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This flashback Friday, the day before winter solstice and snow on the ground in the upper Midwest here is a bike pic from last year. Riding in the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington, MN., on Global Fat Bike Day.
So, adjust to the cold and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s Bike Pic
Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, which is now mobile-friendly in our 14th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our following Pic of the Day.
Have a great day with some memorable fun as we prepare for 2025!
The first snowfall keeps many inside by a warm fireplace. But a growing number of cyclists find winter biking an excellent opportunity to be more environmentally friendly while earning bragging rights!
A growing number see riding a bike in the winter as a way to be more environmentally friendly.
For many, though, the thought of riding a bike in the winter can be intimidating, including freezing temperatures, ice-covered paths, and more. But if you prepare properly for the weather, you may find it enjoyable and worthwhile. Plus, you will find plenty of gear options to keep you warm and safe as you navigate your local winter wonderland.
Layering up for that winter excursion
As you ride, you create windchill, which can make a 40-degree day feel like it’s below freezing, leading to an uncomfortable commute. The best solution is to find jackets and pants designed to stop the wind. They do that by preventing air from pulling away from your body. A good base layer under a layer that blocks wind can make the winter commute comfortable even in below-freezing temperatures.
Layering your clothing is essential for winter riding.
You know your body better than anyone else, so you’ll better understand what parts of your body get cold first and what follows afterward. Layer up according to the conditions outside. The layer closest to your body should wick away all the dampness from perspiration. This is very important. With the cold, if any sweat makes your clothing damp, you’ll get cold faster.
Besides layering up clothing to protect your core, ensure you protect sensitive areas that tend to get cold quickly. For instance, winter full-fingered bike gloves for your otherwise numb fingers, earmuffs for those aching cold ears, nice warm socks for your toes and feet, and perhaps a face mask for when your face feels frozen. Also, a biking headband or headwear might be necessary if your head gets cold under the helmet. While a helmet can seem warm in summer, it provides little protection against cold wind in winter.
Tip: You should start the winter commute feeling comfortable, so layer yourself accordingly. Once you start pedaling, you’ll warm up. You can bring an extra layer in case you need it, but usually you won’t.
Seeing is key
Eye protection, like a pair of alpine ski goggles, may help.
Having a clear vision is essential for your winter commute. You need to be able to see and be aware of what’s around you. If you can’t see, it can increase the risk of unnecessary crashes. Finding proper eye protection is relatively easy and affordable. You can use cheap ski masks and wrap-around sunglasses if the sun poses an issue. You should also be able to wear standard reading glasses, which may even fit behind your goggles. They may fog up once you get inside, but you’ll be safely off the road by then.
Be visible while staying warm
The cold winter months bring early sunsets and snow that can make visibility for drivers on the route you define to ride. In addition to wearing reflective clothing, state law requires such things as a white light attached to the front of your bike so drivers can see you from at least 500 feet away (if they are looking at you from the front). There must also be Department of Public Safety-approved red reflector tape or light attached to the back of your bike so drivers can see you from 100 feet to 600 feet (when they are directly behind you). It is also wise to have reflector tape or lights so that traffic can see you from side streets and alleys. For information on what the law requires, click here.
Since cold temperatures can shorten the battery life on your lights, especially if you are riding an e-bike, ensure you check them often so your lights work when you need them! In terms of the law, if an officer pulls you to the side for not having a front light that meets guidelines (even if it’s there and just not on), no excuse can help you.
Ride the right bike
If possible, buy a standard single-speed bike. We’d recommend a used or old bike. Bikes with suspension, multiple gears, or that are specialized can get worn down or ruined by the snow, salt, and grit. So, getting a bike that you can ride and withstand the wear and tear of winter is the best route to go.
Once you enjoy riding in the winter, plan to commute longer distances. A fat bike might be an option, if it’s in your budget. Fat bikes have large balloon tires that increase their surface area, giving them a better grip on the ground under them. This makes riding on snow and ice easier and safer. Visit your local shop to learn if a fat bike is for you.
If you prefer using an e-bike in the winter, colder weather will affect the range (distance) you can travel on a charge. Plus, the e-bike or its battery must be charged indoors and then stored until its subsequent use outside,
Drive your bike defensively
When commuting by bike in winter, you must always be aware of your surroundings, even more so than in warmer months. General visibility may not be an issue when biking in the winter, but watch out for slippery surfaces. Also, auto drivers can be more distracted at this time of year, so they drive defensively. So even though they’re supposed to watch for you, make sure you keep an eye out for them as well.
