That was difficult today!

[fossyant]

wmtlynx, if you get any more snow, any MTB will get anywhere faster than a car.....

The studded tyres are great for ice.

TBH I wondered if the studded tyres were worth it last year, having only ever had 2-3 days each winter when I didn't ride (relatively mild winters for about 10 years)......... saw the forecast for Jan 2010 and got the last pair Wiggle had then, even had to drive to the courier to get them as they were stuck - it took the lass 30 minutes to find them scrabbling in the back of loaded vans.........

Used them for 3 weeks at least last winter. Used them for 3 weeks so far this winter........6 weeks at minimum of £3.50 for a bus day ticket, or similar petrol cost............ (plus parking)

Despite being a die-hard cyclist, I won't take a 'normal' tyred bike out in ice - had some nasty offs on the stuff in the past........ and I don't bounce as well as when in my early 20's.

 

[BSRU]

I found today alot easier than yesterday as I avoided the route where I needed to use a cycle path. The roads were wet this morning, even had puddles of water but still lots of frozen snow on minor roads.

 

[fossyant]

Main roads were fine, but I took my off road route half the journey (because it's very pleasant at this time of year).

Pulled up at a major junction, just near work, and could see the 'tyre tracks' were all solid ice. Cue the Merc infront of me struggling to drive away, as I pootled past grinning to myself........

 

[brickisred]

Got onto the Taff Trail Today and it was fine as it's nice and compacted, it was getting there was the problem. Nearly wiped out going downhill over thick rutted slush and found out my brakes were clogged with a combination of ice and slime, twitchy bum moment

 

[BrumJim]

Rode in this morning. Only just stopped shaking. Seriously leery, and got called a "F***ing Prat" by a white van man. Although strangely he was the one I held up the least - just a bit tentative around roundabouts.


Average was just below 11 mile/h, but managed almost to get up to 23 mile/h. But don't know how.

Train not working, cycling too risky. Looks like car this evening.

Oh, and thanks to ALL the other drivers in Birmingham this morning who were very considerate, patient and understanding.

 

[BrumJim]

Thanks for the encouragement. Not been cycling for too long (as an adult) and currently got an average speed of about 10mph showing on my Raleigh Wayfarer, which, in nicer weather, I was using on cycle routes around South Birmingham and testing my grinding skills on local hills. On a commute I'm guessing I'd be averaging about 12mph should I attempt it. Today on the Asda bike I achieved about 4.5mph on average.

But, I'll judge my experiment a success. With gridlock imminent in places (Snow forecast for tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday here in Brum) it may be a more sensible choice than taking a car out that may have to be abandoned, or relying on buses that have been hit-and-miss since midday Saturday. To take a train for my commute to work is estimated at 1 hour 50 minutes with a lot of walking and waiting. So in this weather, the bike seems to be the most sensible option.

Steve

Saw an abandoned Raleigh this morning on Digbeth High Street. Yours?

 

[wmtlynx]

Saw an abandoned Raleigh this morning on Digbeth High Street. Yours?

Happily not. Abandonment of such precious items is not in my nature. Should I have a major bike failure I'd yomp with it to the nearest bike shop and get it mended.....

Had to use the car this morning as Mrs wmtlynx's car refused to start (presumably waxing in the diesel, just wouldn't fire up and just drained its battery), so she needed a lift. Didn't see a single cyclist on my way in or the return, other than a guy on Bells Lane footpath enjoying himself on his mountain bike.

Steve

 

[Wobblers]

Rode in this morning. Only just stopped shaking. Seriously leery, and got called a "F***ing Prat" by a white van man. Although strangely he was the one I held up the least - just a bit tentative around roundabouts.


Average was just below 11 mile/h, but managed almost to get up to 23 mile/h. But don't know how.

Train not working, cycling too risky. Looks like car this evening.

Oh, and thanks to ALL the other drivers in Birmingham this morning who were very considerate, patient and understanding.

Yeap. Cycled into work this morning. And did my Christmas shopping. There was lots of slush on the roads, but actually it wasn't too bad - I never had any slippy or gripless moments. Though I doubt my average speed will be anything to write home about. I must admit I bottled out and walked down the steep bit of Harborne Park Lane - lumps of ice and compacted snow under the slush - no thanks!!!

 

[Downward]

Just a tip - It's not just about the Snow it' s the road conditions underneath. I hit a pothole with my front wheel which then proceeded to go from under me. Luckily I was travelling under 10mph so managed to hold on. Esp on the dual cariageways the centre of the road is really rutted.

 

[Defy78]

In a way it was better earlier in the week, here that is, when there was more snow and ice around. I'm not a sadist but there were a lot less motorists and the ones that were out were very tentative (I only fell off twice at low speed ). It was almost normal rush hour this morning and had the usual must overtake cyclist incident, when I was only a few meters away from traffic lights on red. It's stupid enough in normal conditions but there is still alot of slippery slush and some ice on the roads. Not to mention the pedestrians who are still walking in the middle of the road as the pavements are very icy. I wouldn't mind but they get out of the way of cars and seem to expect bikes to weave around through the slush and ice!? Ah well last day on the bike before Christmas break so I'll have a nice rest from the muppets (although I will be at home with the family ).

Anyway, Merry Christmas to one and all...

 

[Downward]

Another Tip - Don't bother. Coming home was horrible, Main roads all snow covered, Mucklow hill - Black Ice. Not biking again this year.

 

[BrumJim]

Was OK this morning. Much better than Tuesday. Might cycle to my Mums for Christmas. On the other hand, that would mean leaving my wife and presents at home. So I won't.

 

[brickisred]

Finding the studded tyres useful now with frozen roads and compacted snow on the trails.
Also tried the Ely trail last night, a bit too bumpy, my back light got shaken to bits

 

[Bodhbh]

On the 'sandy snow' issue. Is it actually easier on a bike with skinny tyres, so it cuts thru it and hits the road? (my bikes are all MTBs or tourers, thinnest tyre i use is 35mm). Using Ice Spikers atm, which tbh have been great since I got them in this weather, but still feel like I'm surfing on the thick sandy slush (yes I know there's not a technical solution for every surface, just out of interest).

 

[BrumJim]

In my experience, definitely not. You loose traction, so end up with the back wheel slipping, and the 'sandy snow' forms lumps which shift the wheels laterally in random unexpected ways that gives you heart attacks by the minute. OK as long as the snow is only a light covering, but anything measurable and you want big knobbly tyres.