[net.cycle] Winter Bicycling or Motorcycling?

bdp (01/18/83)

Anyone want to share some thoughts on winter bicycle or
motorcycle riding?  Bicycle magazine articles I have read
deal with warmer climates than we Yankees experience.  They
are mainly concerned with cold and rain, but not snow, sleet,
and ice.

Allow me to lead off the discussion.  I purchased a Specialized
Stumpjumper last October with the intention of using it during
the winter.  The solid construction and balloon tires seem
to be a win;  the heavy tread tires are especialy good on
undriven snow and flat ice.  Unfortunately, the upright riding
position and light weight have their drawbacks.

First, the upright position places more weight on
the rear tire than on the front.  As a result, the bike is
susceptible to skidding.  One bump on any icy stretch
and the bike will loose control.  The only way I have found to
lessen this effect is to ride leaning forward so that more
weight is placed on the front wheel.  Otherwise the only other
solution I have found is to ride more slowly.

Second, the light weight also contributes to the bike's
instability.  I have front and rear panniers, with Blackburn
Rear and LowRider racks.  When these are loaded, say, with
15-20 lbs. worth of groceries, the bike is much more stable.
This is a sad situation, since the heavier weight requires
more energy to drive the bike.  Perhaps heavier bikes
(a.k.a. "clunkers") do have a place in winter riding.
Consider them as training bikes to build up your legs
but not your ego.

Another thought on techniques is that you cannot lean on a turn.
For anyone who rides a great deal, leaning is a habit.  Thus
it takes some concentration to remember *not* to do so when
riding on slick surfaces.  I am embarassed to admit that
I forgot this basic fact yesterday morning;  my right knee
is still smarting from the crash.

Bruce Parker
BTL Pissthataway

rusty (01/21/83)

From: rusty (Rusty Wright)
there is an article in one of this month's motorcycle magazines. i
don't remember which one because i just bought a motorcycle and while
at the grocery store bought all of the motorcycle magazines they had;
4. interestingly enough 3 of them had reviews of the bike i'd just
bought, the 4th one reviewed it last month and i have a copy of that
from the dealer.

anyhow, this article was about motorcycle riding in very cold weather.
they rode from colorado to seattle, the pictures showed lots of snow.
their general recommendations were (1) a faring is a must. (2) clothes
that have heaters in them are the only way to keep decently warm when
it is really cold. some preferred the electric vest (because you could
pile heavy cloths on top of it and so retain its heat), some preferred
the electric coveral/riding suit. there are also electric gloves and
electric socks (i'm not sure if i remember correctly about the socks
though). one of the things they pointed out was that if you keep the
trunk of your body warm then your body will try to keep your
extremities (feet, hands) warm. if the trunk of your body is cold your
body will expend most of its effort in keeping it warm since it
contains the vital organs.