Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Too Icy

It is too icy to ride. It is above freezing, but not by much. Large areas of the road never see the sun, so it is very slick outside. I doubt studs would help. I ventured out, made it to the hill and tested my brakes. While the road looked clear, I was all over the place. I stopped and could hardly walk. I returned home. Even I have my limits.

7 comments:

Pete said...

You live in the country that makes the best studded bike tires in the world! If your bike can fit a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 in the 35mm size you'll not regret the purchase. You'd be surprised at the conditions you can ride in with them. Glare ice, even for long stretches, isn't a problem.

filtersweep said...

I always thought they were Finnish... anyway, I was just at a bike shop this evening and have never seen such a variety of in-stock studded tires, which lends credibility to your endorsement. Apparently some people use them around here. It was so icy I could hardly walk. Some nights we have a very heavy frost that ends up as glare icy on all the roads.

Tomorrow I must ride. I have no choice. I need to take both cars to the shop. The 323 conked out, so we are borrowing a 626 as well- both Mazdas.

Pete said...

Dang, you're right.
Still good stuff!

Anonymous said...

Earlier you were wishing for a mountain bike. Get a cheap one, and fit it with any 26 inch studded tire. You'll feel a lot safer on your bike than you would on foot. Isn't that a good excuse to purchase a new bike?

filtersweep said...

I like that idea. Studded tires on cars are legal here, BTW. With the weather here, I don't think a high end mtn bike is a great idea anyway. There are miles of off-road trails around here, so I'm thinking a mtn bike is a must have- and my wife is cool with the idea.

Anonymous said...

I am cool with it, as long as I can get a mountain bike also!

filtersweep said...

Somehow, I don't think you are very anonymous!