Winter Cycling: Are YOU badass?

slvoid

Be honest...

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rattking

I fell badass when i step in the bar with icicles growing off my eye lashes

Crown Royal

Alright! Rattking is in the house. Thanks for all the Beam on that Saturday Night ride that rode to the party at One on One. I'm definitely a badass when I ride in the winter. I love the looks I get from people still on their way home from work in their cars. I just wish they weren't so focused on trying to run me over.

bostontrevor

I get laughs from the kids I work with, amused grins from one security person, a comment about how I'm the only serious commuter left from another (which isn't quite true, by the way), and disapproving head shakes from the coworkers. I guess that makes me a lunatic which is pretty close to badass, right?

gilby

Yeah, lunatic is probably the best word for it. My coworkers, roommates, and friends all think I'm nuts. As for my family, my parents tease my brother for being a wuss because HE thinks I'm nuts for riding in the winter.

SamHouston

I don't give a damn how cold it gets, I'll ride anyway.

Besides, any excuse for gear is an acceptable one in my book!

Gojohnnygo.

Yea I'm badass :D When I pull up to an atm machine at the bank wearing full gear, a balaclava, goggles and helmet.
I have no idea of why everybody gets so nervous. :D

HereNT

Hardcore is the comment that I get the most.

Guest

I commute in the winter, and I have to. I don't have a car! So I'd be number one and two for the options you can pick?

Koffee

mirona

Hardcore is the comment that I get the most.

Same here. Actually, it's more like, "Dude, that's hardcore." :)

HereNT

I commute in the winter, and I have to. I don't have a car! So I'd be number one and two for the options you can pick?

Koffee

You could take a bus or buy a car....

SamHouston

Or jog! thats a hell of a work out too, as much as riding in the snow is.

Guest

You could take a bus or buy a car....

It's actually going to take me longer to get around if I take a bus, between getting to the bus station and waiting for it to come, and doing at least one transfer. And for that, I would have to pay $1.75? It's totally not worth it. Biking is easier, faster, and a lot more healthy. So biking is the way to go for me.

Koffee

iceratt

I commute in the winter, and I have to. I don't have a car!
When the roads were clear two weeks ago, I gave my children the option of riding a bike or push scooter, to a friend's house. There are always options!

P.S. Why do my kids hate me?

recursive

Same here. Actually, it's more like, "Dude, that's hardcore." :)

I think I got this exact quote today at a stop sign.

baxtefer

3 people at work told me that I was insane.

for riding to work in 5 cm of snow? weirdos.
Well, i do live in vancouver, so 5 cm of snow is almost like the coming of the apocalypse.

Juha

Riding in winter isn't that unusual around here, but I do get my share of "you're crazy" or "you're a freak" -comments. But they are said with a friendly and/or respectful tone (I think :D).

I ride because it is my primary means of transportation.

--J

I finally read the question (after replying to it, yay me!) and noticed the operative word "commute". I don't commute in winter, but I do my grocery shopping etc. by bike.

jharte

I love riding/commuting/touring in the winter. The only thing I get nervous about is the traffic. My commute to work is 14mi. I notice it doesn't get as cold here as it does where some of you live! We got down to 10 F this week. That's cold for the Midwest. Normally 20s and 30sF in the winter. Not too bad. Nice and brisk. Makes for a good ride.

SaskCyclist

I ride for all the regular reasons; not because I have to. However, it is kind of cool that most people think I must be just a little on edge....I like that.

tulip

yep, count me in.

timmhaan

i feel stupid when i head out and i'm freezing for the first few miles, then once i warm up i feel okay. i only feel like a bad ass when i'm asked where i was for the last couple of hours.

vtjim

Yep. Badass.

I could drive a WRX, but I can't be bothered. Though I'm getting worried about the amount of snow on the trail I ride.

This morning I almost snowballed my chainring.

