winter doldrums
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Central Pennsylvania
Bikes: litespeed blue ridge
winter doldrums
Went out yesterday and I gotta say that riding in this weather--in the 20s, ice all over the place, heavy Nokian snow tires--is just dragging me down. I'm hoping that the drop in average speed is the tires and conditions and not my old age (58)! Long, long winter this year, but I guess we're still not as bad off here in Central PA as some places...
#3
In the wind

Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 150
From: Calgary AB
Bikes: Giant TCR Advanced Team, Lemond Buenos Aires, Giant TCX, Miyata 1000LT
I hear you. Got home from an eye watering ride into a north wind yesterday, picked up the snowshovel to clear the snow drift that had formed on my back deck and something in my back went click.
I remember my grandfather said he could feel the weather in his bones. I hope this isn't what he meant.
I remember my grandfather said he could feel the weather in his bones. I hope this isn't what he meant.
#5
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
I hear you. Snow here is waist deep in the yard. But, it warmed into the lower 20s yesterday. It's right at freezing now, the warmest it's been in weeks.
They've finally caught up with the roads, so today's commute will be the first with road tires in at least six weeks. (Yesterday was the first day in the middle ring in many weeks as well.)
Also my Lake winter cycling boots will stay home today. Wearing my three-seasons shoes and booties today, and my three-seasons tights and jacket.
Should be a great commute--no doubt wet from snowmelt--but liberating nonetheless. I'll let you know.
They've finally caught up with the roads, so today's commute will be the first with road tires in at least six weeks. (Yesterday was the first day in the middle ring in many weeks as well.)
Also my Lake winter cycling boots will stay home today. Wearing my three-seasons shoes and booties today, and my three-seasons tights and jacket.
Should be a great commute--no doubt wet from snowmelt--but liberating nonetheless. I'll let you know.
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,645
Likes: 2,370
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
I can usually ride at least once every week of the year here in Colorado Springs, but we've had two exceptionally snowy winters back to back. When it does snow here, the sun will usually melt it off the streets by lunch the next day, even up to 4". But the last two winters have been more like the midwest with snow and ice hanging on for days and weeks. And the last few days we've had light snow daily, just to add insult to injury. I am going to so enjoy spring this year!
#8
This winter was mild until February. If I had known, I probably would have bought studded tires, but Little Rock usually just gets one snowfall and then it melts. Not this February. It's been several weeks of sleeting off and on. But I always convinced myself that that storm was the last and studded tires would be overkill. Now, it's tonight's storm that will be the last. fingers crossed.
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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 11,013
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
61 degrees/ cloudy and not overly 'breezy' here in Tucson, AZ.
Yup, we complain when it's cloudy for a day . . .
However back in the '70s lived/rode in Michigan when it was dry and 20 degrees.
Yup, we complain when it's cloudy for a day . . .
However back in the '70s lived/rode in Michigan when it was dry and 20 degrees.
#10
www.ocrebels.com
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 8
From: Los Angeles area
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
I thought it was plenty cold when I rode to work this morning, 42 Deg.F @ 5:15 AM in Los Angeles. But then I thought about what you cyclists up North and East are going through, I didn't even have to tell myself to HTFU.
When I rode home it was 73 Deg.F so much better! No winter doldrums here, thank you!
Rick / OCRR
When I rode home it was 73 Deg.F so much better! No winter doldrums here, thank you!
Rick / OCRR
#11
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
I awoke to a snappy -9F at 5am this morning. Cabin fever is raging. People are tired of cars not starting, pipes freezing, not to mention those brave souls working outdoors. The lakes freighter Arthur M Anderson just docked at Sturgeon Bay, Wi the other day after she had been iced in at several points on the Great Lakes.
A salute to our very local USCG cutters for bringing the men/women of the lakes in safely.
A salute to our very local USCG cutters for bringing the men/women of the lakes in safely.
Last edited by OldsCOOL; 03-05-15 at 04:48 AM.
#12
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Back on the studs today, and back into the deep winter gear.
But yesterday... Yesterday was wonderful.
But yesterday... Yesterday was wonderful.
#13
Long long ago lived in Minneapolis with beautiful winters, but I eventually "chickened out." Today would not be able to cope with all the snow and cold--although back then I enjoyed cross country skying--Northern California has had such a warm and short winter--can't complain of course except for those pesky pins in my fractured big toe which will be removed next week and then back on the bike to enjoy the weather! Spring is not too far!
Tsl: It must be an experience to ride on studded tires, I wonder if the bike accumulates ice around the brakes like mud and how many layers of clothing to stay warm? Must be like the Michelin man (Bibendum)
Tsl: It must be an experience to ride on studded tires, I wonder if the bike accumulates ice around the brakes like mud and how many layers of clothing to stay warm? Must be like the Michelin man (Bibendum)
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 11
From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
Can't complain. The weather has been pretty good in the Puget Sound area. It's been dry and sunny for several days... and the forecast says it's supposed to stay that way through the middle of next week. High temps in the low to mid 50's and approaching the mid 60's this weekend. Mornings have been cold... 21 degrees for yesterday morning's commute (I know that's nothing for many of you in the upper midwest and the northeast.)
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 448
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