show me your winter bike!

[blackhillsbiker]

My Dew is the year-round commuter. Planet Bike fenders, Topeak disc-compatible rack. I love the disc brakes when it is icy or slushy. I use Nokian studded tires. I try to get her as clean as possible between rides. We've ridden down to 10-below or so. I only have trouble in deep snow, or on really rutted roads. My light is a L&M Stella 120. I have a different light on order. It hasn't arrived yet. Front & back blinky lights. Lots of reflective tape on the rack and fenders. I'm always a bit sorry when the winter is over. (Less so since I have the new road bike to look forward to, though).

Deb

[redrhodie]

I did 18 miles on her this morning. The roads were mostly down to wet pavement, with ice islands in places. I discovered going over those is very much like riding over pot holes, of which I'm pretty expert at due to the crappy economy road conditions here. So, no stress. I was the only cyclist out! I was aware of mixed reactions to seeing me. A couple of drivers seemed annoyed (no more than usual), but pedestrians/runners were happy, waving and smiling at me. A few commented as I passed, a couple of hellos, and one "that looks challenging!"

Funny, it was not really challenging, because I was taking it really easy. I did my loop in 1:20, so no record. This was a day I definitely wouldn't have ridden my road bikes, so any speed is faster than zero. Plus, I loved every second of it!

Left the bike out on the porch and brought out a watering can to rinse her off with. Then set her up inside on a microfiber cloth (like a sham-wow!) and lightly wiped her down, that was easy and mess free. My intention of leaving her in the basement has blown out the window. Baby don't go in the basement.

[redrhodie]

Seeing the icicles hanging off my bike made today's ride seem even better.