Winter doesn't stop most on these forums, including myself. Don't dismiss it so easily. You would be suprised to see how easy and comfortable it really is. IN addition, it is always so much quiter in the winter, sometime it seems like you are the only person in the world.

agree. winter riding can be quite satisfying. each ride is more of an event. and if you're in the right mindset, experimenting with clothing combinations and equipment is fun. when you pull off a successful ride in winter conditions it feels great. a hot shower afterward is like the promised land - feels like liquid gold.

I got a couple of comments this past Sunday while riding. We stopped at one point to make an adjustment on a friend's bike. A lady was running past and commented that if we were running instead of riding we wouldn't have to worry about mechanical breakdowns. One of the riders responded to her that we could fix the bike; we couldn't fix worn out knees.

Later on a driver pulled up next to me and asked if we weren't afraid to ride on the road. He said he would be terrified to do that. We ran into the driver later at a convenience store where he proceeded to tell us that it was illegal for us to be on the highway. Just so happened that we were able to cite chapter and verse of Florida Statutes that give us the right to be on the road.

He quickly changed to subject by asking Betsy, "Hey don't I know you?" To which she responded, "Yeah, you used that same line on me last month at Shindigs." The Good Ol' Boy nearly swallowed his Skoal.

So in Florida you can ride on the Highway? Sometimes I think that would be easier than riding on the surface roads, at least there is a shoulder, though I suppose the vehicles passing at 80+mph would create a lot of "pull" towards the lane.

Alys

some drivers who have been on the highway for a while will focus on an object and naturally streer toward it. it's common for a driver to crash into another vechicle which is parked on the shoulder, even though they have lots of room. this is why i would never ride on a major stretch of highway. that's my first concern. the second concern is what you mentioned about "pull". and the third concern is debris being kicked up by cars\trucks. ever get hit by a rock that's going 90+ mph?

I may ride a few days in the winter if they are nice, but there are days when I will be at work and find anywhere from snow flakes to near-whiteout blizzard conditions on my way home. to me, it is not worth the risk. There are tons of people that bike to work here (about 1000 employees), but I have never seen one ride in the winter. The weather is just too unpredictable.

Highways yes, not on the Interstate.

What in the hell can a person say about cycling, a ride, a distance, or anything without fear of "alienating," "turning off someone to cycling," or similar ROT? Sheesh, say what you want, let your enthusiasm be contagious. When Trek or Shimano give me a couple of dozen K a year for a PR job, then I'll freakin' worry about the PR implications of every little thing I say.

A year ago, I was calling my riding friends almost every night to tell them about my rides. 10 miles, 15 miles, 18 miles, etc. I was so excited that I had to tell somebody about my great accomplishments. I'm sure they rolled their eyes with every call. 7000 miles later, I still get excited about rides and get a kick out of the response from non riders. Ride on and enjoy their dismay at your achievements. JB

I can impres people by riding 6 miles to work - and now that I've found the 12 mile route - wow!

People are easily impressed.

The nice thing is that i can now get home from work - after the 12 mile route- and I want another reason to go for a bike ride. It is great to be getting fitter.