The TCBC Bike University Program on Winter Bicycling was held via Zoom on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 07:00-08:30pm. Our own TCBC members, Scott Larson, Mike Beadles, and John Benda, who are all avid year-round bicyclists, provided a comprehensive overview of everything you need to consider when bicycling in the winter. They covered all the items listed below and had excellent discussions of their individual preferences on tire pressure, the use of studs, where they bike, and the types of clothing used.
- Types of Bicycles Used
- Tires & Use of Studs
- Tire Pressure
- Tubeless Tires
- Fenders
- Clothing
- Boots
- Gloves & Pogies
- Goggles
- Fleece
- Layering
- Masks
- Hydration
- Trails and Roads
Travis Norvell, the Pedaling Pastor, also talked about what he uses for winter cycling as he commutes every day. Travis is known to provide updates on bicycling conditions in the Twin Cities using the Twitter hashtags #mspcyclecast #mspbikecommute. His Twitter Account is https://twitter.com/pedalingpastor .
John talked about the University of Minnesota's research on transportation and happiness. That link is at https://farstaractionfund.org/community-power/?fbclid=IwAR0p5nRzlF1CGArA841lB7dWOHQZv77tx7HotSaOezr2KlIliwCyig9pp8I which also includes a Happiness Map at https://maps.umn.edu/transportation-happiness/. John also provided a link on trail plowing status in Minneapolis. That link is https://snow-event-requester-minneapolisparks.hub.arcgis.com .
Video is on the TCBC YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/MArMxqh7EfE
Wonderful, informative presentation everyone. It actually kind of got me a little excited to consider a fat tire.... Excellent job! Thank you Edward!
Great presentation! Thank you. Minneapolis does a pretty quick clearing of its on and off street bicycle facilities. Many of their on street bikeways are either bollard or curb separated from drive lanes which provide some safety from vehicles and separation from road spray. One example is the Whittier/ Lyndale bikeway that utilizes 1st Ave S from the Convention Center to 28th St and then Blaisdell Ave to 40th St. Plymouth Ave N from the River to Penn is another. I bike in winter on urban streets. I don't bike everyday and under every condition. I go out when I feel like it. I find myself riding shorter distances at slower speeds than the other seasons. 5 to 10 miles or an hour to and a half ride time is good. Plastic flat pedals allow me to get my feet off the bike quicker and keep them warmer. Dressing warmer on my lower body, arms, neck and head and less on my upper body helps with regulating my overall body heat. Studs offer great security but have seen that less when riding over 10 mph particularly with turns. Riding by myself helps me regulate heat. Slow down and unzip or speed up and zip up.
Thanks, Dan. I am glad you enjoyed the Bike U session. Your observations and advice is much appreciated too!
Edward: that was a super informative and helpful Bike U presentation. What a knowledgeable team you put together to get us all excited about winter biking. Thank you!!
Thanks, Linda and Karen! It was a great team. There are many others in the club that are winter cyclists too!
