frustrating ride

[landrover]

It's not that i didn't expect a few tricky parts along the trail, but my 20 mile ride yesterday along the lakefront was a tough one.

It was akin to shifting a car from 1st to third and then back to first...never having a chance to get untracked and open up...granted i still have my skinnys on my atb.

I ran into dry paths, slushy paths, iced over paths, heavy salted paths(thought my tires were gonna burst) and ankle deep un-treated snow paths along the route.
At one point, i had to put my bike over my shoulders and walked about 25-30 yards to another dry patch before i could continue.

Needless to say, it was stressful but i had to get back out and get into a rhythm,again.


It was a nice balmy 25 degrees with a 3mph wind--just a frustrating ride.
I shall not be deterred!! ;)

[bac]

I shall not be deterred!! ;)

I'm also finding out that some winter rides are simply fantastic and awe inspiring, and some just suck. Well, of course, I use the term "suck" in a relative way. A sucky day on the bike is better than most. :D

[Zin]

For some inspiration, check out the following thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=43375

ICE BIKING is more of an adventure than any other form of cycling. Its not just the trip. Its surviving the trip. Overcoming mother nature's torments.

I think it would help you to do as many of us who ride in such conditions. Mentally prepare for the journey. The more experience you get under your belt, the more you will appreciate the uniqueness of the experience of winter cycling. (ICE BIKING)

Oh yea, Change your tires out to something more appropriate for the surface conditions your riding in. There are several good threads covering winter tires here on the forums.

Of course, riding in winter conditions is not for everyone. Don't feel bad if you are not as enthusiastic about riding in such conditions as others are.

[temp1]

I always stayed away from that path in the winter as the lake puts a few inches of ice on it around Diversey, I stuck to the roads in Lincoln Park, Near North and the Loop.

[landrover]

Thanx for the input,

i was excited to finally get a chance to hit the lake after so many days of sub-freezing temps...I was tricked by the park district...:).

Temp1, i saw dry trail from the field museum to monroe harbor...so i assumed it would be that way all the way up the lake...wrong!

you're right montana..i should have appreciated just enduring the trip as opposed to trying to emulate a spring ride.
I felt better when i rode in 16 degree weather a couple weeks back...course, it was a dry track then..:)

[mtessmer]

I'm also finding out that some winter rides are simply fantastic and awe inspiring, and some just suck. Well, of course, I use the term "suck" in a relative way. A sucky day on the bike is better than most. :D


I've been commuting year around here in Minneapolis for over 22 years... I think this pretty much covers it.

[mike]

For some inspiration, check out the following thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=43375

ICE BIKING is more of an adventure than any other form of cycling. Its not just the trip. Its surviving the trip. Overcoming mother nature's torments.

I think it would help you to do as many of us who ride in such conditions. Mentally prepare for the journey. The more experience you get under your belt, the more you will appreciate the uniqueness of the experience of winter cycling. (ICE BIKING)

Oh yea, Change your tires out to something more appropriate for the surface conditions your riding in. There are several good threads covering winter tires here on the forums.

Of course, riding in winter conditions is not for everyone. Don't feel bad if you are not as enthusiastic about riding in such conditions as others are.

Agreed. Winter biking is not something you do for speed and fluidity. It takes on it's own challenges - challenges not found in warm seasons. You have ice and road condition obsticles that are only present in winter.

If it is speed you are looking for, icy winter is not the time to be looking for it.