Tales from today's commute....

[Arjimlad]

Warnings all over the local FB group about black ice, schoolkids coming off their bikes, drivers crunching into each other's vehicles. Studs saved the day. Had a 5 min ride to the opticians and left for work on the short route at 0945. Used the new cycle lanes along Bradley Stoke Way which were pretty useful, there is still a lot more work to be done but overall they will make for a nicer ride home.

 

[straas]

Early start yesterday as had to pick up a car and be up in tebay by 830 - the local ungritted roads at 0540 were a bit bum clenchy.

Worse though were the cycle lanes on main roads, especially the bus stop bypasses, you'd get a bit of bravery on the open sections that grit had migrated to, only to suddenly find yourself in a slushy slidy mess.

We're really not serious about bike lanes in this country.

 

[ianrauk]

First commute of 2026 and as @straas said, it was a bit bum clenchy. The back roads were pretty dicey. Luckily the main roads had been gritted and were clear of any frost or ice. Still took it a bit easier then usual.
Sun is out here so hoping it will burn off the majority of ice and frost for the return commute.

 

[cyberknight]

In the car again as i was on half shift as we have to take mini ck 1 for a hospital appointment later , it was a bit sketchy in places even in the car this morning as i think there were a few patches of black ice.

 

[Thorn Sherpa]

Using the Cannondale for commuting while icey, still twitchy in spots but a lot more control than the old ralieigh. Stayed up right there and back, the cycle gods looked after me!

 

[united4ever]

Today was probably at my threshold with regards to ice. Mostly melted bits, there was one alleyway near Bolton hospital that was ridiculous. It must never get the sun in that spot. Had to walk through it. Eyes peeled the whole way home for that change in colour/ shinyness of the surface.

First ride of 2026, got me thinking, this will be my 11th year of commuting by bike. Been a blast in general.

 

[Pgd]

Not too bad in South London this morning. I was expecting up and over Crystal Palace/Sydenham Hill to be a bit dicey, but it was fine. However, my usual route takes me between Dulwich and Herne Hill via Burbage Road, and I guess because it's a LTN it doesn't get gritted -- it was a total ice rink and I hit the deck the very first time I applied the brakes, despite going slowly. I walked/slid the rest of the way to Herne Hill... after which it was all fine again!

 

[Andy in Germany]

-11°c yesterday morning; cold enough that my fact hurt. Fortunately, Tübingen keeps cycleways clear and I only have about 5km to ride.

 

[ianrauk]

Grim out this morning. Cold, dark and damp. Though thankfully the frost and ice I had to deal with yesterday has gone.
Nice and quiet on the train this morning.
The return ride home is looking especially bad. Though nowhere near as bad as what some of you norvern folk are getting hit with.

 

[biking_fox]

Still ice around. Despite it raining and generally being above freezing since yesterday morning. Today was dark even misty, I was expecting even the off-road sections to be ok, but walked two bad areas. Stayed upright so all is good.

 

[mrushton]

yesterday I broke one of my main rules ie In cold, icy conditions stick to the main roads. No detours. I did detour and down I went. Black ice and I couldnt stand so had to get on the grass. usual hip/shoulder pain and my helmet had a good impact with the pavement. main roads today, damp/cold but in ok

 

[Mazz]

Grim out this morning. Cold, dark and damp. Though thankfully the frost and ice I had to deal with yesterday has gone.
Nice and quiet on the train this morning.
The return ride home is looking especially bad. Though nowhere near as bad as what some of you norvern folk are getting hit with.

View attachment 797298

What's that yellow thing offset from the handlebar? Is it a light?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Damp and cloudy overnight, no sign of frost so on normal bike.

A mistake - back roads had quite a lot of black ice to my considerable surprise.

4 degrees and sleet forecast pm, but a bit concerned that could turn out worse.

 

[cyberknight]

Freezing rain for me this morning and lost the wheel briefly,at least the council have trimmed back the hawthorn bush at last that Was partially blocking the cycle path after I reported it twice .
Snow is forecast around 4 pm so I'm hoping I get home before it does anything silly.
Dense fog outside ATM

 

[ianrauk]

What's that yellow thing offset from the handlebar? Is it a light?

It's a Raveman FR300 light.

Sits in the Garmin mount with the Garmin sitting on top.
It's a 'to be seen' light rather then a 'to see' light as all my commute roads under street lights. They do make a more powerful, brighter version.
It can also be used as an emergency powerbank.