It's Never Too Cold to Bicycle

October 2, 2009 by Sal Atticum

A version of this article appeared in the 02 October 2009 edition of the Dakota Student at the University of North Dakota. It is reposted here by the author.

Of the stupid things I’ve had the opportunity to do here in Grand Forks, cycling to school through the winter is probably both my own favorite activity and the one that is least comprehensible to anyone else (especially people who warm up their cars for 20 minutes for a two-minute drive to class). Obviously this incomprehensibility is one of the draws, but I actually enjoy the combination of being able to skip all the parking issues and meet the challenge in a literary ‘man vs. nature’ sort of way (oh, the songs they will sing of me…). Seriously, I’m not knocking people who drive in the winter, because it gets frigging cold here. If you’re looking for a little more pep this winter, something to tell your friends about, or a way to keep off that freshman 6.8 kilograms, you might want to try bicycle commuting. Below you’ll find a few things to think about. The snow hasn’t flown yet, but get ready.

Equipment. You’ll need a bicycle (or ‘bike’ as they call it these days). It ought to have most of the parts (frame, wheels, handlebars, wheels, etc.). Anything with wide tires will do--and if you drop the pressure a little you can get a wider contact patch. If you have some money to spare or think you could be serious about winter cycling, spring for one (put it on the front) or two studded tires (yes, Virginia, they do exist for bicycles). In a place that is too cold for salt to work on the roads, they can make life better. Fixed-gears, mountain bikes, or singlespeeds all work excellently, but stay off the Madone. Serious winter riders will tell you to buy a Pugsley--just think low-rider with 6-inch wide tires that float over everything.

Clothing. Buy some good mittens, a real scarf or neckwarmer, and, if you’re coming from off-campus, some wind- or snowboard pants. I bought a used ski helmet last winter that I wear with goggles and it was some of the most worthwhile money I’ve ever spent. Winter boots or clipless shoes work well, but stay away from anything without a tread on the bottom (you may want to drive if you’re wearing those pointy-toed boots). Hopefully you already have a coat, but if not I suggest something with feathers in it (the added benefit of a chicken suit is that drivers will see you better).

Sweat. You will, but probably more in the beginning than later on. After a few weeks of riding you’ll probably realize you need less clothing than you thought. Riding on snow and ice has its own rhythm, and all commuters (should) realize that getting to school or work isn’t a race. If you think you smell and have a bathroom at your destination, the baby-wipe-in-the-armpits trick works wonders. Ride slow and relax, because you’re already winning by not engaging in the car rat race.

Style. Believe me, you can look good and still ride (somehow I think the ladies will be more worried on this point). Think of it as another challenge: anyone can get all dolled up and then only go outside for a few seconds, but if you can look half as good after riding to class, you’ve totally won the style contest. Bonus tip: carry your helmet into the classroom so people know you rode. If you choose not to wear a helmet, carry the whole bike in.

Safety. Yes, you’ll probably fall down a few times, so get out there this fall and work on your handling skills before the snow falls. Buy that ski helmet (keeps you warm) and don’t style your hair too much. Ride on the streets (they get plowed better than the sidewalks and have fewer pedestrians with headphones) and watch out for the other guy--who won’t be watching out for you.

You can do this. If you ride a few times and then want to drive, no worries. You can always get back on the bike, save some gas money, some stress, and keep the pounds off. Show mother nature who’s boss!

Tags: classes, commuting, cycling, sports, UND