Can I join you folks for a day?

[Ed Holland]

Now I know what you folks mean by winter biking!

We don't often get snow here in Oxford - in fact yesterday was the worst I have seen in the (almost) 7 years since I moved here.

By 5:30 last night there was a good covering of snow and a pretty healthy blizzard underway. It certainly paid off to borrow my wife's folding MTB-style machine, as I would have been in real trouble on the road bike & 23mmm slick tires. Once I got the hang of it, the ride was a blast with the bike steadily "trucking" along through the snow and slush.
Motorists were not doing so well, and I was able to pass lines and lines of them :D . The conditions were cold enough that slush thrown up at the bike froze on contact into the chainrings and cassette - this forced the chain to jump in certain gears and was worrying for a while, but I was able to keep a couple of gears clear.

This morning I had to negotiate the frozen ruts left behind by other cyclists on the bike path yesterday. This proved to be the hairiest part of the whole experience, but I got through OK despite a few sideways moments.

I have never ridden in conditions like this before, and it was amazing. Even more astounding is that some of you deal with this all winter. Hats off to you :beer: .

Cheers,

Ed

[patrice]

I'm glad you managed to get on your bike. I had to walk because there was no way on earth I was gonna attempt the rush hour cycle with slicks on!. I almost stacked it about 5 times on the ice anyways but at least my feet weren't clipped onto pedals so managed to keep myself upright. It wouldnt have been so bad apart from the fact that rather than snow it was more compact ice. Not good. Fair play to you loons who cycle in these conditions all year round. But then again you probabally got yourselfs some fat tyres.

[franklen]

Yeah, I heard about the snow from a sister-in-laws family who lives in Lincolnshire (I believe is the name of the town). They have been there for 2-3 years and are due to return to the states this year, but the whole family got an email earlier this week about the snow event. Go on and get out in it, you'll always have a story to tell in your parts. Here it's the same old tale to tell if your in the northern states. Its the end of january and my batteries are running low from the cold and pounding through the snow and slush. I'll make it through to spring, but its wearing me down. Riding knobbies but would like to get some studs when funds allow, then maybe I won't have anything to complain about, eh?

[naisme]

In the words of Monty Burns "Eaagggsalent"
Always happy to hear of a convert to winter riding. Now when the temps dip below zero F, that's when the real fun begins.
Keep at it, enjoy it while it lasts, come summer you'll be wishing for the temps and snow to return.

[Gojohnnygo.]

Good for your you Ed Holland. I'm glad you had a chance to ride in the snow and enjoyed it. :)
An may you have many more snowy rides.