Be aware of the weather and be a smart biker
Winter means snow, ice, and cold winds. It also means less daylight. Be aware of your options: if the snow starts coming down heavily, it becomes icy, or overall conditions worsen, have an alternate plan in place if biking becomes too dangerous. Consider a route near a bus or train or anywhere with public transportation. If conditions worsen, you have another way to get home or to your destination.
Also, don’t make sudden moves or tricks with your bike, especially in icy conditions. This means don’t lean into the turns, for example. Going with the turn decreases the tire’s contact with the road or trail surface, which is bad because your bike will have less power to stay upright. This might seem like a no-brainer, but we have seen plenty of people who break quickly or make quick turns only to wipe out. Doing this in the street is dangerous and could become fatal.
Why winter commute?
Winter bike commuting is not only a great way to ride year-round and keep you in shape, but also it can save you money. Looking at cost, in terms of transportation options, biking is definitely on the low end. When you add in all the expenses of driving a car or using public transportation, the costs of using anything besides your legs as an engine will be more significant. Plus, you’ll not only be in shape and ready to go in the spring but also be regarded as awesome for braving that cold air.
Have fun, be safe, and remember to use your best judgment this winter while riding!
In this bike pic Sunday, we discovered Santa has traded in his iconic sleigh for a new ride. What do you think of old St. Nick on a fatty? We wanted to bring some lighthearted cheer and a jolly good laugh with Christmas here tomorrow. Happy Holidays!
So, adjust to the above-normal temps and get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends, and check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing today’s bike pic
Now rolling through our 19th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly in our 14th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.
Bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. With one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun, we may be around the corner. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have a great day with a safe and memorable Holiday Season!
Winter fat bike season is upon us again as the snow and temps drop. Like riding a regular mountain bike, there is a certain bike etiquette to follow when on the trail. Everyone on the trail wants to have a good time outdoors and make memories in the crisp, clean air. Whether biking, hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, these are all valid activities where trail etiquette is important. The trail needs to be shared for everyone to have a good time. The rules below will keep everyone free from harm and make it fun for everyone.
Many general rules of the fat bike trail are the same as mountain biking or riding on regular trails. However, there is a major difference to keep in mind in addition to the general rules of the trial.
Practicing fat bike etiquette is an enhancement to general trail rules
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations or with traffic conditions. This list is also on IMBA‘s website and in the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.
Before You Ride
Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability, and the area you are riding, and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.
Let People Know: Make sure there’s at least one other person who knows where you’re headed when you plan to start, and when you hope to return. Things can happen on the trail; someone must know where you might be if something goes wrong.
Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are prohibited in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness. This means you guessed it; check ahead of time!
While Riding
Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users unless the trail is signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill unless the trail is signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
Understand ice and snow travel and how to do it safely.
Practice fat bike etiquette, follow the trail rules, and have fun.
Riding in the winter means riding on top of ice and snow. Throughout the winter, there will be times when it’s warmer or colder out, which can affect the ground beneath your tires. Know how to deal with this. Many people also ride on top of the frozen water. Riding across a frozen lake or river can be extremely dangerous if the ice were to crack. Learn how thick the ice needs to be to carry you and your bike when venturing across frozen waters.
Always bring items that can help if you’re in a situation where the ice breaks from under you. International Mountain Bicycling Association recommends that ice picks and a length of rope be carried if riding on lakes or rivers.
Fat Bike Etiquette – General Rules of the Trail
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations or with traffic conditions. This list is also on IMBA‘s website and the Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide.
Riding a trail system before it snows is advisable when possible.
Be polite and respectful to all.
Yield to all other users of the trail when riding. This includes hikers, especially skiers, since they do not have brakes to stop when traveling. Be constantly aware of your surroundings for who and what is around you. Everyone is trying to enjoy the outdoors. When on your Fatty:
Ride on the firmest part of the track to prevent making a deep rut in the trail. Cutting into the trail more than an inch is difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
Stay as far right as possible on the trail. This is so that other bikers, hikers, etc., can pass on the left.
Do not ride on Nordic or classic ski trails. These trails are specifically groomed, and tires that cross them will ruin the trail and cause problems for those using or repairing them. Being respectful and sharing the trail is important for everyone’s enjoyment.
