couldn't get past at all. That was the good part. I also nearly went down once and went completely down another time. I was turning, not too fast, but at too much of an angle (I guess), and my back tire went out from under me and I went down. Didn't hurt anything. I got up, re-attached my bags, put my chain back on, and rode on. There is nothing like that first time going down in icy conditions. I felt like my back tire was slipping out from under me the rest of the way to work. It is a weird feeling!
Anyway, I don't want to give up my commute. My wife reminds me that I promised when winter came and it got slick out, I would not ride in those conditions. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it. It's just that my ride is, of course, with traffic. I take mostly back roads, but there is a stretch or two that is with 45mph traffic with very little shoulder. I agree with her, one wrong move from one of those cars or trucks and I'm a goner! I am trying to figure out a 'safe' route to take in bad weather, even if it is longer. Maybe travel some sidewalks? And I am going to put some Nokians on my 'alternate' bike (Cannondale H300) for slick conditions.
Anyone have any good advice, words of wisdom, or just plain encouragement for me. I need some reassurance that I am not just pushing the limit or trying to do too much! I also need a good excuse to give my wife!
Thanks!
Steve
Anyway, I don't want to give up my commute. My wife reminds me that I promised when winter came and it got slick out, I would not ride in those conditions. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it. It's just that my ride is, of course, with traffic. I take mostly back roads, but there is a stretch or two that is with 45mph traffic with very little shoulder. I agree with her, one wrong move from one of those cars or trucks and I'm a goner! I am trying to figure out a 'safe' route to take in bad weather, even if it is longer. Maybe travel some sidewalks? And I am going to put some Nokians on my 'alternate' bike (Cannondale H300) for slick conditions.
Anyone have any good advice, words of wisdom, or just plain encouragement for me. I need some reassurance that I am not just pushing the limit or trying to do too much! I also need a good excuse to give my wife!
Thanks!
Steve