Nelmarti217

In Miami, during the summer months it is just too hot to ride. The sun will bake you. So here it's all the contrary. I wait until winter to really ride almost everyday if not raining. There have been days in the low 50's and 40's which are too cold for us to ride. We are acclimatized for those 90F weather in summer. I spent 3 cold years in Anchorage, Alaska during military service. When I left Alaska after the 1964 earthquake I came to Florida and have never left.

KraneXL

Yep, on average Florida...south Florida, typically has the warmest winters in the nations -- and that include Hawaii. But its not all good. There's still that darn humidly. Which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your disposition.

Metieval

FL winters are still better than a typical summer day in the Muggy midwest!! Maybe It is the breeze? the lack of contrails spreading from horizon to horizon.

some of my most enjoyable Miles ever ridden, 'the redlands' Jan/Feb

KraneXL

Prevailing easterlies and picture perfect winter weather. But that all ends some spring. Florida is certainly no stranger to those dog days.

Marci

So glad I live in coastal Oregon, Rarely do we get snow or ice. If its not raining its usually fine to ride. And as for night riding, you just need more lights... Like LOTS more lights. I am sure most motorists slow down thinking what is THAT? LOL I have 2 sets of battery christmas lights (2.99) for the sides and some flashing party lights for and aft. Since it won't let me post ULR's yet, on Amazon its

Brightz CruzinBrightz Blinking Tri-Colored LED Bicycle Accessory Light

Been thinking I need more for wheels....
Its really something when our whole group gets together and rides with lights. We usually try to ride 2 times a week, all through the year. Its my favorite thing.

consa

awesome!!

togamac

At age 46 I started commuting 15 miles each way to my job in the spring. As fall approached and the mornings got colder I started adding clothing and keeping a log of the items that kept me warm. I added lights and reflective strips to the rear of my legs. I made nylon shells for my hands and feet. I continued riding all winter when the roads were clear of snow and ice. The coldest temperature was 10 degrees and I decided that it was my lower limit. Funny thing, my face never got cold, it was the fingers and toes that were cold at the end of my 45 minute commute. When the roads were salty and slushy I added sheet metal screws to my mountain bike tires and headed for the frozen lakes.

Now at age 78, I still refer to my clothing data to ensure no cold ears, fingers or toes on my ride. I've learned that 32 degrees is my favorite all-time riding temperature. The cool air filling my lungs is like a super charger on a car. Don't knock riding in the winter if you really haven't tried it. You too may love it

MikeyMK

The biggest seasonal issue here starts in the autumn.

I love our redway system (shared pedestrian/cycleway). No other town has anywhere near the extensive MUPs this was built with from the start. No roads. And So much greenery - bushes, trees etc. It's epic.

But there's a problem. Leaves. They're never cleared, they accumulate in rotten, mushy piles and patches, usually on corners, and mature over the winter - black ice actually makes them more grippy...

rumrunn6

& leaves can hide mud!

KraneXL

An unfortunate consequence of the MUPs legislation: Few municipality consider the budget to maintain it. It gets built then completely forgotten. I know of some MUPs that haven't been touched in over 30 years.

In addition to leaves, the growth from tree roots make them virtually unusable (unless you're on a suspension mountain bike). Otherwise, the humps and broken asphalt makes it feels like being on a bucking bronco. When it comes to maintenance, they tend to be completely overlooked.

togamac

Start a trend. Take your rake with you and clear the leaves away!

Rogerogeroge

KraneXL

Beat you to it. Volunteers clean up parks and beaches and trails, paths and walkways all the time. I've moved debris, tree limbs, car part, glass, nails, etc. off of paths and roadways many times. Trouble is that's a full-time job.

MikeyMK

For me that's no problem, i'd rather ride over broken bricks than on a road, and i've built/modified my bikes specifically for the 150 miles of MUPs we have in this town. But for those with the road bike itch to scratch, i understand it's not for them. Thankfully i haven't conditioned that itch for myself, preferring instead to embrace urban x-trail life!

stephr1

I grew up in So. Cal not far from you (Anaheim/Buena Park) and now live in the SF Bay area (for the past 30+ years). You are a wimp

There are only 2 seasons in So. Cal: warm and warmer-to-hotter. It's considered near desert down there. Maybe it's a bit cooler closer to the beach. If I were still down there I'd rather be riding in Fall thru Spring since Summer usually brings the marine layer on shore (same as it does up here).

Not as bad up here as farther north, but we can get low 30s in the morning when I like to ride (just as the sun comes up). At least we don't get snow!!


Cheers....

**** Ride safe, ride smart, stay frosty....

stephr1

Been to Australia...amazing country and the people are really nice (if a bit brusque at times...but still friendly If you do get to Australia, make sure you allow time for New Zealand, especially if you like the outdoors. Reminded me of a warmer Oregon. Fell in love with the country and almost emigrated there. Wasn't riding at the time but saw some amazing roads and open countryside to explore on bike in both countries. Did some camping on Tasmania and almost collided with a Wallabee. Did backpacking in New Zealand and, OMG!

wolfchild

The actual pavement and gravel on our MUPs is well maintained and there is regular tree cutting and trimming.....During winter there is no snow plowing and the trails can be very rough due to frozen ruts. No problem for somebody who has an adventurous spirit and a bike which can fit larger studded tires. I use a mountain bike with rigid fork and tires run at lower pressure, you don't even need suspension...Why do you think people go mountain biking over roots, rocks and boulders ??...it's because obstacles can be fun, add some excitement and improve your riding skills.

daviddavieboy

Sounds like I would get along famously there Two kids in university and one about to head there mean no time or funds for that trip. I need to cycle commute just to afford my cycling hobby. It is on my 'bucket' list for sure though.

Hypno Toad

^^^ this

In the Twin Cities, the trail systems range from plowed before the roads to never plowed all winter. My old commuting route would use the trail system on snowy days - the route went through 3 or 4 different cities with different priorities on plowing. I was always entertaining to go from clean plowed to not been touched trails. Before moving to a home office, I got a fatbike and the snowy commutes became the best! Now I just jump on my bike after lunch for a spin where ever I want to go. I'm looking forward to getting back onto the snow with my Pugsley!

Le Mechanic

Honestly, I enjoy riding in the winter. It's always a little rough the first 15 minutes of being out in it, but as long as you're dressed right, it's a great feeling after that. Now, when it's February/March, I'm definitely ready for spring! Now is a great time to get acclimated to cooler temperatures if you're looking to ride through the winter. I made a video a couple of weeks ago with some of the tips I've learned through the years if anyone's interested...

fietsbob

Join Mr Froome in Monaco for the winter?