Respect any closures or alternative days where bikers or skiers specifically have the trail. This is also important because if the trail is closed, no one will look out for you if you fall. Plus, other trails might be closed or have maintenance going on. This can cause problems if you’re there.
Wear reflective clothing and use lights or blinkers. This helps signal to others where you are from a distance. Skiers and snowmobiles travel quickly, and seeing you as far away as possible can help them change their route so there is no collision or problems that will arise.
Consider donating to the shared trails to help cover the cost of maintenance. It takes people to keep the trails well-groomed and ready for people to ride, ski, or hike on them. A donation can go a long way to keeping that trail ready when you want to use it again.
If you are riding in a group, do not ride side by side. This makes it hard for anyone passing by to get through or weave around. It also can block up the trail.
Don’t Forget!
Also, always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Search for anIMBA Club to join, and don’t forget to HaveFun!
Jess Leong is a freelance writer for HaveFunBiking.com.
With many bare roads and trails this bike pic Monday, another round of winter will soon be upon us. Need some pointers on how to dress? Check out our article on proper ways to dress in these winter conditions.
So, get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic
Now rolling through our 18th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, we aim to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places you can ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Please Include a brief caption for the image, who shot it, and where. Photo(s) sent to us should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide to be considered. You will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram if we use your photo.
As we continue encouraging more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly, as we enter our 13th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.
Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our following Pic of the Day.
Have a great day with a safe and memorable year ahead!
This bike pic Thursday, have fun! “Hills. We love them. We hate them. They make us strong. They make us weak. Today I chose to embrace hills.”, a quote by Hal Higdon. Life is full of hills, but remember the law of physics, what goes up, must come down. The trip up it might be a struggle, but the way down is smooth sailing.
Get into the zone when continuing your time outdoors and your #NextBikeAdventure. View all the great ideas and bike destinations in the latest Iowa or Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide. Then plan your next outing with family and friends in one of Minnesota’s HaveFunBiking Destinations. And now, check out more stories at Let’s Do MN.
Thanks for viewing our latest bike pic
Now rolling through our 18th year as a bike tourism media, enjoy! As we pedal forward, our goal is to encourage more people to bike and have fun while highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more places to have fun, we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. Enjoy the information and stories we have posted as you scroll through.
Do you have a fun bicycle-related photo of yourself or someone you may know we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each) of who is in the photo (if you know) and where the pic was shot? Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continue to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your #NextBikeAdventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile-friendly as we enter into our 13th year of producing this handy information booklet full of maps.
Remember, bookmark HaveFunBiking.com on your cell phone and find your next adventure at your fingertips! Please share our pics with your friends, and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the corner with one of our cameras ready to document your next cameo appearance while you are riding and having fun. You could be in one of our next Pic of the Day.
Have a great day with a safe, and memorable year ahead!
Are you into fat biking? This winter there are quite a few different events for you! Make sure to check them out before the season ends and the next one starts. We would hate for you to miss out on some awesome fat biking opportunities here in Minnesota.
Now rolling into our 10th year as a bike tourism media, our goal is to continue to encourage more people to bike and have fun. While highlighting all the unforgettable places for you to ride. As we continue to showcase more place to have fun we hope the photos we shoot are worth a grin. As you scroll through the information and stories we have posted, enjoy.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you may know that we should post? If so, please send your picture(s) to: [email protected]. Include a brief caption (for each), of who is in the photo (if you know?) and where the picture was taken. Photo(s) should be a minimum of 1,000 pixels wide or larger to be considered. If we do use your photo, you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continues to encourage more people to bike, please view our Destination section at HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure – Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, now mobile friendly, as we enter into our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Please share all our picks with your friends and don’t forget to smile. We may be around the next corner with one of our camera’s ready to document your next move while you are riding and having fun. We may capture you in one of our next Pic of the Day posts.
If you’re like the many people who ride bikes, you may have selected or been forced to use outside bike storage where your bicycle has to fend for itself in all the elements. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially since many people don’t have a place to store their bikes inside.
We mentioned in a previous article that if you’re unable to store a bike indoors, that you can usually find a nearby bike shop that can store your bike for you – especially through the winter. However, sometimes even this isn’t possible and outside bike storage is your only option. Perhaps there are no bike shops that offer that service nearby, or perhaps the cost in doing that would be out of your budget. Whatever the reason, here’s what you need to know to store your bike outside for a couple day or indefinable.