HereNT

It's actually going to take me longer to get around if I take a bus, between getting to the bus station and waiting for it to come, and doing at least one transfer. And for that, I would have to pay $1.75? It's totally not worth it. Biking is easier, faster, and a lot more healthy. So biking is the way to go for me.

Koffee

It takes me 20 min to get to work on bike, an hour or so by bus (though that might have changed now that I don't work third shift). There's a half hour layover in there. A half hour standing outside? Hah!

So I totally know where you're coming from. I was just saying you could do something different to get around. Some people actually live in cities where there isn't any public transit at all...

Gojohnnygo.

Yep. Badass.

I could drive a WRX, but I can't be bothered. Though I'm getting worried about the amount of snow on the trail I ride.

This morning I almost snowballed my chainring.

You should have seen my chain at 3:00am today! It was jumping madly all over the rear cassette. I was saying shift you MF or I'm going to toss you in the ditch

bostontrevor

So I had my performance review today. My boss (who I walk past every day in my knickers carrying my helmet, by the way so I'm not sure how she could have missed it) asked me if I was still riding. We talked at length about how I pick different routes and bikes based on the weather, yadda, yadda, yadda.

The whole thing kind of floored her which isn't out of the ordinary except for the fact that this woman has completed like 20 Boston Marathons and just this holiday season climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and she thinks I'm badass? Wacky.

CaseyLS

I started riding to work this past week. The first three times I did it, it was less than 15 degrees. Of course most of my co-workers think I am crazy but I don't get too cold as long as I keep moving. I even had to pick up a rear fender because of all the slush on the ground.

serpico317

Yes i feel like a badass up until i take a header on black ice.

HereNT

Yes i feel like a badass up until i take a header on black ice.

As long as you get back on the bike and ride, that should make you feel like more of a badass...

Portis

I don't commute because my commute isn't long enough. (3 miles) I do ride every day. Just rode a very tough 19 miles. The gravel county roads have had most of the snow melt and ice is left covering a very rough, marbly dangerous surface. Even with the studs i had some near mishaps today.

One of which was a dam dog that decided to try and wreck me. He couldn't decide whether he wanted to wreck me or bite me. I was glad to watch him slip and fall as he changed direction to chase me. Meanwile his Redneck owner stood there in the cow lot with the cows holding a pitchfork. He never said a word to the dumb dog. He just let him chase me. I imagine he got his jollies.

Either way, with that the dangerously slick roads, near 0 visibility, and freezing rain I would have to say i am either a badass or a dumbass. I think most think the latter. Oh well, i had a good time anyway. Especially since it was warm out. Clear up to 26 F which felt like Summer compared to some of the crap we have been getting.

NOTE TO ANYONE THAT RIDES ON ICE:

Studs on smooth ice are awesome.

Studs on rough, bumpy ice- watch yourself!!!

vtjim

NOTE TO ANYONE THAT RIDES ON ICE:
Studs on smooth ice are awesome.
Studs on rough, bumpy ice- watch yourself!!!

Noted. :)

Might have to deflate the tires for my evening commute. It's raining, and 32 degrees. :eek:

Portis

Noted. :)

Might have to deflate the tires for my evening commute. It's raining, and 32 degrees. :eek:

I'm only running 20 lbs in mine.

sbouge

Yes, started Dec 1st after coming back from vacation. Gotten down to 15 once you get going it isn't to bad.

pinerider

Sure, take yesterday for example, I was a little late leaving home, decided to ride the touring bike because temperature is supposed to go up to +7 in the afternoon (It didn't, stayed at +2 all day) so I quickly replaced my spare back wheel with the good one before I left. (Just had an axle replaced by the LBS). Temp is +1 C, pouring rain, I get to my first red light about 1 km from home, downshift and my rear derailleur snaps off!. I push the bike home, do I jump in my truck and drive??? No, I jump on the winter MTB commuter and get to work about 45 minutes later than normal!!

