erig007

Cold miserable winter?
For me that's the opposite. I'm happy when winter comes and ...less happy when it is summer. All my winter gears are ready waiting... winter winter winter...

joeyduck

@Wilfred Laurier

I have seen an advert for a 29 backcountry ski approach bike. I cannot find the link right now.

Anywho. I think that two wide PVC tubes with caps on the bottom attached with zip ties (or come up with some hook bungee system) to take them on and off easy that you can slide your skis into would work well enough. Angle them back and tie the tips together.

I also have been looking forward to the xc season, but everywhere easily accessible here makes you pay. My wife grew up in the prairies and got me hooked; I have loved pulling my son in the pulkin but this year we will get him up on his own. If he can ride two wheels he can ski!

Wilfred Laurier

i learned by teaching
the young jackrabbits and in
ungroomed areas

joeyduck

My wife taught jack rabbits for a while and she was pretty good in her day. She is an excellent teacher, so my son should be good.

Dave Cutter

It was a cold, wet miserable winter and spring. And this past summer wasn't much better. It was an exceptionally wet and windy summer.

This is the time of year when I regularly recalculate my riding miles with my mileage goals and the calendar. Despite the weather... I am doing OK. If my goal wasn't challenging it wouldn't be a goal. It would only be a plan or a task. Goals take an assertive effort coupled with some risk of failure.

This year I purchased a trainer and found some trainer videos. If need be.... I'll pedal the needed miles in the garage or basement. But I'd MUCH rather be cycling outside in the warm sun.

Isaiahc72

I'm car-free and I survived last winter here in Arkansas. We didn't have it as rough as some places did. But it was still pretty rough. But for some odd reason, I'm ready for it.

Corben

I grew up in Billings and recall riding in winter was the normal thing to do for a kid back then. For some reason nobody used backpacks for school then. Probably because we had lockers. It took skill to hold a few text books in your hand while riding a ten speed bike in the snow. Uphill both ways of course. Two feet of snow everyday too. And we had polar votexs also. Everyone called it the Siberian Express back then though.
Now I live in California. Training wheels help during the earth quakes.

Corben

I haven't skied in decades but do remember the deep sea diving boots I had.

Motolegs

Yes, and the looks that go with it! (this guys' nuts!)

2manybikes

One of the signs of winter coming here is when you say that! You're a little early this year.

vol

No need to feel sorry. I can't wait for the cold weather to come. When it comes to cycling, I hate hot humid summer when I have to apply sticky sunscreen and all that. And the best thing about winter is, no thugs in sight. I am often the only one riding a bike on my commute, and with few vehicles, feeling like the owner of the road. But yes, no wind, please. I don't have a sail.

As soon as the weather got warmer, the sidewalks were full of pedestrians, and thugs abound.

Ditto

Machka 

Spring seems to come sooner in the Hobart area than it did in Victoria where we used to live. And actually, the whole winter was a lot more tolerable in the Hobart area than it was where we used to live in Victoria.

Murray Missile 

I'm good to go clothing wise but need some warmer footwear for the bike. Just finished a brand new "good" bike today, downgraded the former "good" bike to bad weather & errand status and started stripping down the old bad weather & errand bike to become my dedicated snow and ice bike. I'm putting my studded tires on it and the current snow and ice bike will get street tires in place of the studs and get put on CL. It will make somebody an awesome commuter or campus bike, I'd hang on to it but I'm running out of room.

RISKDR1

it was 105 today. I'm ready.

jdon

Yes, studded tires for the icy MTB trails at night is a lot of fun. I will also be travelling to Barbados a lot this winter for work and will take a bike. Not my favorite place to cycle but the temperature is very nice in the winter.

bluegoatwoods

Don't feel bad for us! Winter riding is far nicer than people might think.

Yes, some conditions become too extreme to ride. But that's more rare than you might imagine.

And it feels just great to be out on a cold, windy night, when everyone else is just miserable, and thinking, "Why...this feels pretty good...."

Cold? Never mind. Not a problem. A bicyclist is a very good calorie/BTU generator.

And once you've learned just what clothing works best, you're all set. Since you have to take care of your face, hands, feet, etc., it's a bit more complicated than it is for those who just hop in the car and drive. But it can be done without making a huge production out of it.

My only regret is that it took me 25-30 years or so to learn all of the tricks.

But count me in with the crowd who prefers winter riding over summer riding.

vol

One of my favorite types of weather for cycling is extremely bitter cold with calm wind. I look like a hero and get thumbs-up . I'm looking forward to the next Polar Vortex.

1nterceptor

We're lucky the New York City area doesn't get too much snow. I just take a day
or two off from riding after a snowstorm hits. I take advantage of the bus system.

New York City 14F/-10C by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

El Cid

Every time someone from southern Ontario complained about the cold last winter, a farmer in Manitoba rolled his eyes. If they weren't frozen solid.

elcruxio

Aaaw yeaah! had to go as far as sweden to buy me some new winter boots but now that I have them I doubt there can be a temp low enough to stop me. Although I may need a new beanie...

squegeeboo

If it's anything like last year in Rochester, it will prob. break me and I'll have to buy a car. Worst winter by far since I started bike commuting back in aught 6.

2manybikes

I can't wait for some ice on the bike path and in the woods. It's fun! The dog likes walking in the cold too. He has a lot more energy.

john4789

48deg tomorrow morning. its getting there. bring it on!

CanadianBiker32

ready, want lots of snow, so i can have fun on fat bike

howeeee

I live in Michigan, I ride all winter, dont feel sorry for me, I love riding in the winter. Any one can ride a bike in California, but the Michigan winters separate the boys from the men. I feel empowered and tough lol riding in the winter. I go to this Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, in season there are 30 bikes parked outside at any given time. Come the end of October there is my bike only lol. By the way I am 61 (-: and ride fixed.