My first ever snow commute

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm so proud of myself I could just burst! I've always been such a weenie about being outside in the cold. I love the new snow tires. I love looking like a "dork" to quote my 16-year-olds. I love the look on my bosses wife when I rode in on my bike today (she's my age, but twice my age, if you know what I mean). I got new goggles from 6pm.com. Between them, my balaclava, my hat and helmet, you can't see my face at all. The wind chill was -10 so I was prepared. I didn't fall, but I did have to walk my bike through some of the worst of the icy ruts where the snow had been packed down.

Deb

[Tri Girl]

Woo hoo!!! Glad your first attempt at a snow commute was successful!!!!!!
Did she have on a face of disgust (I CAN'T believe you rode your bike) or amazement (I can't BELIEVE you rode your bike)? Either way, I'm sure it was priceless! Congrats on braving the cold you stud-ette.

[blackhillsbiker]

Did she have on a face of disgust (I CAN'T believe you rode your bike) or amazement (I can't BELIEVE you rode your bike)?

The look was somewhere in between. Yes, it was priceless! I'm sorry you're laid up, Tri Girl. I hope you feel better soon. I've been lurking on your blog and enjoying your adventures.

I love this forum. Where else would I find encouragement for biking in extreme weather! My friends all think I'm nuts. I'm just addicted to my bike and the way I feel when I ride.

Deb

[twin]

Sounds like fun and congratulations for braving the cold!!!!!

[Zen]

i would like to see your tires.
How far do you have to ride?

[PamNY]

Congratulations! I wish you had a video. I hope you continue to enjoy winter commuting.

Pam

[blackhillsbiker]

Here's the tire. Nokian A10. There are more aggressive ones available but these work well for me. I ride 4 miles to work, and about 5 miles home. The extra mile is my favorite route except in the mornings when it is crowded with kids trying to get to the high school. On the way to work I stay on the path pretty much the entire way. It's not a bad little commute. It takes about 20 minutes in the mornings, counting all the crossing stops.

Deb

[lph]

Nothing like a cold winter commute to make you feel on top of things! Congratulations!

[Biciclista]

we want to see you in your full battle regalia!! PHOTOS!

and i'm proud of you too.

[out_spokin']

Way to go! I was just saying to my partner the other day while posting to the commuter challenge how fun it is to have this group to brag to about things other people just think are weird!

[Ritamarie]

Deb,

That is SO cool. You girls are such an inspiration.

[malkin]

South Dakota!

I'm quaking with awe.
And face it, with cold even down here in balmy Salt Lake.

[surgtech1956]

Congratulations Blackhillsbiker. What are you commuting on?

[owlice]

w00t!!! Way to go!!

Here I am trying to stop being a wuss about riding in 30- and 40-degree weather even when it's fair (and I'm trying to stop being a wuss about riding in bad weather, and riding in the dark, too -- I have a lot to work on!), and there you are riding through snow with a wind chill of -10!!!! You are an inspiration!!!! You go, girl!!

[Crankin]

There's nothing wrong with not wanting ride in -10 temperatures. Personally, I don't like riding below 40. I've ridden in the 30's, but really, it's not fun for me. I have the gear, so when the mood strikes me, I'll take my hybrid out in the winter if it's a sunny day and the roads are OK.
Ice, snow, and tires just don't mix for me because I would be spending the whole time worrying that I was going to crash. Besides, I like having a season for x country skiing and snow shoeing.
But, I don't think anyone is weird for commuting through the winter.