giorgios

I ride in the winter to satisfy my addiction! The last three years I would ride inside on my Cycleops trainer. This year I invested in Gortex outer Jersey, thermal layers, Pearl Izumi AmFib gloves , smart wool socks, balcalava, a thin wool hat to go over the balaclava, and under my helmet...When it is very, very cold under 10 F I limit my ride to 8 to 10 miles, my toes get a little bit cold but the rest of me is good. The first thing I do when I get inside is I boil water to make hot choclate as I am peeling off and puttin away my layers! I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!! :)

gcasillo

It's been 60-65 here since shortly after Christmas, so no problem being badass except for the rain. However, it looks like the cold is setting in again for a while (25-30). At least it's going to be bone dry, no snow or ice, so good riding is still to be had.

Good idea with the hot chocolate. :)

HigherGround

Yea I'm badass :D When I pull up to an atm machine at the bank wearing full gear, a balaclava, goggles and helmet.
I have no idea of why everybody gets so nervous. :D

I once rode up to a drive-thru ATM while a security guard was reloading it. It suddenly occured to me that I was wearing a face mask, and I had a Zefal HPX frame pump strapped under my top tube. I quickly made a point of telling the guard that I was unarmed!!!

My favorite hardcore story was when I was in college and I went out on a day when the wind chill was zero. I missed a turn (it was a new route), and ended up doing 50 miles that day. I had to stop at a convenience store and cook my water bottles in their microwave for a minute to thaw them out. Ah, to be young and stupid again... as opposed to middle-aged and stupid like I currently am. :)

HereNT

I was sad. We made it above zero today... 1F...

gcasillo

Nothing makes me prouder than returning home with a slushy water bottle.

Gojohnnygo.

I once rode up to a drive-thru ATM while a security guard was reloading it. It suddenly occured to me that I was wearing a face mask, and I had a Zefal HPX frame pump strapped under my top tube. I quickly made a point of telling the guard that I was unarmed :)

He might have freaked out and shot me :eek: . I carry Guard Alaska bear spray on my shoulder strap of the back pack.

2manybikes

I ride in the winter to satisfy my addiction! The last three years I would ride inside on my Cycleops trainer. This year I invested in Gortex outer Jersey, thermal layers, Pearl Izumi AmFib gloves , smart wool socks, balcalava, a thin wool hat to go over the balaclava, and under my helmet...When it is very, very cold under 10 F I limit my ride to 8 to 10 miles, my toes get a little bit cold but the rest of me is good. The first thing I do when I get inside is I boil water to make hot choclate as I am peeling off and puttin away my layers! I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!! :)

I'm with YOU ! :beer:

If you have room when you shoes are laced very loose, try the chemical toe warmers for 10f and below. They are great.

Ken Cox

Yesterday, my wife called me at work and asked me not to ride home, because of the ice storm.
I anguished over it.
She said, "Be a man; do the hard thing."
So I relented and rode home in a car with a fellow worker.
I feel so puny.

Anyway, tonight I rode home in even worse road conditions.
I had to back track on my regular route because of the ruts (next year, Nokkians).
I got on the Parkway (posted 45mph), which has a bike lane.
A car slowed down and the passenger rolled down his window and called me a "f_____g moron."
That kinda hurt my feelings.
Several of my co-workers call me Superman, so I guess it all averages out.

bostontrevor

Rough.

Funny thing is those same people would probably think it was cool if you were instead doing downhill in Moab, riding vert in the X-Games, or even doing the Iditabike. Who says you can't get your thrillseeker jollies on a commute?

chewa

I commute year round, though the winters in this part of Scotland don't bring much in the way of snow but can be icy.

If icy, I don't ride.

Main problem for me in winter is high winds as my commute takes me over the Forth Road Bridge

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/queensferry/forthroadbridge/

and they close it to "high sided and vulnerable " vehicles if the wind is too high.

