Bad weather commuting?

[Willo]

Can't answer the poll right now as I'm (heading) into my first winter commute by bike. However, sub-zero temps predicted tonight for round here so tomorrow morning is likely to be interesting for me.

Ditto me. Being keen at the moment on my new road bike and so far have realised that cycling in the rain doesn't bother me at all - in fact prefer it as doesn't really matter about getting wet when I shower at the other end. On one occassion, a very heavy cross-wind made things a bit hairy but that was a little unusual for down here in sunny Kent. However, I'm a bit worried about about tearing along dark roads at 6am when it starts to get icy. Might take the cowardly short route then and combine with the gym.

 

[Brahan]

Today started with the first frosty morning in these parts. Loads of ice in the gardens and on the back roads. I had everything on today, warm thermal tights, over shoes, extra warm top and gloves. Got to work and the boiler for the shower is bust - icey cold shower. Certainly woke me up. Just make sure you guys are thinking ahead, this is not the time of year for reactionary cycling - ice and gravity is a dangerous combination.

 

[owpman]

+1 for chickening out today, having never undertaken a frosty commute i lost my nerve this morning, but as usual when i dont cycle i sat on the bus fuming at how ridisulously aweful the public transport into the city from south manchester has become! over an hour to do four miles!

ps cannot vote as theres no category for skipping your commute to allow for after work pub sessions

 

[goo_mason]

Too many falls on ice in the last few years for me to risk it today.

The first winter I went right through, snow and all, with no tumbles. Bad luck struck me in winters two and three, and I've no intention of tempting fate this year!

 

[Brahan]

ps cannot vote as theres no category for skipping your commute to allow for after work pub sessions

+ =

 

[swee'pea99]

+ =

Nonsense! Everyone knows if you're going to fall off, it's best to have had a skinfull first.

 

[Bay Runner]

I cycle in all most weathers, last year I was making better progress in the snow up the hill than the motor driven traffic. If fact I never wimped out once last year.

Most of my commute is at sea level around the bay and it has to be very cold to get any proper ice on the cycle path around the bay. The little road that I do use is normally gritted and I am early in and late out so I miss the heavy traffic.

With regards to cross winds I rarely encounter them, it’s either a head wind or a tail wind.

 

[automatic_jon]

Well they don't make the bus cheaper because of the weather. In fact, I rather imagine they'd put it up when the weather turns sour if they could.