I was pretty excited. For the most part I dislike winter, but I love that first snowfall. It takes me back to being a kid and all I want to do is play in it and eat it. The best part is that I'm off on Wednesdays, so I had the chance to do just that!
Then I put the snow tires on my trusty old commuter. As I was preparing the bike my wife came back and wanted me to drive her to work. As soon as I got done doing that I went straight out for a ride. Enjoy some winter ride pictures.
http://thebiggestnameinmilwaukeeradio.bravehost.com/BrokenNews.htmlThanks for the article. Me, I love winter riding. I'll post a review of the studded tires from Finland once they arrive.
Hipcycler
12-05-07, 11:42 AM
Thanks for the article. Me, I love winter riding. I'll post a review of the studded tires from Finland once they arrive.
Just curious...what do love about it?
Oh, and DX, the pictures ARE very nice by the way.
De Fietser
12-05-07, 11:59 AM
Just curious...what do love about it?
Oh, and DX, the pictures ARE very nice by the way.Just being out when nobody else is. Not having to sit in total boredom on the trainer for countless hours. The strange looks I get from motorists. Increased bike handling skills. The harsh winter landscape right in your face...
Best of all: Not paying $10 per day to park my car in downtown Madison (maybe not a big deal for you media moguls, but to us non-profits....) :D
Hipcycler
12-05-07, 12:19 PM
Just being out when nobody else is. Not having to sit in total boredom on the trainer for countless hours. The strange looks I get from motorists. Increased bike handling skills. The harsh winter landscape right in your face...
Best of all: Not paying $10 per day to park my car in downtown Madison (maybe not a big deal for you media moguls, but to us non-profits....) :D
No, I hear ya...that's cool.
Deep down, I admire you guys. I know part of it is just the sheer challenge of it all. I used to be that way when I was a runner in college....ran in some crap weather and got some looks from people for sure.
Now, with my hip replacement, all that is long over.
One wrong move...a bad slip...a fall the wrong way on the ice and I'm in the ER getting surgery...off work for six weeks and in rehab for four months. No thanks.
Keep ridin' if you can and if you enjoy it I say!
De Fietser
12-05-07, 12:40 PM
No, I hear ya...that's cool.
Now, with my hip replacement, all that is long over.
One wrong move...a bad slip...a fall the wrong way on the ice and I'm in the ER getting surgery...off work for six weeks and in rehab for four months. No thanks.
Can't say that I blame you. I'd opt out in winter too under your circumstances. Although 6 weeks away from Green - is that a good or bad thing? :D
Hipcycler
12-05-07, 01:34 PM
Can't say that I blame you. I'd opt out in winter too under your circumstances. Although 6 weeks away from Green - is that a good or bad thing? :D
Oh you're bad....in a really good kind of way.:p I think you know the answer to your own question too!;)
aaa
12-05-07, 02:15 PM
Very cool pics! Looks like you enjoyed a nice bimble. What kind of fenders do you have? And, what's the setup for your rear bag? I like it and want to look into that kind of setup.
Here are some snaps I took during my first commute in snow (I moved to ChiTown from SoCal).
I'm riding a San Jose, too! Though I'm using the stock tires. :(
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/2088513247_bc03556484.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alforque/)
Riding through winter on a fixed gear, I love it! Old school all the way!!!
Hipcycler
12-06-07, 07:01 AM
...just got back from a visit to my LBS, where the lead wrench had his bike there from the ride to work in the stuff. You should see this thing....big, fat STUDDED tires. He was ordering a tool that you have to use to actually replace the studs...says they wear out before the tire of course. He rides in it all. Hard core!
Mariner Fan
12-06-07, 11:33 AM
We got a bit of snow yesterday. Of course, it was a chore to get to work with all the wrecks. Some people never learn.
Very cool pics! Looks like you enjoyed a nice bimble. What kind of fenders do you have? And, what's the setup for your rear bag? I like it and want to look into that kind of setup.
Those are Planet Bike fenders. I'm not sure of the exact model. I bought the bike used and they were already installed.
The bag is a Nashbar Deluxe Rack Trunk (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600066&subcategory=60001005&brand=&sku=6801&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Rack%20Trunk%20Bags). It's a great bag. It's the perfect size for tubes/tools/etc., a change of clothes, and lunch. I don't carry much stuff, but I had ordered one of these (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600066&subcategory=60001005&brand=&sku=5091&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Rack%20Trunk%20Bags) and it was way too small.
The rack itself is a TransIt Seatpost Rack (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19329&subcategory_ID=2325). I've had it for a long time and it's held up pretty well. I originally bought it for a bike that didn't have rack eyelets. Since the San Jose has eyelets I'd probably get a regular rack if I had to buy another one right now. The TransIt has a 20 pound limit, which is fine for everyday commuting, but you never know when you'll want to carry a larger load.
The San Jose is a great, versatile bike. You have good taste. ;)
...equipment stuff...Very cool, thanks! This should give me enough items to get that 10% discount at Nashbar.
I actually bought the San Jose for the sole purpose of riding in the winter (fatter tires and the like). The rest of the time I'm on a Fremont. I'm not adverse to gears -- I just can't afford a decent one just yet. Thus far, these bikes have been great for commuting and grocery store runs. I'm happy to see someone else out there on a single speed braving the winter!
Mariner Fan
12-07-07, 08:20 AM
We got round two last night! http://www.venturerider.org/forum/images/smilies/snow2.gif