What Happens When You Use Outside Bike Storage for your Bicycle
As many can guess, bikes left outside in rain or snow can rust.
Newer bikes fare better in the outside elements because the seals on the bike’s components are tighter than on older or more worn bicycles. Being well-sealed allows it to block out moisture from making its way inside and corroding the bike from inside and out. Leaving these new bikes out for a few days or even a week might not be a problem. However, the longer it is left outdoors, the more problems the rider will see – this is especially true for older bikes. Older bikes can degrade faster since they have been weathered down over time.
What you can expect to see is rust forming on the chain and gears before affecting the rest of the bike. This can make the drivetrain brittle over time, and cause problems when shifting gears and riding.
We know rain and moisture can cause problems, but did you know humidity and heat can also be a problem? In the summer, keeping your bike in direct sunlight can cause problems in certain areas on your bike as well. The direct light can cause rubber and plastic to harden, leaving tires, seats, grips, and cable housing brittle.
Additionally, bikes that are left outside also run the risk of being vandalized or stolen. According to the National Bike Registry, over 1.5 million bikes are stolen every year with less than 3 percent being returned. Besides running the risk of corrosion, you run the risk of never seeing your bike again.
What You Can Do If Using Outside Bike Storage
Place a Bike Tent Over Your Bike
It’s not recommended to place a tarp directly on your bike because it can work like a green house, accumulating heat and moisture. Heat can affect your plastic or rubber parts and degrade them. When it’s cold or rainy, it can trap the water vapor. The moisture can then settle on your bicycle, corroding it.
A bike tent, however, allows a shelter from the elements, while also allowing air to circulate any moisture away. Bike tents aren’t expensive compared to some options and are generally easy to put together.
If your bike does get wet, wipe down the bike so the water doesn’t sit to long.
Lube and Grease Your Bike – Especcially with Outside Bike Storage
Place waterproof grease over areas that might be breached by water, such as screw holes, bolt heads, or bearings. The grease will create a barrier against water, stopping it from getting through. Lubing up your chain and other appropriate parts of the bike is also a helpful way to create a barrier from any moisture. Using a wet lube rather than dry lube is key. Dry bike lubricant will wash away easily and doesn’t provide any protection from corrosion.
Use the Bike
This doesn’t mean you should ride the bike outside during a blizzard. Instead, lift it up and turn the pedals. Moving it around can help with reducing rust. Over time, dust, dirt, or grime can get into the shifter and fine mechanical parts, so using the bike can knock this stuff off – especially if you’re riding it.
Remember, the salt from the road can affect the bike! Salt affects aluminum or alloy parts. So, if you take it for a spin, make sure to wipe down your bike afterwards and clean it.
Replacing Components to Last
Many factors affect how quickly and badly a bike can corrode. While storing a bike indoors is the best option, sometimes it’s not possible. Following the above steps should help minimize the buildup of rust. It can also limit mechanical problems that may occur.
Trying to limit corroding factors is the best you can do. Some people who know they will store bike outside under a cover or in a bike tent will opt to spend extra money to ‘upgrade’ their bikes. The bikes they tend to buy are already considered ‘durable’. Then, they change out parts to other materials that are less likely to rust over time. Some bikers also will opt for a ‘rustproof’ labeled chain. If this isn’t possible, then frequent bike maintenance and greasing is the way to go. This ends up being the key factor that many bikers rely on if they are storing their wheels outdoors.
Be aware, if you store your bike outside, there will be more maintenance required than if you stored your bike indoors. Keeping up with this maintenance might seem a little daunting, but it is well worth the effort. Why? Because come spring, your bike will be ready to go and have minimal rust and problems.
As we pedal into our 10th year as your go-to source for biking tourism our mission hasn’t changed. We’re committed to helping you find your next adventure on two wheels. To do that we’ll keep scouring the Land of 10,000 Lakes for the best bike trails, roads, and events. As we do that, we hope the photos we shoot are help you start your day off with a smile.
Do you have a fun bicycle related photo of yourself or someone you know that we should feature? If so, please send your photo(s) to: [email protected].
Each photo should include a caption containing who is in the photo (if you know), and where the photo was taken. All photos need to have a width of 1,000 pixels or larger for consideration. If your photo is chosen to be featured, then you will receive photo credit and acknowledgment on Facebook and Instagram.
