Biked to the library in an ice storm!

[GuitarStv]

It was kinda fun once I figured out how to keep the front wheel from sliding out and dumping me off the bike . . .



None of the roads were salted, but the main ones were mostly clear due to traffic.  Dozens of fallen trees made sidewalks and many areas of the road tough to get by.

GuitarStv's ice biking tips (on non-studded tires):
- Don't use the front brake
- Don't lean the bike
- Don't turn the front wheel on glare ice, or in slush (only turn very slowly on bumpy ice)
- Lower your seat a bit so you can put a foot down quickly
- Use platform pedals so you can put a foot down quickly
- Deflate your tires a bit
- Don't worry about the rear of the bike fishtailing, that's controllable . . . keep a close eye on the front tire though
- Brake early.  If you forgot to brake early, bail early.

[avonlea]

WOW!

[PindyStache]

Awesome, looks like a lot of fun!

GuitarStv's ice biking tips (on non-studded tires):
- Don't use the front brake
- Don't lean the bike
- Don't turn the front wheel on glare ice, or in slush (only turn very slowly on bumpy ice)
- Lower your seat a bit so you can put a foot down quickly
- Use platform pedals so you can put a foot down quickly
- Deflate your tires a bit
- Don't worry about the rear of the bike fishtailing, that's controllable . . . keep a close eye on the front tire though
- Brake early.  If you forgot to brake early, bail early.

This is a good list, thanks for sharing. I especially appreciate the last line! My downfall (literally) is usually not accurately reading the road conditions a few yards ahead then ending up too fast on ice while needing to turn/brake/etc. All part of the fun!

[GuitarStv]

On the day before Christmas my commute gave to me:
12 Drivers Honking
11 Traffic Lights Failing
10 Fingers freezing
9 Jay walkers walking
8 Trucks a swerving
7 Trees a Falling
6 Detours taken
5 Angry yells
4 Icy Patches
3 Inches (snow) Falling
2 Hands a Freezing
and a cyclist on his way to work.

[Thegoblinchief]

Biked to work and back (~10 miles each way) in similar conditions. Ice sucks, but it's more manageable than deep snow. Granted, I do have studded (standard mountain bike) tires.

Worst winter ride this year was a 6" storm where my bike trailer hitch broke and I didn't have the spare bolt on me. Hauled it to my parents' house and biked home another 5 miles. Daayum was I tired that night :)

[lackofstache]

Beautiful tale of winter riding! Ice is not much fun if you're commuting very far, but if you're prepared & have the time, it can be quite enjoyable.