I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lee on December 28, 2011 at 9:02am

I braved through the ice when I entered at Fullerton, but I also got to Oak St, slowed down and while stopping to turn around, fell down. In hindsight I dont' think Fullerton was even safe, if you slip there, the slide might just take you right into the water.

Is the LFP always like this when it's freezing outside? This was my first time in the winter and I feel like I took some unnecessary chances this morning.

Vo1k1 said:

The oak street beach bend on the lake shore bike path was covered in ice at 6:30a. Fell and slipped toward the water. Had to retreat. Called it into park security. Unless it warms up, I'd suggest staying away.

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Permalink Reply by Vo1k1 on December 28, 2011 at 9:29am

Last winter I rode the LFP with studded tires, when I could because I really enjoy it as a work commute. This morning, the ice covered the path fully, was thick and smooth - I'm not sure how well studs would have performed.

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on December 28, 2011 at 9:52am

@Lee M

I advise city streets in Winter. This is my 3rd Winter.

If you come in at Fullerton, you may consider taking Clark or Halsted South. Depending on where you are going. In Winter, I take Broadway/Halsted from Montrose; then either take Clark or Lincoln off Halsted, depending on what my mood is for the morning; either way, I then connect with Wells just before North Avenue and head all the way to Van Buren.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C on December 28, 2011 at 10:06am

As ice forms on the lake, the wave activity calms down and you get less ice on the LFP from waves washing up on the path. We haven't had enough cold weather yet.

Lee M said:

[snip] Is the LFP always like this when it's freezing outside? [snip]

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Permalink Reply by notoriousDUG on December 28, 2011 at 10:16am

I nearly bit it on ice this morning; the bike went out from under me but I managed to dismount and land on my feet looking like the rock star we all know I am.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A on December 28, 2011 at 10:52am

Doug we are sure that is how you remember it happening, but what really happened?

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Permalink Reply by Lee on December 28, 2011 at 10:55am

Michael A said:

Doug we are sure that is how you remember it happening, but what really happened?

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Permalink Reply by h' 1.0 on December 28, 2011 at 12:28pm

Come to think of it, the times I've experienced ice sheets there have been early in the winter-- good call.

Kevin C said:

As ice forms on the lake, the wave activity calms down and you get less ice on the LFP from waves washing up on the path. We haven't had enough cold weather yet.

Lee M said:

[snip] Is the LFP always like this when it's freezing outside? [snip]

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on December 28, 2011 at 5:05pm

Low 20s seemed like a little bit of a shock. The cold air stung the area of my face that the balaclava doesn't cover. Also, gloves aren't nearly as warm as I'd like them to be - finger tips were going numb around mile 6. Looks like some heavy duty lobster mitts are in my future.

The ride home was pretty awesome. It's amazing how different 6-7 degrees can feel.

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Permalink Reply by Bernard Joseph Hannigan on December 28, 2011 at 5:18pm

I found some fantastic gloves at Kmart....Wool exterior with 3M Thinsulate lining, warmest gloves I have ever owned

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Permalink Reply by MK on December 28, 2011 at 7:18pm

First day my feet were cold. Need to get some nice warm socks. Smart wool, maybe? Maybe I should finally buy some boots or overshoes as well.

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on December 29, 2011 at 8:06am

Weatherchannel.com almost scared me off the bike today. It said there would be rain with lots of black ice on the roadways. I decided to at least start out and I'd put my bike on a downtown bus if necessary. Turns out roads (at least the ones I traveled) were in better shape than yesterday. There was a pretty good headwind coming out of the South, so I took my time.