Comments on: Winter Commuting in Alaska:Things don’t always work out as we plan

By: Shanna Ladd

Shanna Ladd — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:59:51 +0000

Norm,
I did the wheelie thing in a busy intersection bringing home a floor roller! Ha.
I like the idea of the frame bag. I often have to stand to pedal and push through snow.

By: Norm

Norm — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:31:30 +0000

Guacamole – made! Eggs – prescrambled! Meat – tenderized! It’s not commuting, it’s multitasking!

I second Ted’s note on panniers. Less wind sail area and improved tipping stability than a big box atop the rack – however I find my front wheel gets unweighted when I have a full pannier load and I worry about popping unwanted wheelies if I sit up too straight.

By: mwmike

mwmike — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:13:17 +0000

Jack – You’re nuts! Move to Arizona.

By: Graham

Graham — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:52:31 +0000

Let’s re-write all those rules for bicycle commuters.. that would be fun!

By: Shanna Ladd

Shanna Ladd — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:19:06 +0000

The high wind is the beast! It is definitely time to solve the issue of getting stuff home – without making guacamole on the trail!! Thank you for the information. It is refreshing and helpful to hear from people who understand what I’m trying to do.

By: Ted Johnson

Ted Johnson — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:31:19 +0000

With the trails and conditions of your commute, I wouldn't trade in the ability to stand on my pedals for the benefits of a recumbent bike. I agree with the advice to try and get your load lower on the bike with some panniers -- bear-proof or not. I wouldn't start thinking about a front rack until you have maxed out your practical ability to carry cargo on your rear rack and frame. Revelate Designs is based in Alaska, and makes a frame bag to perfectly fit your Pugsley. Putting as much of your cargo weight in your front triangle as possible would really help your handling overall -- fewer falls. Revelate Designs Frame Bag for Surly Pugsley/Moonlander

By: BluesCat

BluesCat — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:08:31 +0000

Tim - Recumbents make excellent foul-weather bikes. I know a couple of people who ride them in snowy Norway. And, if she were to get one, Shanna could further address her wind problem by getting a fairing. Or, she could go all the way with a velomobile! 'Course, (chuckle), NOW we're talkin' initially about as much money as a USED CAR!

By: Shanna Ladd

Shanna Ladd — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 07:04:14 +0000

Matt H
At the beginning of winter, I listed out my top barriers: Fear of the dark, Dislike of being cold, Lack of courage. The wind didn’t occur to me. After I sold my cars & truck, I had to face my fears and barriers. I’m very glad I did.

By: Tim Sherman

Tim Sherman — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:30:36 +0000

Maybe a lower center of gravity and panniers would help in the wind or make falling less of an event. Take a look at this concept. Fat tires on a recumbent that will carry packs or panniers.

http://lightfootcycles.com/bike-models-overview/ranger/bigfoot-recumbent-off-road-bicycle/

By: Ted Johnson

Ted Johnson — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:25:53 +0000

Jack: Is the Rule #9 of which you speak?

Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period. Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.

I'm not sure I agree -- but I think those rules are meant for racing maniacs, not for commuters. If I were to come up with a list of rules, this might be one (and I think Shanna might agree):

Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a prepared. Preferably. Fair-weather-only riding is the limited view for those think of bikes only as recreation and sports equipment. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are people who understand that no matter the weather, the benefits of cycling outweigh the benefits of the climate-controlled alternatives with their short-term comforts. In the morning, before any commute, these people check the weather and say to themselves, "I have gear and a plan for that."