The Chainlink

I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

 

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Permalink Reply by Simon Phearson on March 13, 2014 at 8:21am

Rode today, nothing but the usual annoyances the day after a snowstorm blows through.

Is it just me, or does it seem like it takes about a day longer for the streets/infrastructure to return to "normal" for bikes than it does for cars? Like, you could probably drive throughout the city as of later yesterday afternoon without any significant troubles. But by this morning, I'm still making material compromises on my route - taking the lane and avoiding the bike lanes, dismounting and carrying my bike through unplowed parts of the LFP, etc. 

Permalink Reply by grayn8 on March 13, 2014 at 8:23am
Yea lots of ice, but the break from the wind today was so nice and easy after the last two days shennanigans.
Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on March 13, 2014 at 9:11am

I think it depends on the street but overall ya the bike lanes don't get cleared as fast.  it also depends on the city... i.e. Evanston doesn't like to plow as much.  I think its because they're all hippies and they don't want to add pollution by plowing more than the absolute minimum.  

Ride was nice, not too much wind and only the one expected yahoo jerk encounter.  A whole line of cars pass me with plenty of space.  one yahoo passes within inches and then stops at the light all in the bike lane. so I had to squeeze past him and the curb with one foot on the curb and leaning away from him.  Or her, I didn't check. jerk either way.
 
Simon Phearson said:

Rode today, nothing but the usual annoyances the day after a snowstorm blows through.

Is it just me, or does it seem like it takes about a day longer for the streets/infrastructure to return to "normal" for bikes than it does for cars? Like, you could probably drive throughout the city as of later yesterday afternoon without any significant troubles. But by this morning, I'm still making material compromises on my route - taking the lane and avoiding the bike lanes, dismounting and carrying my bike through unplowed parts of the LFP, etc. 

Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on March 13, 2014 at 9:29am
I don't know...I commute up to Evanston for work. I have distinctly felt a significant difference this winter with Evanston streets being better to ride on. Cleared of snow and ice faster, and way less potholes.
That being said, they sure haven't figured out yet how to deal with winter and the new bike lane on Davis. Between poor plowing and motorists parking their cars in the lane...I am being positive though and will say they'll figure it out by this next winter.
Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on March 13, 2014 at 9:42am

I know that bike lane oh so well... yes I think they can do it.
 
Liz W. Durham said:

I don't know...I commute up to Evanston for work. I have distinctly felt a significant difference this winter with Evanston streets being better to ride on. Cleared of snow and ice faster, and way less potholes.
That being said, they sure haven't figured out yet how to deal with winter and the new bike lane on Davis. Between poor plowing and motorists parking their cars in the lane...I am being positive though and will say they'll figure it out by this next winter.
Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on March 13, 2014 at 11:46am



EssFresh said:

Some ice patches but for the most part clear. Slow rolled it today.

Not necessary with studded tires. :-) I encountered the usual snowmelt ice on the northern reaches of the LFT, and ice near the Notabaert Nature Museum. Rolled right through with no problem.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on March 13, 2014 at 11:57am



Robert Underwood said:

... it also depends on the city... i.e. Evanston doesn't like to plow as much.  I think its because they're all hippies and they don't want to add pollution by plowing more than the absolute minimum.  

???

I live in Evanston and ride to the Loop frequently. In my opinion Evanston streets are plowed sooner than Chicago's. They also spray some sort of stuff on the street (a salt mixture?) ahead of known storms. I assume that's to make it easier to remove the snow after the storm. (Anybody know what that stuff is?)

In fact, I question whether Chicago even plows many of their main streets. Ride down Howard between Ridge and Clark sometime and compare the south side of the street (City of Chicago) with the north (City of Evanston).

Permalink Reply by EssFresh on March 13, 2014 at 12:02pm

New Bike has wider tires than the 700 X 23 on the current ride. If I am still here next Winter I am seriously entertaining purchasing a pair of studed, mostly from Chainlnkers glowing reviews.

Skip Montanaro 12mi said:



EssFresh said:

Some ice patches but for the most part clear. Slow rolled it today.

Not necessary with studded tires. :-) I encountered the usual snowmelt ice on the northern reaches of the LFT, and ice near the Notabaert Nature Museum. Rolled right through with no problem.

Permalink Reply by pherm on March 14, 2014 at 7:41am

It doesn't get much more glorious than this morning, ladies and gents....

Rosy-fingered dawn lightly dappling the war-torn crumbling remnants of streets; 38 degrees of tropical breeze, rendering redundant the four layers and two pairs of gloves I absently put on; ample fishing opportunities in puddles that threaten Baikal-depth. 

Yes, early spring in Chicago truly rivals the world's magnificent vacation spots when it comes to bike commuting.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on March 14, 2014 at 8:22am

Could not have said it better! Except I only did three layers. :-)

pherm said:

It doesn't get much more glorious than this morning, ladies and gents....

Rosy-fingered dawn lightly dappling the war-torn crumbling remnants of streets; 38 degrees of tropical breeze, rendering redundant the four layers and two pairs of gloves I absently put on; ample fishing opportunities in puddles that threaten Baikal-depth. 

Yes, early spring in Chicago truly rivals the world's magnificent vacation spots when it comes to bike commuting.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on March 14, 2014 at 8:43am


+1 :D


pherm said:


Yes, early spring in Chicago truly rivals the world's magnificent vacation spots when it comes to bike commuting.

Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on March 14, 2014 at 9:15am

Hey great posts this morning.  I always thought there was poetry in these rides. 

my ride was good, I did what I could.  a lovely SW wind, helped like a friend.  I made it on time, feeling so fine.  it wasn't that cold, cause winter is old, and ice melts away with salty wet spray. 

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