Consecutive bicycle work commute number 1551:

19°F and super windy this morning. The city didn't bother plowing anything but the major streets after Tuesday's 4" of snow, so all of the side streets are in rough shape with rutted ice and mashed potato snow. Oddly enough, the Parks Department plowed the MUP within hours after the snow stopped falling, so for the most part the trail is in pretty good shape. There are still lots of icy spots, but compared to the roads it's a much better option as long as it takes me somewhat in the direction I need to go.

I opted to take my mountain bike with studded tires versus the fat bike. The fat bike would have done much better in the mashed potato snow, but given the huge amount of ice on the pavement I decided I'd rather have the studs.

I had a dentist appointment this morning. I had gone to the same dentist for a few decades, but he retired. A different dentist bought his practice, so I continued to go there. He only lasted about two years when another dental company bought him out and moved their office. Today was the first time I rode to the new location. I had an 8 AM appointment and I discovered that the best route to get to the new office takes me right by a high school as the students and teachers were arriving for the day. Given the road conditions, that was kind of "exciting." Thankfully I made it through without any close calls. The dentist office parking lot was sheet ice and my front wheel slipped out from under me, but I managed to get my feet down before I hit the ground.

Yesterday afternoon a garbage truck hit some black ice and knocked over an electrical pole onto a house, which started the house on fire. The fire department arrived, and while they were parked on the street to fight the fire six cars hit the black ice and slammed into their truck. I rode by on the MUP about 50 yards away without any issue.