Tom - This is from the same snowfall except this hasn't been packed down and there is a little drift build up (it's my back yard)... the road you saw the other day had probably been plowed at least once during the night and before the road carnage began and then it just kept snowing for the rest of the day and into the night.

I love the fixed gear as it offers some excellent control, especially when touching the front brake will result in an instant skid... the FG never hinders me when I am riding unless I decide to tackle some monster climbs.

Our city is built up around an old river with steep banks... there are 17 bridges that cross it and if one wants they can avoid any extreme climbs while dipping in and out of the valley will get you grades ranging from 8 to 22 % depending on where you enter and exit and most exceed 12%.