I did a Google Image search for “communist bicyle” and I didn’t get much. I did another search for “communist” and I got this image. I love image search. It’s so fantastic. That’s where I get the majority of the pictures for this site. This has nothing to do with what I am going to write about today. Just thought I would let you know.
I find myself at a crossroads, in regards to my little red bike. I am thinking about riding all winter. The problem with my bike is that the frame is much too small for my gigantic self. I basically look like a gorilla riding a tricycle. Well, it might not be that bad. Okay, what am I talking about here. Get it together, Rhett.
Pros and Cons.
Pro:
- Riding all winter means not walking, which will save about 15 minutes.
- Riding all winter means no bus—not waiting, no standing, no missing.
- Riding all winter means I’m tough, because I would have to be strong.
- Riding all winter means I’m earth-friendly. I like the earth.
Cons:
- I have to go down/up a steep hill, probably 6-8% grade.
- It will be really cold.
- I will be wearing a helmut so I can’t do my hair/I will have to shave it all off. And I won’t look nice. Have to wear hardy clothes.
- I need to buy a new bike that fits me.
I am not sure what to do. I also hear that riding all winter is hard on a bicycle. If I keep my little, red, communist bike then I will most likely need to buy studded tires, mud flaps and gloves or those things that cover over hands.
What should I do? What am I not considering?
Riding all winter in Calgary: not a problem, I took the bus once before I realised this! Calgary has the traffic and the pathways to accomodate year round cycling. Pathways are cleaned immediately after snowstorms. Bus routes are also awesome, as you can ride relatively safe in the bus lane. The traffic combined with much milder winters than Regina melts any snow that they get you actually don’t need studded tires (I never) and can pick up some good knobby tires at MEC for $6 each. Riding all winter is really not that hard on the bike, freeze thaw is a little tricky and a little rust will occur but all and all well worth it!! Try to find a used bike on PinkBike.com (based out of Calgary) you are likely a 19 or 20 inch frame!! Dress in layers, get panniers (bike bags that attach to frame), get a MEC rain cycling jacket with pit zips, your hair will be fine and on the plus your manliness will increase much better than nice hair, haha.
I may be Calgary bound in the mid to end of October – bike shopping!!
Right on Rhett you can do it!!
You should get a hairmet. I hear they are great.
Good call Tanya
Ride all winter! It is ridiculous to take the bus and pay money.