Introductions - Hello from Fairbanks, Alaska

I finally decided to join the forums after years of lurking. This is my third winter riding a Mongoose DH 1.5.
Seems to be holding up ok. I might get a low geared fixie for the really low temperatures.

My God, man! What's winter cycling like up there? Give us a longer post with some DETAILS! I'm from Tennessee, so I'm fascinated by you fellers in AK and Canada! Welcome!

I live in a wood heated cabin without running water located about 5 miles north of
Fairbanks. I commute by bike 16 to 22 miles each day regardless the conditions
(which haven't been too bad lately). I probably bike more in winter than summer,
since my car is not legally drivable from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31 (seasonal tags), and
that snow covers the ground most of the year.

Biking conditions are generally the worst just after a major snowfall followed by
very low temps. (although my -40 degree performance has inproved lately ).
My favorite surface to ride on is recently plowed hardpack snow that provides
very little rolling resistance. I manage to keep mostly warm despite the cheap
clothing and bunny boots I often wear. Up here there is a lot of darkness in
midwinter, so I have 2 battery powered headlights and blinking tailight on my
bike. Fairbanks typically has clean dry winters, making winter biking relatively
pleasant.

I must be a real wimp, because to me two things that just don't seem to fit are "-40 degrees" and "realatvely pleasant"
I passed through Fairbanks a couple of years ago in the summer and thought it was a little chilly then.
On the other hand I was in Florida this past November and some of the people I rode with were bundled up in layers to go riding one morning when it was 63. It's amazing how the body adapts.

funny... for 63 degrees, I just wear a t shirt and capri length pants!

-40 degrees doesn't sound very pleasant... I usually avoid riding if it gets below freezing. I learned my lesson when I slid on some ice (why does portland have to be so wet?!)

<3

-40 degrees doesn't sound very pleasant...


You learn to adapt. I've missed Northern winters ever since I moved away. Long, silent, crispy sub-zero nights. Auroras. Beautiful forests and fields full of pillowy snow. Making big snow-mountains while shovelling the driveway. Snowshoeing through the winter stillness. Frost on the inside of your windows and doors. *sigh* I never tried bicycling in it much, though.

You learn to adapt. I've missed Northern winters ever since I moved away. Long, silent, crispy sub-zero nights. Auroras. Beautiful forests and fields full of pillowy snow. Making big snow-mountains while shovelling the driveway. Snowshoeing through the winter stillness. Frost on the inside of your windows and doors. *sigh* I never tried bicycling in it much, though.
Pardon me if I don't feel sorry for you, Mr. Hilo, Hawaii!

Pardon me if I don't feel sorry for you, Mr. Hilo, Hawaii!

Hey man, trust me, I'd rather be snowshoeing than just about anything else. Seasons are in my blood - I miss them dearly. :( My ex is talking about moving to Anchorage and I am getting ultra-jealous.

We had some nice auroras monday night.

In about 11 weeks, it won't get dark enough to see them.