Originally Posted by
Dudelsack
Flip it and slam it. Do it now.
Ooops, sorry. Just pulled up pictures of the bike. Looks like a fun bike, but no way you can flip that bad boy.
As far as the weather is concerned, I bet that bike has the thingies on it that allow you to install fenders. If you dress warmly (learned by trial and error, or hanging around the Winter cycling forum) you can get out in most any weather short of an ice storm. People go out in ice storms, too, but that requires a different mindset, a lot of experience, and a latent deathwish.
The cold doesn't worry me as much as the wet. I figure I can dress warm enough. May need a do-rag under my helmet to cover the bald head.
I'd suggest that you ride it around the block and leave it at that until nicer weather comes. You'll be surprised/depressed how many of your muscles and soft tissues initially protest your decision to take up cycling.
I am blessed at having a little used hike/bike trail less than two blocks from the house, and I can reach it through a back way without going on any major streets. It isn't long, about 1/2 mile, but I figure it is a good place to start. I can also ride a few blocks on residential streets, crossing one four lane (not busy except rush hours), and reach another little used hike/bike trail of about a mile circular. So I have some close spots to practice my unused biking skills....if I have any left after fifty+ years off bikes. Since much of our weather will be in the 60f area for much of winter, I consider that excellent riding weather. Come summer, when we may get 30+ consecutive days over 100f it may take a lot of encouragement to get me on a bike.