Riding in the Snow

Earlier this week we had about a foot of snow fall at work. On Monday, the morning temperature was a brisk -14° (F). On Tuesday, it was a little warmer at -10° (F). I spent the first morning digging out the accumulated snow and needed to wear my “Yak Trax” to avoid slipping on the ice and snow. The afternoon temps were about 22° (F). Needless to say, the temps and the wind, and the icy conditions discouraged bike riding.

However, yesterday, the temp was in the mid 30s and little wind. The ice and snow was either melted away or was soft slush and I needed to run an errand at our little store. So I decided to take Olivia out for a ride.

The roads were mostly clear with spots still covered with ice and snow. When I came on those spots and I started to slip, I got off the bike and just walked. Also, as a technique, I let a little air out of the tires to give them a little more tread to grip the surface. This really helps out. But the real fix would be studded snow tires. Does anyone know where I can get 16 inch snow tires?

The 1/2 gallon plastic milk jug mud flap is still working well (see under “Projects” #1). It keeps my feet and the peddle sprocket dry and grit free.  The only issue I have is that it sometimes grabs the snow like a scoop and  suddenly slows me down!