Cycling in the dread of Winter

[ben young]

I think Cycling in Winter is a great idea. Five foot snowbanks with the roadways significantly narrower, along with sun blinding the auto drivers from the low angle bouncing off icy roads.I wont write about the water filled Potholes.

[cowbell76]

Originally Posted by ben young

I think Cycling in Winter is a great idea. Five foot snowbanks with the roadways significantly narrower, along with sun blinding the auto drivers from the low angle bouncing off icy roads.I wont write about the water filled Potholes.

Oh come on, it just adds to the challenge!

No, good points. That's a good reminder that winter brings issues beyond just poor traction and clogging up the works. I guess riding on the roads remains more possible in areas where they actually haul off the snow, rather than just shoving it to the curb.

I will note that around here it is common to have stretches in between storms in which the main roads are completely dry and clear (in contrast to the 6 months of ice-encrusted roads one might imagine) but yes, even when the snow is cleared away, the area close to the curb (in which most riders would ride most of the time) remains dangerously bumpy and slippery.

[lady fern]

Interesting...I remember listening to NPR one morning with a bit on fat tire biking in the winter. I've attached a link. I imagine you could take advantage of the many snowmobile trails and avoid any of the hazards the main roads pose in the winter. Apparently there is something like 7000 miles of snowmobile trails in NH so you would have lots of options.

Biking Through The Snow, On Fat Tires We Go : NPR

The roads can get pretty narrow in the winter with the snow banks. I wouldn't feel very safe cycling on the streets in winter.

[Alfheim]

Originally Posted by lady fern

Interesting...I remember listening to NPR one morning with a bit on fat tire biking in the winter. I've attached a link. I imagine you could take advantage of the many snowmobile trails and avoid any of the hazards the main roads pose in the winter. Apparently there is something like 7000 miles of snowmobile trails in NH so you would have lots of options.

Biking Through The Snow, On Fat Tires We Go : NPR

The roads can get pretty narrow in the winter with the snow banks. I wouldn't feel very safe cycling on the streets in winter.

Of course, this assumes you'd be any safer with a snowmobile thundering down on you. Man, just take up cross country skiing, it'll keep your legs in shape, and almost no one crashes into a car if they're doing it properly.

[lady fern]

Originally Posted by Alfheim

Of course, this assumes you'd be any safer with a snowmobile thundering down on you. Man, just take up cross country skiing, it'll keep your legs in shape, and almost no one crashes into a car if they're doing it properly.

True...but you can hear a snowmobile a mile away. I've snow shoed parts of the road heading up Mt. Kearsarge and had plenty of warning before the snowmobilers were even in view.