Two things I miss about winter commuting.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 2010 Kona Dr. Dew, Moose Bicycle XXL (fat bike), Yuba Mundo V3
I miss...um....yeah, I got nothing.
Mind you, "winter commuting" only ended for me a week ago, and things are still on the cold and wet side.
Mind you, "winter commuting" only ended for me a week ago, and things are still on the cold and wet side.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
1. Riding in total darkness. I enjoy the sense of solitude - lets me come into the day in a better way.
2. Riding when it is snowing. I love it. Not when the streets are rutted with wet glop, mind you. My favorite winter riding conditions are when it is warmer (hovering around freezing), the streets are wet from the first flakes, and the snow is coming down hard.
I don't miss the extra time and hassle of getting everything together and getting dressed for various conditions.
2. Riding when it is snowing. I love it. Not when the streets are rutted with wet glop, mind you. My favorite winter riding conditions are when it is warmer (hovering around freezing), the streets are wet from the first flakes, and the snow is coming down hard.
I don't miss the extra time and hassle of getting everything together and getting dressed for various conditions.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
#7
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
I miss how easy it was getting a seat on the train during the winter. There were only a few bicycle using the limited seat that are sideway. Now with the nicer weather, the train are much more crowed with more bicycle.
Another thing I notice is that driver are more agressive now with the spring weather. They seem to be giving less space when passing. Not sure if it is related to the fact that the street has more cyclist, but it just seem that driver treat us different between the rainy winter season and sunny spring/summer.
Another thing I notice is that driver are more agressive now with the spring weather. They seem to be giving less space when passing. Not sure if it is related to the fact that the street has more cyclist, but it just seem that driver treat us different between the rainy winter season and sunny spring/summer.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
I miss the dark and snow when it provides some solitude. I also miss the entertaining comments, " You mean you rode a bike all winter?" Even though mine is the only one in the bike rack all year long since the winter of '07-'08.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
It's basically still winter here, but I will miss feeling morally and physically superior to those of weaker stock. 
I feel like I'm in a secret club. Everyone else is complaining about the cold, and I'm just extremely happy that it's 40 out instead of 20

I feel like I'm in a secret club. Everyone else is complaining about the cold, and I'm just extremely happy that it's 40 out instead of 20
#15
Vain, But Lacking Talent
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 81
From: Denton, TX
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.9 DA 9000, Trek Crockett Pink Frosting w/105 5700
Well, being in Texas, I will miss not being hot. We rarely get snow/ice so it's pretty much year round riding. The only day I took the motorcycle over the bicycle (I have heated gear for the motoscoot) is because the windchill was 7 degrees. And I would have done that if I felt like I had the clothes for it.
SO now it already feels hot when it's only like 85-90. It's gonna be rough once we get those regular 100 degree days and nights where it's still 90 degrees at 10 p.m.
SO now it already feels hot when it's only like 85-90. It's gonna be rough once we get those regular 100 degree days and nights where it's still 90 degrees at 10 p.m.
#17
That's pretty funny. As an early-morning commuter, I'm still wearing my winter jacket and paraphernalia for rides around 30° and yet in the afternoon, when it's in the 50s people tell me I must be enjoying the nice weather.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 2
From: Philadelpia, PA
Bikes: Fuji touring, old Fuji mountain bike, Currie Peak
I miss the balaclava keeping the wind noise out of my ears.
I miss having the following conversation over and over with people who ski:
"Isn't it too cold to be on a bike?"
"Don't you ski?"
"Yeah, but that's different."
"So, you're saying that it's too cold to be doing an activity that keeps you exercising the entire time that you're outside, but it's not too cold to stand still in line for 45 minutes, so that you can sit in a chair hanging in the air for 20 minutes, all so you can get 10 minutes of exercise."
"Well, uh..."
I miss having my Clydesdale-sized lycra-covered butt covered up with longer pants.
I miss having the following conversation over and over with people who ski:
"Isn't it too cold to be on a bike?"
"Don't you ski?"
"Yeah, but that's different."
"So, you're saying that it's too cold to be doing an activity that keeps you exercising the entire time that you're outside, but it's not too cold to stand still in line for 45 minutes, so that you can sit in a chair hanging in the air for 20 minutes, all so you can get 10 minutes of exercise."
"Well, uh..."
I miss having my Clydesdale-sized lycra-covered butt covered up with longer pants.
#20
Is Right
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Boston
1. Riding in total darkness. I enjoy the sense of solitude - lets me come into the day in a better way.
2. Riding when it is snowing. I love it. Not when the streets are rutted with wet glop, mind you. My favorite winter riding conditions are when it is warmer (hovering around freezing), the streets are wet from the first flakes, and the snow is coming down hard. I don't miss the extra time and hassle of getting everything together and getting dressed for various conditions.
2. Riding when it is snowing. I love it. Not when the streets are rutted with wet glop, mind you. My favorite winter riding conditions are when it is warmer (hovering around freezing), the streets are wet from the first flakes, and the snow is coming down hard. I don't miss the extra time and hassle of getting everything together and getting dressed for various conditions.
Amen! Riding in the winter can be sublime. Once you get into a routine, being dressed for the weather comes naturally and doesn't take any time at all (wool). Same with navigating the snow- riding in a storm in the dark is great when you have good studded tires and a decent light.
Things I DON'T miss about winter... road salt.
#21
#22
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
I miss the sound of studded tires. I miss the people who think I'm crazy when I arrive at work with a coating of ice or snow on my jacket.
That's about it. I'm ready for the warmer temperatures. 70F today!
That's about it. I'm ready for the warmer temperatures. 70F today!
#23
The adversity of it all is half the fun
Last edited by powitte; 04-04-11 at 08:38 PM.
#24
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
I miss empty trails. Now they're full of fair weather cyclists, dog walkers, moms pushing baby strollers the size of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier and senior citizen group walkers.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 158
From: Santa Fe, NM
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
I miss the balaclava keeping the wind noise out of my ears.
I miss having the following conversation over and over with people who ski:
"Isn't it too cold to be on a bike?"
"Don't you ski?"
"Yeah, but that's different."
"So, you're saying that it's too cold to be doing an activity that keeps you exercising the entire time that you're outside, but it's not too cold to stand still in line for 45 minutes, so that you can sit in a chair hanging in the air for 20 minutes, all so you can get 10 minutes of exercise."
"Well, uh..."
I miss having my Clydesdale-sized lycra-covered butt covered up with longer pants.
I miss having the following conversation over and over with people who ski:
"Isn't it too cold to be on a bike?"
"Don't you ski?"
"Yeah, but that's different."
"So, you're saying that it's too cold to be doing an activity that keeps you exercising the entire time that you're outside, but it's not too cold to stand still in line for 45 minutes, so that you can sit in a chair hanging in the air for 20 minutes, all so you can get 10 minutes of exercise."
"Well, uh..."
I miss having my Clydesdale-sized lycra-covered butt covered up with longer pants.
The skier comeback is nice, too.






