Some of us are wimps. Others -- ninja warrior mutants.

So I am not the only one among Rapid Transit personnel staying off my bike in this weather. However, many others are cycling. Here are some of their reflections:

Being that it's a little over 8 miles, when there is frozen snow and ice in the bike lanes, or the temperature is below 15* degrees, I do not ride. This is mostly for safety. And a little laziness. If only the distance was under 3 miles I probably would ride in snow. I'm getting too old and the CTA train stops less than 500 ft from my front door. Today is cold and snowy: "Hello CTA!" -- Ronnie

Here's something. If anyone wonders why their lips are salty, it's because of all the salt in the air from the city salting the streets. Also, Some people scoffed about riding fixed in the winter, but it gives you much better control over your bike in the nastiness. Whichever style you choose to ride, the best winter bike is the one with full fenders on it, hands down. And, be a nerd and wear mittens. Us nerds have warm hands when it's 9 degrees outside. -- Danielle

I haven't been riding this year, but in previous years I've found that the less you try to fight your bike to keep it upright, the more likely it is you'll actually stay upright.  BikeWinter.org puts on snow rides when there is an accumulation of two or more inches.  There are experienced snow riders who will help you learn how to best ride in the snow.  According to their site, all ages/abilities are welcome. -- Sam

 I live so close to the work and the stores I frequent that I haven't had to do much winter riding. I started seeing someone who lives in Humboldt Park recently, so I have been riding between there and home frequently. Being blatantly visible is critical when the weather is treacherous, as I often need to take the car lane to avoid wiping out in the crusty icy slushiness that is the bike lane (and sliding under a bus). I have multiple lights front and rear, as well as a rear helmet light and reflective tape strategically plastered on my fenders and helmet.  This past Friday morning, the streets were horrible, visibility was poor, and I was very tempted to hop on a bus, rather than ride. My ego wouldn't let fear get the best of me. I can't very well try to be a model of cycling savvy if I stop riding the moment it gets challenging. I have all sorts of great winter apparel, which is always a must when the weather is bad. After ensuring I would be warm and dry from head to toe, I took  2 minutes before leaving to focus on breathing and relaxing, which I never do under normal cycling circumstances. Mindset can be as important as equipment / gear when it comes to getting through snowy rush hour traffic in one piece. Tho it was daylight, I turned all my lights on. I rode at a much more moderate pace than usual, pedaling at all times and not coasting, which seemed to provide more stability and control when I was going over slippery stuff or just plowing through slush on top of packed and icy snow. I also chanted a mantra in my head "hold the bars lightly,"  because every time I started clenching the handlebars, my bike started getting skittish and squirrely. I was very very glad of my rearview mirror too... when evaluating the road conditions ahead, I could see if anyone was approaching me from behind quickly and figure out a safe bail out strategy if needed. I made it without incident. And I felt fantastic. The thing that made the ride hardest was not the weather but my own fear and tension. When I focused on breathing and staying loose rather than on "gawds, visibility sucks" or "sh*t, I am slipping on a giant sheet of slush covered ice," things went well for me and my bike. The minute I tensed up, the bike would feel uncooperative. -- Deborah

My basic ski goggles really help when the temperature is around zero.  Keeping warm starts with the head.  The ski goggles and my extra thick balaclava do the trick. I leave my nose and mouth exposed most of the time, except when wind chill is really a factor. I would rather have a cold nose and lips than a face mask full of moisture that interferes with breathing. Forget about under dressing.  In some weather extremes in can be difficult to maintain body temperature.  Dressing too light can lead to physical distress.  I know what everyone says about dressing light and then warming up as you ride.  Sometimes that does not work.  If you dress in layers you can always remove a layer if you do warm up. I like my light.  It is one of those fancy LED style lights from light in motion.  I feel safer using it.  This is the type of light that helps you to see as opposed to a basic safety flasher.  And seeing the road helps me keep my bike upright as I can anticipate ice and snow patches. True to my contrarian nature (and also due to laziness) my winter bike is currently equipped with completely bald, treadless tires.  I won't recommend this set up, but, surprisingly, the bike handles well enough.  One benefit is that slick tires don't pick up and throw as much snow or become weighed down with snow. With slick tires riding technique is especially important.  I like to keep my weight centered towards the rear wheel.  I pedal with a smooth cadence and look for patches on the ground that allow accelerating, stopping and turning.  If I feel myself sliding I remain calm and try and stop doing whatever caused me to slide.  With my weight back, I allow the front wheel to wander a bit as it finds a ruts or some traction.  Keeping a death grip on your handle bars or trying to over-control the bike will only hasten a fall. -- Chris

Winter cycling is a magical experience in Chicago. I transform into ninja warlord mutant from the future and laugh maniacally as I fly past the befuddled cursing stewards of SUVs with tires furiously spinning hopelessly stuck in snow drifts of their obsolescence. Viva la bicicletta! -- Aaron J. Maier

Comments

[John]

On the weather channel today, the reporter was really complaining about the cold. One eye wouldn't open, he had a headache, his face and fingers hurt and on and on. Just as his rant ended a lone bike passed across the screen behind the reporter.

Nice.

[scott]

Ha! That's great! I wish I had seen that.

[letsgorideabike]

Thanks for sharing these stories! I really identify with the fear and tension being the hardest part of winter riding. I need to relax, try some deep breathing :)

Anyone use studded tires? I wonder how people manage without them in this weather.