True Confessions

[Geonz]

I would also recommend getting studded tires - but even if you don't, here's what I would do, which is what most folks' parents did to teach their kiddos to drive in the snow.

Go out to a parking lot and gradually test your courage where the cars aren't there. If you need to, get knee and elbow pads. (I bought 'em but actulaly never put 'em on.) Teach through experience that water does not pick you up and bodily hurl you to the ground.

I have to laugh at myself sometimes because I'll *have* to go through a spot that's got a layer of snow or ice... and I'll get used to it and plug right along. Then things will clear up... and when I see the next spot, NO!! I'm out there avoiding it like the plague... so I steel myself...

Falls can be life-changing... but fear of falling can cause a fall or an accident, too. (That's why I got the Nokian Hakkelpiittas... gotta go check that spelling again... ) I luv my studs. I had second thoughts after I dumped that hundred bucks on 'em during the one single solitary heavy snow we had last year. Snork. This year... I am *so* glad I have them. (Welp, I also sold my car between then and now, so it's the bike or the bus and the bike is cheaper and more fun.)

(Mountain biking? SNORK! I *once* did the easiest not even a mtb trail, just off road a little bit. My freak threshold is just too low... more power to you who try!!!! )