Comments sfrikken has made

  • safety and comfort

    I rode my first winter last year, here in Madison, WI. We had 100+inches of snow! They often plow the trails before our residential street, so we're mostly good.

    I am not a pro,  by any stretch, but definitely game. So, here goes!

    I agree with all of the above: Don't push it with the cars or bad roads. You cannot see the potholes underneath or sometimes at night. The hazards I encountered were also:

    The narrow roads and lanes, and ice ruts. No matter what kind of tires, if you hit a big ice track/rut sideways, it's tough!

    Studded tires,slightly deflated. They are miraculous! It's actually easier to ride on ice than on slush.

    For the cold and wind:

    -Balaclava. Head (ears!) cover, neck cover and face cover all in one. Wow. This and the gloves and the tires are my must haves.

    -Layer, layer, layer. I have a medium-thickness underlayer I got at REI - their brand -for a really great price. Very thin, comfy thermals that wick moisture and keep in heat. That plus thick, durable pants, and lots more layers on top are great.
    -Wind-proof outer layer. Rain pants on the bottom for wet days.

    -Goggles/wraparound shades. I used my $3 chemistry goggles for nighttime riding and they were lovely. Keeps the wind from tearing up your eyes,which can be really dangerous.
    -Hands and feet. Invest. I tried the neoprene shoe covers and they weren't very good. Layering with good socks worked even better, and I actually ride with my workboots in winter (waterproofed with beeswax treatment, very cheap), but you can find other waterproof options.
    Gloves. Get an inner thermal glove liner plus mittens with windproof outer coating or a really good all in one.
    Here are mine from North Face (used near zero degrees F and they worked really well):  http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfrikken/3028082861/

    Yes to fenders to keep the slush out.

    Yes to cleaning your chain and lubing it OFTEN (I am trying a new winter, biodegradable lube from Pedro's called "Chainj" this year.)

    If you cannot tell, I'm kind of into it, now! It is a challenge, and takes time at first, but it really keeps the cabin fever away.

    I need advice on glare at night AND  I hear yellow tinted lenses are good?

    -Susan
    On Umbra on winter biking posted 1 year ago 18 Responses

  • panniers

    I have the Topeak Pannier Dry Bags.

    http://newhorizonsbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39& ...

    They are amazing. I tote textbooks and notebooks daily, as well as other stuff, and they are perfect for all weather: they roll down and cinch shut. Large capacity, too.

    They are also strong, and come with a quick shoulder strap that you can clip on for transitioning.
    They also clip from the top and sides of the rack so there's no bouncing.

    I use mine for school, groceries, the gym, and for any other errand.

    This was my year to switch to primarily cycling as commuting, and I was able to do it in a record snowfall winter, too! Go, cycles!  On Umbra on hauling goods by bike posted 1 year, 7 months ago 11 Responses

  • Reusable Pads

    I have not yet tried the cups, but will likely do so after reading the above comments.

    I am a hygiene-conscious person, but the shift to reusables wasn't too hard for me.

    I have been using reusable pads for about 20 years, now. The benefits are incredible. I still have several of the same pads that I started out with! They last a very long time, even with soaking, and clean well (yes, minimal water use!). You just have to get a container to dedicate to soaking them to make it convenient. I have found the tubs that oxidation powder (for laundry/cleaning) come in are handy. Small profile, handle, and a lid so you can disguise it even if guests come over and you need to tuck it under the toilet or something.

    Other benes: If you get ones with a clean surface (refoldable, like these I just found--cannot find my originals--http://www.sckoon.com/scorcopadfaq.html#use), they are extremely clean against your skin.  Odor is less than with the plastic pads, as well. Absorbancy is awesome.

    Downsides: Traveling is tough--discreetly soaking them, stashing them in a plastic bag, etc. Also, workouts on bicycles are not recommended!
    On Umbra on that time of the month, again posted 2 years, 10 months ago 19 Responses

  • Reusing the washer, reducing consumption...

    I am sure EVERYONE knows Freecycle.org, but just in case, the old washing machine can go there. Many non-profits are on the lists, too, in addition to other needy/wanty people. It's a pretty amazing system that works. It gives me hope. Sign up if you can.

    Also, a great place to GET things, like clothing (reducing consumption and all that), baby items, pretty much anything. On Umbra on washing machines posted 4 years, 4 months ago 11 Responses