The things I don't particularly look forward to are the extra time it takes to get ready, the mechanical toll the winter season takes on my bikes, and the road conditions when it gets really sketchy right after a big snow dump and it hasn't been cleared well enough yet by the plows but there are plenty of tire ruts through the white stuff. In those conditions I usually ride in the tire tracks, but sooner or later I run into someone that is pissed because I am out on my bike in the snow. The snow plows are usually patient enough, but some of the commuters can't stand the extra few seconds it takes to pass safely. I believe some of them also fear moving over to pass me for fear of losing control of their vehicle.

While late spring and early autumn are my favorite times for cycling, each season has its pluses and minuses. In winter the pluses are no bugs, no thunderstorms, fewer pedestrians on MUPs, more space in the bike racks, and the serenity of riding along quiet, dark roads. Plus, there are rarely moments during the year more beautiful than riding in a light snowfall on a lighted street.

That said, winter happens no matter what, and you can choose to ride through it, or take a few months off. I love cycling so much that I'd rather ride, no matter the weather.

I start each fall a bit grumpy and sad because the chilly, wet, shorter days initially uncomfortable. But pretty soon I'm putting on an extra layer and a wind breaker and the weather is less of a bother.

Then there is the darkness. My lights are better for others to notice my bike at night but not good at all at lighting the road. I'm ordering a new light later this week.

My other weather challenge is getting a set of studded tires. The LBS has tried talking me out of riding with studded tires, saying that the roads are cleared and salted. But only the main roads are cleared first. The side streets I ride on are plowed and salted days later, or in the case of the street I live on, not at all. Then in between the snow falls, it'll rain, then freeze, and the world turns into a rough skating rink.

Regardless of the different challenges, it's still much better riding my bike during the dark, cold, rainy, snowy weather than standing at the bus stop waiting for a bus that is 30 minutes late.

Went from fall to spring last time, and skipped winter almost entirely. So looking forward to the cool weather, ice and snow. Mainly because it keeps the fair weather riders and peds off the MUPs.

No rain since June and I've got a shiny new rain bike that hasn't been wet yet. I'm definitely looking forward to it. I imagine I'll enjoy the rain until about the first week in December. Then it will be six months of tolerating it.

More cons than pros:

Don't like the time it takes to layer all of my clothes.
Mechanical mishaps are more dangerous in cold weather.
Rain in anything less than 40ish really sucks.
You really have to watch the weather to be aware of any icy spots on the road.

Pros:
it's a change of season, getting away from the sweltering heat of summer.
forces me to take some days off of riding at all, since I don't bike commute when it's snowing heavily, or ice on the roads (mileage for the year so far is 5,200... need to build in some recovery days, at least for me)

For me, I'd like fall/spring weather nearly all year, with a touch of summer for a month or two. An even shorter 'touch' of winter, maybe for a couple weeks, tops. Then I'll be ready for warmer weather again.

I'm not sure - this will be my first winter in California. And with just 3 miles one way, I suspect that I am going to be either too warmly dressed at the end (too many layers is just impractical in a 3 mile commute) or not warmly dressed at the start. Anyone here know how the Bay Area is in winter? I'm in Foster City, if that helps.

Looking at the average temps for Foster City in the winter, just get something for your ears, some light gloves, a fleece pullover and a rain shell. Maybe wear pants if you feel like it. I bust out the wicking leggings around 40-ish, and put pants over them(Usually just jeans) at about 30. Other than that, I just wear shorts if it's not wet and nasty. My commute last winter was 3 miles, this year it's 5.

I also can't recommend some sort of glasses enough. I use clear safety glasses for night rides and some regular sunglasses for the day. The cold wind can sting your eyes pretty badly. Also helps against slush and sleet.

I really like snow but seeing the damage it did to my bike the last time I'm not too keen on it should I get the chance to commute into work.

Apart from that I love the cooler days and the fact that biting horseflies have retreated into their burrows.

And also gorgeous sunsets in the evening and the bright frosty days.

But just wish that the days would stay long like summer.

I ride on canal towpaths all the time in summer when possible and avoid long stretches of very busy roads but early morning and evening they're pitch black and lost to me.

Also a stretch of path I use to cycle to the Airport to watch aircraft is a no no in winter as well making the trip twice as long and much harder.

Good for training tho I suppose:)

I try not to dread things I don't have any control over. Maybe this winter, my studded tires will actually do something apart from make noise and slow me down. :thumb:

I prefer summers, no doubt. When I lived in Az, I commuted year round (20 miles each way) almost every day.

