Cycling Thread

[Northendzone]

Took my summer rigs down to the basement tonight, and pulled out the fat bike. Bought this rm blizzard late last year, so have only got about 10 rides on it, so looking forward to enjoying some pow pow soon

[Bigtime]

Not too bad this morning at 6:15. No plows out yet on the paths that I came across. About 1-2cm of snow with some icy spots underneath.

[habernac]

We had a good samaritan plow the 96 Ave connector, but other than that, it was a little skiff of snow. I was almost too warm.

[arcfyr]

First time commuting in the snow today (except for that freak Friday a few weeks ago) from 6:30 to 7:00 from Vista Heights to DT. My new commuting bike is still on order so I was still on the road bike. Took it slow and it was mostly OK, just had two low-speed spills that were avoidable in retrospect. Definitely walked down the Bridgeland LRT spiral for the bridge detour. Only saw a few other path users, luckily everyone had lights on so no issues.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by habernac

We had a good samaritan plow the 96 Ave connector, but other than that, it was a little skiff of snow. I was almost too warm.

I made that mistake too, went with a heavier layer up top and there was really no need. You forget about how you work harder in the snow and heat up nice and quick. I did put on the snowpants today, they are so comfortable and keep me at an ideal temperature.

[habernac]

What kind of pants? I just go with the MEC tights with my leg warmers on underneath. I may spring for some winter shoes this year.

[Northendzone]

you boys are beasts and I salute your efforts

[worth]

I didn't really change what I was wearing except for winter boots with flat pedals on my winter bike. And a balaclava with ski helmet and goggles. I was the perfect temperature.

I wear my normal summer cycling shorts under a pair of MEC tights and that seems to be plenty warm down to -10c. Up top I wear a Tshirt, fleece and then reflective outer shell and that seems to work pretty well.

Cycling with boots is kinda annoying though, I need to change out these ####ty plastic pedals for some beartraps or something with more grip.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by habernac

What kind of pants? I just go with the MEC tights with my leg warmers on underneath. I may spring for some winter shoes this year.

These are my actual snowpants I got in 2013 after the flood. Killitec Level 5, they're insulated too so no need for a layer underneath them in these conditions.

https://goo.gl/images/HGBeL3

worth: I too ride with my winter boots. My flat metal pedals have some teeth on them and they help grip the boot nice.

[habernac]

Too used to clipless pedals, I can't imagine riding 16.5km in boots

[pope04]

I swear that the tire tracks in the snow from bikes that've gone ahead of me help keep me warm.

Habby, I picked up Shimano MW7 winter shoes on sale this summer. I've only got one ride in, but I'm very impressed. Used to go the shoe cover route, but I found that way too fiddly.

[KTrain]

Learned about this site on GCN tonight.

If you're planning a cycling trip/ride and using Strava to plan your route, you can export the GPX file and upload it to http://gpxhyperlapse.com.

It will use the route to create a Google Streetview time lapse so you can check out the roads, environment and landmarks you'll see along the way.

[Bigtime]

Didn't go for it today, usually any plowing won't happen on Nose creek MUP until later on. Driving in I saw that the north Bow river path was cleared from Prince's island to most likely East Village, and then you could see the path was not cleared further east.

Probably would have been a stupid slog east from there and then north up Nose creek on my relatively skinny 35mm studs.

[habernac]

fuuuuu...... that was really hard. Didn't see a plow for about 90 blocks. Wanted to hug the guy in the bobcat just north of 16th Ave. My legs hurt. But I was warm as toast!

[Bigtime]

You win the "Cycling Beast of the Day" award today.

[Fuzz]

I would have been out there, but was in Ontario this week and picked up the plague, so staying home. Aiming for a level 3 neo-citreon bender(I'll try not to write any media documents). I also need to winterize the bike, so should be good to go on Monday.

[habernac]

There were others. Saw fat bike tracks from 96th to 64th. Then I broke fresh pow to McKnight. Was really tough between there and 16th. The roads didn't offer any breaks, either, as they're not plowed much at all.

I may actually take the bus home, see how the wind is and if my legs are dead.

[arcfyr]

Came in from Vista Heights again, had to push until the bridge, white-knuckled down along the golf course then it was good and clear for a bit until near the Spark. Ended up riding over the bridge instead of going through Bridgeland. Had to push up a few modest hills due to no traction.

The worst part of the ride was S of the river, east of center street - nothing but ruts from previous bikes. I don't mind breaking fresh tracks but I feel my rear wheel fishtailing immediately when anything has been packed down.

Fun times! Good to see others still riding out there.

[worth]

That was one of the hardest rides I have ever done.

[KTrain]

Well done frostbikers.