This Weather Concerns me

[snapper_37]

Why do people get so much time off and I dont?

+ 1

3 days off only. A lot of businesses shut down over the 2 weeks I think.

Anyway, was hoping to get back on the back after 4 weeks .. to find 3 inches of snow on top of last nights ice.

 

[rnscotch]

This morning was my 3rd commute of the year, wiped out on fri morning due to ice so i was very very careful this morning.

As for the weather sites i use the weather underground site as it will be more accurate as there is usually a weather station within 5 miles of your location.

 

[Downward]

Brrr Snow here - Main Roads ok ish but all the snow stays towards the pavement which is a bit of a bummer and all the side roads are completely white.

 

[Ranger]

Well, looks like the Met Office were right about the ice up here. I should have taken the car, but not having ridden in 2 weeks and feeling fat meant that common sense didn't prevail.

I got off a pushed the bike for some of the junctions as the front wheel felt like it was sliding in random directions

 

[levad]

Left home at 5:15 this morning. Roads were all white and most of the way mine was the only wheel track. As long as I could hear the crunch under wheel then I felt OK. I am a bit worried about going home when all the cars have flattened the (almost 5mm thick!) layer of snow. Slow and steady was how I took it this morning but still managed to get wheelspin up one hill.

 

[fossyant]

Car today - main roads OK, but 1 inch on side roads.

 

[Plax]

I really regret not taking the car this morning. Mr Plax phoned me when he got in to work and told me not to cycle in. Did I listen? Of course not. Result - fell off on ice approx 15mph. I'd have been fine going straight but because it was on a slight bend I hit the deck like a sack of spuds and did an impressive side then stomach slide away from the bike. Thankfully the van behind me was also going slow and stopped as there was a bus waiting for us to both clear the bend before he could have room to go round.

Thanfully no ripped clothing, but my bike is a bit damaged. Preliminary inspection - my right side flight deck gear and brake shifters broken (bits have fallen off), I think it is cosmetic mainly as I could still shift the gears and use the brake. The shifters have moved slightly and the bar tape is scuffed and I've lost the bar cap/plug thing. The rear of the bike appears ok, my side and carradice saddle bag took the brunt. saddle bag is very dirty, and a bit scuffed but not ripped that I could see.

As for me. Well, my thigh hurts like hell. It's red but so far not bruised. Mr Plax will have to give me a lift home I think if it gets any worse. I'm hobbling now. Hopefully the pain will have subsided by home time as I don't want to leave my bike at work overnight even if a potential thief would have to fight off a secirity guard and navigate an icey car park to get to my bike and then try and unlock it. Poor bike would be cold and lonely!

 

[fossyant]

Oh comiserations.....

 

[rnscotch]

I feel your pain mrs plax as i had my own off on fri.. hopefuly as you said it's all just cosmetic damage and i hope you are ok... what struck me on fri was how god damn fast you hit the ground.

 

[Tharg2007]

i took car today too

 

[HLaB]

Well, looks like the Met Office were right about the ice up here. I should have taken the car, but not having ridden in 2 weeks and feeling fat meant that common sense didn't prevail.

I got off a pushed the bike for some of the junctions as the front wheel felt like it was sliding in random directions

I didn't set off til 8 but I was suprised how clear the roads were. I'm not looking forward to tonight's commute though according to the forecast temperatures will fall after dark.

 

[hackbike 666]

Yeah i really dont like that ice stuff.I see all the comedians are back today.

 

[goo_mason]

Was just busy saying how surprised I was that it wasn't too cold and there was no ice this morning, when the little miss and I nearly ended up on our backsides. Not every puddle was water - there was quite a bit of hidden ice around. If that's what it did to us walking, and it's to be much colder overnight, then I may just bus it in and use the opportunity to take in some heavy supplies to work....

 

[palinurus]

Not too bad on the way in, although there was a bit of a headwind. It had snowed a bit overnight, but the only snow I encountered on the road was in the car park at work. The roads I used were wet and not icy. Bit of sleet followed by snow showers- but these didn't start until I arrived at work.

 

[Plax]

Was just busy saying how surprised I was that it wasn't too cold and there was no ice this morning, when the little miss and I nearly ended up on our backsides. Not every puddle was water - there was quite a bit of hidden ice around. If that's what it did to us walking, and it's to be much colder overnight, then I may just bus it in and use the opportunity to take in some heavy supplies to work....

That's what got me I think, so I was quite lax about it. Usually the car and garden is covered in frost/ice and it's noticebly chilly out. Car was clear of frost, and when I took the bin out this morning it wasn't that cold. Likewise setting off, the roads were clear and it was warm (for the past few weeks my nose and cheeks have instantly felt like they were going to freeze off). So I was taken by surprise when I hit the floor.

People at work were commenting how icey the roads were when I managed to hobble in - one lad actually fell off his motorbike, and somebody else saw a BMW had gone down the embankment. It's amazing how quick gossip travels. I've had loads of people coming up to me asking if I'm okay etc.

Got Mr Plax to take me home after work, I'll come back for the bike with the car & rack later I think. At least then I can give the bike a good once over when I get in the house then. Don't fancy cycling home all uphill in the dark with a gammy leg.....