Does anyone else miss winter biking?

[PamNY]

Granted, this has mostly to do with urban biking. In winter the crowds are gone. But it's not just the crowding: in winter, the people who are out are so cool, for the most part.

Runners signal turns on the bike path; only the regular bike commuters and competent roadies are out. Everyone keeps an eye on each other.

It's so nice. Makes me wonder if there are good parts of winter biking in other/different type areas?

Pam

[redrhodie]

I do. Not only is it less crowded (here, it's tourists that leave) but I love the cold weather. I like my winter cycling clothes better, the knickers, wool jerseys, and knee high socks. I'm faster in winter, and I get less sweaty. And, from Nov to March, I rarely get passed by other cyclists.

The things I don't like as well-- my nose runs constantly when I ride in the cold, and I miss the late sunsets of summer. There's more student traffic, which isn't that different than tourist traffic. More layers means more laundry. Ice keeps me inside. Even with all that, I do prefer winter for riding.

[ame]

Absolutely. I love the crisp weather. The Sunshine Cyclists go into hiding. I am not constantly battling the heat, so I go faster. However...I have less daylight to ride in so my Manic Monday Diva ride is going to go away (which is my version of therapy).

That said - my favorite day to ride is Thanksgiving morning. I get the turkey in the roaster and the ham in the oven...then I ride throughout town with no one rushing anywhere smelling all the great smells on the frosty air. Plus, it's my birthday...so bonus!

[zoom-zoom]

<--- wishes she has a bike that could take studded tires

I LUST for a cyclocross bike. Even when the roads are clear we have a LOT of very rough chip-sealed roads and unpaved 2-tracks that would be nice with a 'cross bike. I run all Winter and ride on the trainer, but it sure would be nice to be able to run outdoors, too. I am pretty certain that my next bike will be capable of snow riding. Winter in MI is too long to not be able to ride outside.

[OakLeaf]

No.

Next question.

[Eden]

The rain.... the grit.... the darkness (at 4 freaking 30 in the afternoon....)

nope can't say I miss it much... (but I do it - all winter long, I commute and train)

I like riding at night in the summer though. Nice temperature, few people out - very peaceful (except the weird dog walker... he sounded like maybe a touretter? - kept yelling "boy-lights" at me....)

[Zen]

No.

Next question.

I must echo this sentiment.

Too much laundry in the winter! I don't have last winters laundry put away yet!

[tulip]

<--- wishes she has a bike that could take studded tires

I LUST for a cyclocross bike. Even when the roads are clear we have a LOT of very rough chip-sealed roads and unpaved 2-tracks that would be nice with a 'cross bike. I run all Winter and ride on the trainer, but it sure would be nice to be able to run outdoors, too. I am pretty certain that my next bike will be capable of snow riding. Winter in MI is too long to not be able to ride outside.

You live in Michigan and don't have a winter bike?? Get yerself an old beat up mountain bike and some studded tires already! You do not need a fancy cross bike--just a winter bike. I may even send you my studded tires (we'll have to discuss that in private).

---

I don't like the lack of daylight in winter. Nor do I like cold toes. I do like Fall, though, with the crisp air.

[zoom-zoom]

You live in Michigan and don't have a winter bike?? Get yerself an old beat up mountain bike and some studded tires already! You do not need a fancy cross bike--just a winter bike. I may even send you my studded tires (we'll have to discuss that in private).

Heh. I was eyeballing some used ones on eBay, but hubby put the kibosh on that, since we just bought a 'spensive tandem. That can take cross tires, too, but 90% of the time we can't both go ride and I gotta go solo, due to the rugrat.

[tulip]

Since you can't ride the tandem, sell it and get a winter bike. Or XC skis. That's what I would do if I lived in a snowy place. XC skis, a studded tire mountain bike, and snowshoes.

Okay, so maybe I'm a little nostalgic for winter. I've been collecting my winter supply of kindling for my wood stove, but I haven't gotten any firewood yet. Soon.

[zoom-zoom]

The XC skis are the likeliest option. I actually have skis, but outgrew the boots after pregnancy (they were already a hair small, but that really messed up my feet). They have rusted old 3-peg bindings, so those would need replacement, too. But the gals I ride with on Tues. nights XC ski on Friday nights all Winter, so that would be extra fun with that group of ladies.

[ny biker]

Cold air hurts my lungs when I ride. Besides I usually get pretty burnt out by the time cold weather arrives. So I switch to different activities in the winter, although I will go out for a weekend ride if temps go above 50F. Of course if it's that warm, there are swarms of clueless people out there with me...

[soprano]

It is currently 99 degrees out. Day before yesterday it was 105. Damn, do I want winter to hurry up and get here! It's the nice season in these parts.

Lately the bike racks have just been empty. It's too hot.

[shootingstar]

Hmmm... I only like winter cycling in our area ..when no rain and no black ice.

Cold rain while cycling is nothing to miss and feels worse than soft flurries on a mild winter day.

[NbyNW]

Cold air hurts my lungs when I ride.

Me too. That's why I bought a trainer when we were still getting snow in May.