winter cyclists - what is the hurdle?

[shootingstar]

Snow (which we don't get much of) and particularily black ice is a hurdle. In the winter, I tend to bike regularily on weekends when there's daylight..even though I do have bike lights. I like to see alot more ahead of me in advance where I'm going and if will hit an icy patch. However will do short distances during the wk. if it's dry.

I cycle in temp. down to approx. -5 to -10 degrees C. I cut down my distances to under 20 kms. per ride.

After all, we don't have a car and there are certain errands to be done by bike.

If I really spent more effort to wear/buy certain clothing to be alot warmer, it still wouldn't solve the problem of fear of snow/ice. Don't have studded tires. Probably will not get them.

Maybe you could partner up with a local outdoor apparel/sportswear store on the clothing side.
Offer a group lunch hr. short bike ride..so that people can try it together. A pre-Christmas ride might kick in the spirit with hot chocolate afterwards. (is hot chocolate typically Norwegian???) Would I join in such ride --sure!

I've been at a workplace where during Bike to Work Week, there was an organized group bike ride in a lovely local park nearby with a path. 8 people in the group. But this was in the late spring.

[buddha_bellies]

The only thing that will stop me from riding is snow and ice. It's amazing how drivers go bezerk here when there's a little bit of snow on the ground. We're not use to having snow and to top it off, our city's snow removal program is not the best. They will plow the main road but not the side road. And because our temperature is always just below freezing, we have the thrawing and re-freezing on the road, making it very dangerous to ride on, or drive on for that matter. The road would have a thin fresh layer of snow but it's packed with black ice underneath. I think I would rather snowshoe to work on those days.

But if your city doesn't have that problem and riding studded tires would help, I would definately try that.

And I find the most important is proper clothing. Warm gloves and headbands are a must for me. AND FENDERS!!! I can't say how much that has helped me staying dry. Who knew front fenders would do so much wonder!

[malkin]

The changing road surfaces scare me, but I'm terrified by the out of control motorists!

[Trek420]

We truly can ride year round here. Sure, it gets cold, rainy, hail (no snow) but Winter mornings can be ideal. It's going home in the dark, My route has some isolated bits.

I could ride to work then throw Bradley (my tank of a commuter bike) on the bus which goes direct from train to home.

[Onix]

Not knowing EXACTLy which winter gear (clothes mostly) I need/would most benefit from. (Yes, people have differing opinions on this...but, some gear set ups (like ones made for cycling!) are better than others).

Then, in the past when I bike to work (4 miles) (with some appropriate gear---good cycling wind breaking outershell, winter gloves that I have determined suck) etc..... I FREEZE. Or, parts of my freeze. (I end up with red hands that are FROZEN for far too long afterwards. (Keep in mind my circulation sucks, and my skin is super sensitive). But, I also end up with massive dry-peely face. This year, I'm thinking about biking with my winter ski goggles and neck warmer pulled up to them.... at least to avoid the face pain.

And, I plan on buying better gloves and more actual winter gear....((Which would be awesome to have someone giving a workshop on to get informatioN!!!) Props to you!

[Eden]

Onix - since your commute is short, reusable hand warmers might be just the trick for your cold fingers. There are these http://www.rei.com/product/608751 , but I think I've seen some that you can throw in the microwave. They tend to be a bit bulky compared to the disposable ones, but if you put them on top of your hands they shouldn't affect your dexterity too much. Also, wear a glove liner, then the warmer, then a glove for safety - no warmer directly on your skin - and maximum effectiveness.

I'm a year round commuter. We also have pretty mild winter weather around here, so I don't have much beside rain and dark to contend with. Only deep snow (when its up to my hubs I just can't go anywhere.... and when we do get snow it tends to be the sticky heavy stuff) and widespread ice will keep me off the streets. My very first commute to my current job was in a monsoon.... kept a lot of people who drove from even getting to work...

[Tri Girl]

lph- I think that's a great idea! I think if you had some of the best, most basic things to help winter commuters get going- it might entice some of them to get out and ride more.

The cold is the biggest issue for me (duh- it's winter). Toes and fingers get so cold that it's uncomfortable. I've tried many different gloves and socks and no luck. Maybe offer some really good toe and finger options for people.

Good on ya for getting this together!! Let us know what you do and how it turns out.

[Eden]

Toes - if you are really serious about riding all winter long and want to keep your clipless pedals invest in some winter riding shoes. I have pair of winter Sidis that I love. I wear them with liner socks and thick wool socks (I kind of have to.... they don't really come small enough for me..), and will add toe warmers when it is very cold.

Fingers - much harder, but smartwool glove liners with a nice thick windproof glove over the top, also adding hand warmers when it is really cold. I still have problems with achy, burning fingers sometimes, but this helps.

It also helps your extremities to keep your core nice and warm - you body won't be trying to steal all of that blood to keep your organs warm, so wear a base layer and windproof layer.

[NbyNW]

What a great thread!

My big hurdle last year was the cold. I was all set with lights and warm clothes, but then I got the flu over Thanksgiving, which in turn triggered some cold-induced asthma, which had not been an issue for me in many years. I was not able to get my lungs clear all winter.

Hoping I can acclimate myself to the cold air a bit better this year, but the temps have been dropping quickly here!

[surgtech1956]

I don't commute, because its a 37 mile round trip. I would like to ride as long as possible(here in Michigan). I think my biggest obstacle is going to be the colder temps. I think I have enough clothing, except for my hands and feet. Riding certain areas in the dark I'm not excited about - I will probably do an out and back route, rather than a dark bike trail.