DerekJ_MI wrote:
I'm tired of falling! I don't want to fall anymore!! Two years ago I did the Waterloo ride. The day started out cold but then the sun came out and melted the snow. Many of the roads were rutted and frozen especially in the shade. the melting snow caused the top of the road to also melt. So there was a mix of water, slush, in frozen ruts. I fell. it hurt! IF there are not good options then I'll just save my money and not do those events. That's the easiest route, and least expensive too.
I hear ya. I love (or loved) riding in the winter as the frozen mud opened up new options, I never overheated, didn't need lots of water, and things are just new and different in the winter.
Then last winter I checked the weather. Cold, but nothing on the radar, so I went out. Then it started raining (drizzle). I'm thinking its not a problem. But ya know - the gravel roads were frozen. Wet pavement/gravel looks just like black ice in those conditions. I thought I was riding on wet dirt, but it was ice - and I went down fast and hard. Sprained my ankle. Ugh - not worth it.
Yeah, I was ready for waterloo 2 years ago, but bailed as it just looked like a nightmare day (and the stories I heard afterwards confirmed it).
Hey - this is what you want:
CRAMBA is having a big Fat tire festival at River Bends in Feb, look at their website site. Some bike stores will be there with demos. Get there early for the best choice in bikes (and no waiting).