As we continue to encourage people to bike, check out our Destination section on HaveFunBiking.com for your next bike adventure. Also, check out the MN Bike Guide, which is now mobile friendly as we enter our 8th year of producing the guide.
So bookmark HaveFunBiking.com and find your next adventure. Also, be sure to share all our pics with your friend and remember to smile. And you never know when our cameras will be around the next turn ready to document you pedaling away. You may even become one of our Pic of the Day posts!
Have a great day, and here’s to your next bike adventure!
by Fred Oswald Winter commuting offers challenges and rewards to those who use a bicycle for work or to just run errands and here are some suggestions for safe riding.
With the proper layers of clothing staying active can be fun
Layers
The cold weather requires keeping hands, feet and especially ears warm while not overheating elsewhere. The solution is layers of clothing with ventilating zippers using wool and other synthetic clothes products and stay away from wearing anything cotton which will trap perspiration and make you cold.
Making a stop along the Minneapolis Greenway
For top layers a breathable wind shell over a wicking fabric works well. Lined nylon running pants with leg zippers can keep legs warm. Elastic sewn on the right cuff helps keep it away from the chainring. An ear band or balaclava under the helmet will keep your head warm.
Below freezing, wear liner gloves and possibly mitts. in really cold weather, keeping feet warm may be difficult. Neoprene shoe covers will help. A cheaper alternative may be insulated hiking boots and one of the many varieties of pedals with little pegs for gripping, available at your favorite bike shop.
Fenders
To protect both yourself and the bike from salt splash thrown up from wet roads, get fenders.
Extend your rear fender with a flattened milk jug
If fenders do not extend low enough, add homemade flaps made from a material such as from a plastic milk jug.
Handling Black Ice
A special winter hazard is black ice. My worst fall was in a place where the road looked clear except the blacktop was just a little “too black”. Some cyclists ride with chains or studded tires and now with the availability of fat tire bikes riding on ice have become much more stable – Though others wait for dryer roads for safe riding.
Handling Visibility
Another problem is visibility. In the early morning or late afternoon you may be invisible to a motorist dazzled by low sun. Be wary and wear clothing that makes you stand out from your surroundings.
Winter commuting usually means riding in the dark, at least one-way. Don’t even think of riding at night without a headlight! Bright clothing and reflectors are not enough. Some people use a flashing strobe for a headlight. This is a good supplement to a standard headlight but not enough alone. Follow the standard “color code”: white in front, red or orange in back.
A strobe (flashing light) on the back of the bike will help motorists notice you but is not so good at providing depth information to following drivers. I supplement the small standard red rear reflector with both a 3″ amber SAE auto reflector that is 8-10 times brighter plus an LED strobe. If you mount the reflector off to the side it is less likely to get caked with mud thrown up by the wheel.
If you are caught in the dark without lights, don’t try to sneak down the sidewalk. Walk your bike home! Reflectors and reflectorized clothing alone are not enough. To understand why, read John Schubert’s interesting explanation “Why reflectors sometimes don’t work,” at SheldonBrown.com
Bike Maintenance
Finally, the salt and wet grit are tough on bearings, chain and wheel rims (abrasive grit imbeds in the brake pads). Better bikes have seals to protect wheel bearings (but re-grease in the spring). You should lube your chain every week or so and learn how to measure the wear (sometimes incorrectly called “chain stretch”). Once a chain wears so it is about one percent longer (1/8″ on a 1-foot ruler), it will be damaging your cassette cogs. It should be replaced before then.
A serious bike commuter will want more than one bike to cover different situations. You may find it useful to have: a light road bike for fast riding in good conditions; a sturdy steed that can handle panniers to carry clothes, etc.; and a fat tire bike or a “clunker” with fenders and knobby tires for bad weather and winter. Having more than one bike saves you from being late for work if you find a flat tire or other mechanical problem in the morning.
There are many benefits to winter commuting to work or just to run errands. One of the biggest is maintaining fitness year ’round. You no longer have to “get in shape” in the spring. You experience the delight of spinning past frost covered trees on a crisp winter morning. And it is fun to tell your shivering co-workers and friends how hot you got on that bitter, cold day.
Fred Oswald, is a certified “League Cycling Instructor” and a professional engineer in Ohio.
