I made bike frames for Trek in Wisconsin and rode my bicycle 10 miles each way. It wasn't bad most of the year, but there are certain snow conditions that make it impossible. Happened once in two winters. I grew up in the south, so the first time I got frostbite I went to the doctor (windchill at -20 F riding 20 miles per hour is damn cold, or so my wrist thought) . After that, I realized it wasn't that big a deal. One time I decided to go an alternate route and found out that the county only plowed the road to the last farmhouse -- oops. It was either ride an extra 5 miles in zero degree weather or walk about a quarter mile through 1 foot deep snow. It wasn't bad, except the 6' snow drifts. I'd throw the bike over the drifts and then climb over. When I got halfway there, I realized I chose the wrong path, but going back was just as far as going forward. Lost my big toenails that time.
My daughter says I can't ride my bike to work any more. One of the professors in my department rode his bike to work every day. Some idiot drove onto the shoulder and killed him in broad daylight. He said he didn't see him until he heard the collision. It doesn't suprise, some people have their head buried so far up their a-- it's a wonder they can drive down the block. I haven't heard about legal ramifications for this guy, I hope he at least loses his license. And has to ride a bicycle.  |