After my post on taking public transportation on the frightfully cold days, you may be wondering what the difference is between a day like today and those days. I mean, I rode to work today in the snow.
And honestly? It was FUN! Sure, I took it a little slower than usual and did the old kid-on-a-Huffy trick of riding with both feet out to the sides a couple times when I skidded a bit, but with the schools closed today, traffic was actually much better than normal. That meant less exhaust to breathe in, and more fun!
When I got to work, I did have one guy who looked at me somewhat incredulously and asked "so, how did THAT work today?" I still had my balaclava on, so in my ninja-like way I told him that it was fun, no worse than driving as far as traction goes. I'm not sure he bought it, but I find that just stating things matter-of-factly is the best way to go with this.
Some things I did note:
But if you didn't bike today, why not? It wasn't cold out like it was last week. And the snow isn't as much of a problem as you'd think. So give it a try next time!
And honestly? It was FUN! Sure, I took it a little slower than usual and did the old kid-on-a-Huffy trick of riding with both feet out to the sides a couple times when I skidded a bit, but with the schools closed today, traffic was actually much better than normal. That meant less exhaust to breathe in, and more fun!
When I got to work, I did have one guy who looked at me somewhat incredulously and asked "so, how did THAT work today?" I still had my balaclava on, so in my ninja-like way I told him that it was fun, no worse than driving as far as traction goes. I'm not sure he bought it, but I find that just stating things matter-of-factly is the best way to go with this.
Some things I did note:
- Try to stay in the ruts that previous cars have made. You'll skid less.
- If you have to cross ruts, take them as nearly perpendicular as possible. That'll knock you off your path much less (if at all) than taking them at an angle.
- Take it easy. You'll get there (strangely enough, that was my attitude when I drove a car, too... and I never had accidents).
But if you didn't bike today, why not? It wasn't cold out like it was last week. And the snow isn't as much of a problem as you'd think. So give it a try next time!
Foggy glasses were a large reason I got lasik surgery a couple years ago. I never did find a good way to keep fog from gathering on my glasses. I tried anti-fog treatments, and even fog-free skiing goggles over my glasses. Nothing worked.
ReplyDeleteAnd I second your thrill of cold weather rides. It's warming up here now (SW Idaho), but all winter, I was amazed at how many times my coworkers were incredulous when I'd arrive warm and toasty, even on the most bitterly cold days. I smiled and said "great ride, great ride," and they shook their heads.
ReplyDeleteI'm just wearing protective glasses as I don't have any prescription eyewear, but the problem is the same. Like I said, the ones I have are good as long as you're moving, but if you're stopped for a traffic light then they start to fog up, particularly when wearing a balaclava.
ReplyDeleteEventually I'll get around to searching for and posting answers to this problem. Stay tuned!
Re. Cold weather rides:
ReplyDeleteI just got another "So, you don't ride your bike to work in this weather, right?" this morning when I was going in to make some noodles in our kitchenette here at work. I sort of nonchalantly said "Um... yeah, I do."
And of course, the lady asking me stopped dead and stared at me as I told her that I was nice and warm, and probably was getting better traction during our recent winter storm than the cars.