Here in Everett, it's been a spectacular summer, and I admit I'm spoiled. I'm getting a larger bag around the beginning of Oct, to accommodate my additional layers/bulkier gear. Probably by the end of the year, I'll get a fairing, and possibly a full aero sock (I commute on a recumbent). I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to cold (see above...Az blood. ;)) I will keep riding though, as long as there isn't much chance of actual ice or snow on the roads. When it gets bad enough that I'll start needing 4 wheels more than a couple times a week (hopefully not more than a few times this winter), I'll take up swimming at the gym to keep my cardio up.

I'm looking forward to it...Which is odd for me, since I absolutely despise the cold. Even on the NC coast, we get bitterly cold mornings.

But I have a shiny new long-sleeved thermal jersey and pair of Specialized RBX thermal bibs bought on sale (50%!) at the local bicycle shop of choice (bicycle-gallery.com if you're ever in the Jacksonville area) that's making me want to enjoy the cold a bit more.

Also, I have a new-found want to return to bicycle commuting nearly full-time.

I'm begging for a long fall. I can survive temps around freezing, headwinds and riding in pitch black (all of which I'm dealing with this month as I'm still commuting by bike) easily but when the ice hits the pavement it will be indoor training for me until spring.

I love the cooler weather.but by that I mean above 35'f
any rain below 50'f or snow and I get in my truck
I am a "semi" fair weather rider :D

I was completely surprised that I was disappointed in last year's winter that wasn't. Flabbergasted comes closer.

Turns out, I like the way the landscape changes daily here in a typical winter. Every morning looking out the window, "Feh. Still brown." got boring. Who knew?

So oddly, I find myself looking forward to it a bit this year. Not excited, certainly not thrilled, but hoping for a more typical winter.

In fact, winter commuting has invaded my dreams lately. Now that's frightening.

Unfortunately, all I ever get to see from a bike in the winter is the view from my window on the trainer. I'm not likely to ride when it's cold, although when I bought my first carbon fiber bike 7 years ago I rode every chance I got after I picked it up in February. I wasn't so enthusiastic the next winter, and I'm even less so now.

Winter is taking it's sweet time showing up around here this year and that is just fine with me.

This year.... I'm looking very forward to it.


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Ill like it more when my road bike is sold and I can buy a cyclocross bike with studded tires. I have the Pugsley for the powder, but we get more ice than anything else here

I dread winter. It's just not possible for me to commute by bike for 30 miles every day in the winter. The winters are just too tough in Upstate New York for that kind of mileage. Very cold and lots of snow, and not many hours of daylight. I live in a very rural area, so snow plowing of the roads is more of an optional kind of thing than a rule. I also develop asthma symptoms when I breathe too hard in the cold air, so my cycling season tends to come to a grinding halt when the temps drop below 45 degrees.

*grabby hands*

This will be my third winter commuting.

Now that I have all the cold weather gear I need, I find replacing some as it wears out.

I look forward to it. Well, mostly, I'm looking forward to commuting in the fall and spring weather. But the winters of North Carolina don't cause me any more grief on my bike than they would in a car.

Looking forward to. Not as many people on the pathways, and an excuse to buy more winter-related gadgets for the winter bike!

I find I'm actually warmer if I ride my bike to work: it's the standing and waiting for a bus or train that really sets in the chill.

Reading about winter in other places always makes me appreciate the PNW.

let me know what you think of those thermal bib tights that you bought.

i so want to ride one of those... they look like great fun especially in snow.

Does that have a PTO at the back to run harvester and baler attachments?

Last winter was unusually warm, which is unlikely to repeat itself this year. I have a few pieces of new clothing that I never did get a chance to try last year due to the lack of properly artic temperatures.

I can deal with the winter and it can be a bit of fun, but I don't look forward to it. I can get all my commutes in, but I end up doing very little recreational riding.

For me, I'm not looking forward to it but I'm not going to let it get me down either. Snow in SW Wisconsin not much of a problem. It snows, the plows and salt trucks come through, and bam! The roads and streets are clean. Maybe lose a day of commuting when it snows. Gives me a chance to see if my car will start.

I do have a lower limit for the cold though. If its going to be much below 10F I'm probably going to drive. I have a 12 mile commute which takes me about 45-50 mins and that is about my limit in the cold. I have all the winter gear that you can imagine, full smart wool base layer head to toe, multiple sets of gloves, and other head wear, decent riding pants, lots of mid layers, a great vented outer shell, and a killer pair of winter shoes (shimano MW81's for anyone interested). I find that with the correct gear, I can enjoy myself. I tried it without the proper gear and its no fun at all!

I'm going to keep an eye on the temps this winter in New York, where they expect a severe one. Or, at least that's what the oil company commercials say!

I'd like to commute straight through, but with ice on the roads and young drivers skidding everywhere, I dunno if it's a good idea.