 | | Dr. Mark in his dreams |
Most of my winter riding is a 5 mile commute to the bike shop on back roads. I have fallen down twice in the last few years, each time on ice. Ice is frequently found at the side of the roads and occasionally in the middle if there is a low, flat spot. I have learned to be very careful when braking, that is when the wheels can lock up on ice and put you down quick.
My winter bike is a mountain bike with a titanium frame (no rust thank you) and a steel fork. I have tires with two rows of studs and fenders . The pressure in the tires is 60 pounds. Lower pressure makes for a slower but safer ride. I use lights in the winter, even during the days. I have a flashing LED light in the front and a red flashing LED attached to my back pack. Motorists are not used to seeing bicyclists in the winter so lights and bright clothing help. Be sure you have a mirror so you can monitor the traffic.  | | Dr. Mark's favorit toe clips |
My pedals have “mini clips” on them. That is a partial cage that engages the toe, but no straps. This set-up permits easy removal of the foot in case of emergency.
What should one wear in the cold? I do not ride when the temperature is in the single digits or below. That is just too cold. Here we go from top to bottom: helmet cover, helmet, shellaclava (which is a skull cap and turtle fur for a neck gator. Next is a polypropylene shirt, winter jersey with center zipper, short sleeved vest, and finally a yellow gortex bike jacket. I have a yellow down-hill ski jacket that has three layers so I wear that jacket if it is 20 degrees or less. For gloves I have Trek lobster gloves that are a combination of a glove and a mitten. I wear regular bicycle shorts and cold weather,”Storm”, tights by Craft . For the feet wool sox are essential, and then flat soled shoes like the Lake MX 60, and finally booties (Trek) with a zipper in the front. When I get up in the morning, I put the gloves, shellaclava, shoes, and booties on the radiator so they can warm up before I depart for the bike shop. It is always nice to start out warm. Finally, be sure to wear some kind of glasses to protect your eyes. Stay warm and stay safe. Spring will come along some day. Dr. Mark Bio Dr. Mark Wheeler is a retired internist who moved to Maine 10 years ago. He arrived on his bicycle from Bellingham, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts. He is a licensed bicycling instructor by the League of American Bicyclists. He works part time at Bath Cycle and Ski in Woolwich, Me. |
; "Dr. Mark in his dreams")
; "Dr. Mark's favorit toe clips")
Retail Bicycle Price List: Trek, Kona, Lemond, Klein, Burly, Rans
