Xtracycle on Ice

Today's commute was darn near ridiculous. In past winters, I've always had to ride on the shoulder of roads that have been plowed or salted. This will be my first winter on the bike path... and perhaps my first winter with studded tires.

The plowed and salted roads meant that I never had to deal too much with icy conditions. I've been able to stay upright with no issues. Today was not the case. The entire bike path was a solid sheet of ice. I'm sure I was the only traffic to cross it this morning, so I was hitting the fresh ice with inadequate tires.

I love the way the Xtracycle handles on the slick surface, but I think studded tires may be needed. I had to get off my bike and walk it up one hill in the grass due to my lack of traction. The harder I pedaled, the more my back tire spun.

Right here I completely wiped out. My bike just flew out from underneath me and I smacked my left side to the ground. Bummer.

Now I have to make a decision. Is this slick unmanaged bike path going to force me to buy studded tires? Is that worth the money? I could easily take my old route and hang on the shoulder, but that's miserable. I've never had to deal with it before, so I'm really not sure what I will do.

I do know that today's commute took way too long and hurt a bit too much when I smacked the ground. I'm going to have to change something up. Oh well, it could be worse.

Get out there.