I managed to persuade the bridge patrol to let me "walk " my bike over last week, but was riding after I was out of sight until I saw another patrol van. I got off the bike and was walking and finding it difficult. The bike was lifting, (wind hitting the panniers) and I was barely keeping my feet.

I have never been so scared. At one point I was going to hold on to the railing and wait to be rescued. I made it to the van, and the guy was taking wind speed readings. Average 60 mph , gusting to over 70 mph.

I explained it was harder to walk than ride and he said "I haven't seen you then"

I got back on the bike and was soon doing 35 mph (with the tailwind) for little effort!

Is that badass enough?

I think my wife thinks I'm a candidate for a Darwin award. :D

2manybikes

Rough.

Funny thing is those same people would probably think it was cool if you were instead doing downhill in Moab, riding vert in the X-Games, or even doing the Iditabike. Who says you can't get your thrillseeker jollies on a commute?

Very true, or the People who spend a lot of money to drive to Maine to go downhill skiing, and then pay for lift tickets. ! I start in my driveway, no need to use the car. No lift tickets. The bike was paid for ten years ago. cost almost $0

I watched the weather this morning. It was something like 5f tonight and 2f tomorrow night. If you commute tomorrow you are in the Xtreme-commute Games 2005.

2manybikes

I commute year round, though the winters in this part of Scotland don't bring much in the way of snow but can be icy.

If icy, I don't ride.

Main problem for me in winter is high winds as my commute takes me over the Forth Road Bridge

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/queensferry/forthroadbridge/

and they close it to "high sided and vulnerable " vehicles if the wind is too high.

I managed to persuade the bridge patrol to let me "walk " my bike over last week, but was riding after I was out of sight until I saw another patrol van. I got off the bike and was walking and finding it difficult. The bike was lifting, (wind hitting the panniers) and I was barely keeping my feet.

I have never been so scared. At one point I was going to hold on to the railing and wait to be rescued. I made it to the van, and the guy was taking wind speed readings. Average 60 mph , gusting to over 70 mph.

I explained it was harder to walk than ride and he said "I haven't seen you then"

I got back on the bike and was soon doing 35 mph (with the tailwind) for little effort!

Is that badass enough?

I think my wife thinks I'm a candidate for a Darwin award. :D

You have my vote for BADASS for sure. I have never experienced winds as high as you have but I do have an understanding of what you mean. I have had to stop behind a bridge support, and then when coming out from behind it the back of the bike was lifted off the ground and pushed sideways while I was straddling the top tube. No way was it as windy as what you went through, maybe 40-50 mph. It does not compare, but it gives me the ability to understand what it may have been like. I am riding in the road next to the cars.

I love the pictures of the bridge. The one in the fog is great. Here's pictures of my windy bridge.

chewa

Thankfully the FRB has a cyclepath separate from the road as in moderately strong winds you can be moved several feet sideways at a time, particularly when going past the supports.

PaulH

In my grandparents' day, driving an automobile in the winter was about as unusual as riding a bike in the winter is today. The usual course of action was to put the car on blocks and get around by sleigh. They were badass -- I even have the lap robe they used (cars had no heaters then).

Paul

nycm'er

i feel stupid when i head out and i'm freezing for the first few miles, then once i warm up i feel okay. i only feel like a bad ass when i'm asked where i was for the last couple of hours.

LOL.... What timh said! I am with you.

coldcog

Badass??...I guess....or maybe "icebutt" at -39 degress...
In my book...you're ALL badass' and THAT IS A GREAT THING!!!

Laggard

I'd like to ride in the winter but it's just such a pain in the ass. It's was -13 (without windchill) this morning. It would take me 25 minutes to dress for it. My bike is also stored outside and I can only imagine how frozen up it would be after sitting outside for the evening when it was -20.

There's also so much ice on the roads and sidewalks that I would surely be on the ground in a few minutes. Just getting my bike down the icy stairs would be dangerous.

It's just not worth it.