I feel like a wuss after coming off a couple of times due to ice!

[goo_mason]

I came off the other week. I haven't cycled since Christmas, partly because of the ice, and partly because of some people's driving in current conditions.

I've come off too often in the last few years on ice so have, like you, decided that discretion is the better part of valour. Additionally, as you say, the way half of the motoring population are driving in these conditions has also been a major factor. I've been sitting upstairs on a bus watching cars lose it temporarily at speed, and realising that the space occupied by the tail-end of the car as it slides sideways is the space I'd have been riding in in the bike. It's been sobering viewing.

As someone else said on another thread, there are still going to be plenty of days of the year left to cycle on once the snow and ice has gone.

I am getting a bit impatient though - I've been off the bike for over a month (3 weeks on holiday, the rest has been down to the weather).

 

[semislickstick]

I came off just before xmas, only slightly bruised hip and arm but painful neck whiplash! (I was going very slow and had a foot out to stop, didn't do any good, I think I fell faster to the floor than the speed I was doing on the bike)

Anyone else get that??

 

[tdr1nka]

Taking things very gently and steering with your a*rs is about the best perscription I can offer too.

Take corners wide and don't lean in.

Speed is the most important factor, I came off on ice just before Christmas but I was going slowly enough that I could lay the bike down as I fell and spread the impact along my side.

It is demoralising to take a spill at any time in any weather, it's down to the individual's level of experience and confidence to decide whether to ride in any given circumstance and no one should fault you for leaving the bike at home if you feel safer in the current icy conditions.

 

[Bollo]

After coming off on some black ice just before the pre-Christmas snow, I've stayed off the bike. <feeble>Although nothing was broken, the fall aggravated an old rugby/volvoing shoulder injury.</>

There's no point forcing it if you don't feel confident and I'm hoping I come back hungry for cycling when the weather turns, because over the break I've certainly been hungry for chocolate and cake (and thirsty too!).

 

[Molecule Man]

There's no point in taking the chance if you can avoid it and aren't confortable with the conditions.
I have been quite fortunate mostly. My daily ride follows major roads most of the way, which have been cleared by traffic. It's just the last 200 metres that have been dodgy. I got a bit overconfident last night and tried to ride the last bit, following the tyre tracks. However, I gradually realised that the tyre tracks were getting narrower and icier, until I finally decided to stop and then slipped onto my face while stepping off the bike. I decided to walk to the end of my street this morning, and still managed to slip onto my arse.

 

[4F]

I don't do ice, however I may invest in a set of those stuffed tyres Foss has for next winter.

 

[patheticshark]

I've come off a couple of times - once requiring stitches - in the last few weeks. It's made me VERY wussy on corners and roundabouts; I feel like my perceptions of how far I can lean and how slippery a road can be before the front brake becomes hazardous have gone out of the window.

I really want some decent tyres but I am nervous about riding to the bike shop :|

 

[Origamist]

I've come off a couple of times - once requiring stitches - in the last few weeks. It's made me VERY wussy on corners and roundabouts; I feel like my perceptions of how far I can lean and how slippery a road can be before the front brake becomes hazardous have gone out of the window.

I really want some decent tyres but I am nervous about riding to the bike shop :|

I've been keeping any eye out for an Archie’s Grobags saddlebag and the Gortex Sidis in S London, but I have not spotted you yet...

I admire your fortitude in this weather and sorry to hear about your offs!

 

[patheticshark]

I've been keeping any eye out for an Archie’s Grobags saddlebag and the Gortex Sidis in S London, but I have not spotted you yet...

I admire your fortitude in this weather and sorry to hear about your offs!

Hehe. I wouldn't admire it too much, I've only ridden in once this week!

 

[Origamist]

Hehe. I wouldn't admire it too much, I've only ridden in once this week!

I take it back - you're patheticshark and unworthy of your blog

 

[patheticshark]

I take it back - you're patheticshark and unworthy of your blog

That sounds about right. At least I have plenty of room for improvement from here... I can say 'in January, I was only cycling in 1 day a week, and by February I was riding 5!'

unless it stays icy all the way through Jan and Feb.

urgh.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I cycled into school. I actually found the smoothed out part by car tyres even worse. I prefer the snow just to the left of it, it gives more grip. I would cycle in snow rather than ice any day!

 

[cyberknight]

I just will not risk it on my route.

Unlit twisty hilly roads and an ungritted cycle path to negotiate i must be a wuss because i think - 11 was a bit to chilly B)

 

[fossyant]

I don't do ice, however I may invest in a set of those stuffed tyres Foss has for next winter.

I can assure you I have not been 'stuffing' any tyres

Back to topic..........B)

I am massively impressed with studded tyres, even those with lower stud counts like mine....30 PSI and the studs hit the tarmac...they 'do exactly what they say on the tin'........... Usual caveats I'd say - don't try and be a hero and do silly turns, or go overly quick, and they will do the job.

I'm a chicken with Ice due to previous experiences, but these tyres are outstanding....

It's gone round work that I'm still riding, with tungsten studs.....one of my colleagues who has a nice Madone popped in on Wednesday...."You are not riding ?"........"Yeh" I say pointing to bike.... "eh snow chains" he said..."nah studded tyres"....he had never heard of them - was massively impressed....he kept poking the tyres......

I feel a bit of a cheat though, there is the odd POB on BSO's riding about....although the law of physics doesn't apply to them. Virtually no cyclists out though...

 

[hackbike 666]

Strangely enough a lot of my braking has been via the rear brake which considering it is crap is not bad really.