72 Years Old and First Time on Studded Tires

Studded tires allow an easier transition to winter rides.

 
I've been using studded tires for five years, and I never expected my husband to want to join me this winter on packed snow trails!

Here’s the backstory: My husband suffered a life-altering injury 35 years ago when he fell on ice while riding to work, resulting in a broken hip. That hip troubled him on and off for many years, which is partly why it took me so long to try winter riding myself. His mobility eventually declined until he had a successful hip replacement about three years ago.

Earlier in 2025, I came across an amazing deal on a pair of 26" lightly used 45North studded tires. They were just sitting in the basement, and I thought I might eventually use them or pass them on to our son’s girlfriend. To my surprise, my husband decided to put the tires on his old Bridgestone—a once-loved bicycle that had lost its appeal in favor of his more comfortable hardtail.

So far, we have gone on three outings. He’s gotten the hang of it, and with even better traction than my own tires, he’s considering putting studs on his 29er!

It just goes to show, you're never too old to try something new.

Pedaling Around Fort Collins and Beyond

Riding Loveland's Recreation Trail Loop.

My 10-day May vacation in Colorado was primarily visiting our number one son. This year, my husband drove out west, toting our mountain bikes so we could ride easy dirt trails in comfort. I often have problems with elevation, so I gracefully altered intense workouts with Fort Collins's easier and extensive trail network, many along rivers, parks, wetlands, and canals. Like last year, I rode my son's Specialized St. Laurent in the city.

A loop in Red Mountain Open Space. The Ruby Wash (lower right photo) was particularly challenging to navigate deep sand - thankfully, it was downhill, revealing a change in the landscape around each corner.

Springtime in the high desert is stunning. While parched and hot as early as June, I'm glad I came earlier this year. The open spaces steal my heart.

The Dams Loop is a training ground for various organized rides.

Our son mentioned we should ride The Dams Loop early on, but with the elevation gain - especially for flatlanders like us - I wasn't sure I could do it. After several days riding, drinking lots of water, and generally feeling good, I proposed that we should try it. I knew I was the weak link, standing in the pedals, taking breaks along with my husband to catch our breath, and despite the ferocious head and side winds, we made it! What beautiful views!

Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming, a real gem of trails snaking through aspen groves, pines, and around smooth granite rock formations. We barely touched the network of available trails. 

One afternoon we went on a bicycle brewery tour, organized by long-time friend, Rich. 

Downtime included relaxing at our son's house, walks, and ball throwing with big dog Doughnut, 

cycling for errands, scoring 12 oz 6-pack of delicious double IPA (bought solely due to the label art), and walking to a Food Truck rally. I helped out by weeding their overgrown front beds while enjoying wild bunnies that graze lawns, and my husband mowed the lawn. I particularly enjoyed long conversations with our niece, who joined their household in December. 3 people (son & girlfriend) plus dog and two cats who don't get along make for a complicated household! My husband and I camped in a nearby KOA.

We connected with cousin Kerry in Boulder, who led a fun-filled tour of Boulder Creek Trail, famed Pearl Street, and climbed to views of the Flatirons mountains. Compared with Fort Collins, Boulder is hilly!

Our accommodations for a week. I slept well!

Oh, Fort Collins and surrounding environs, I love you so...I'll be back.

The Specialized Hard Rock with the Best Bag Setup

The Specialized Hard Rock has become my alternative winter ride during Vermont's periodic dry spells. While the Peugeot step-through, bedecked with studded tires, always takes precedence on snowy surfaces, I've learned to keep a backup bike handy. The Hard Rock's wider tires strike the right balance for safety; handlebars easily support my lights; and two racks allow ample carrying capacity.

The best use for this bag.

Recently, I moved a favorite, versatile bag behind the seat, using it like a quasi-seat pack. Straps are secured to rails with buckles looping around the rack. Any weight is fully supported on the rack. It has been perfect: extra cargo space for a few tools, my purse, a lock, and room for other things. If I plan to pick up a few groceries, I bring an additional bag, attached to the front rack. In the past, all my bikes had panniers - the more space, the merrier! - but for once, just enough space seems like a better arrangement. It's also been much easier to clean the drive train.

I've thoroughly enjoyed riding the Hard Rock this winter.

The more I ride the Hard Rock, the more this bike makes me smile.  

A Collection of Bicycle Bags Suits my Style

 

Because I have five bicycles and I'm a regular rider, I have a broad collection of bags to suit every equation. Ready for a huge grocery shop, ladies night out, or coffee outside? I've got it all covered. A few special items stand out though, for their versatility and ease of use.

The above photos show the value and versatility of small panniers. I initially created these simple, light, and effective mini-panniers for my Dahon to avoid heal strike, but they've easily become my favorite Dutch style - connected - little gems. They're easy to strap on any rear rack, using adjustable buckles and hook and loop fasteners.

I've created a few of my own. 

Stem bags, snack bags, feed bags, stem caddy - whatever you want to call those highly functional tube-shaped bags that secure to handlebar and stem - are hands down my favorite storage device for their functionality. I have one on all my bikes and have used them for storing hankies, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, phone, beer can, thermos, lip balm, tiny purse - you name it. One of the most versatile bike accessories out there - everyone's selling their version.

Again, I repurposed a tech wallet into a fanny pack/bar bag to suit my Rivendell, but it's another highly usable bag, especially for travel. I sling it around my body for safety while handling bike gear, or strap it onto the handlebars while cycling, and/or as a waist pack. I have consistently enjoyed the padded pocket for phone, stow change or valuables inside the zip pocket, divvy credit cards, mask, and cash into the 3 mesh pockets or hand sanitizer and lip balm into the external zip pocket. I especially love the unique rose-patterned fabric.

I picked up a discontinued/discounted Po Campo children's bar bag, and with a sewing adjustment, it's become a tiny purse that easily detaches at my destination. With a pullout strap, I loop it around my body when I only require 3-4 small items.

I don't think you can go wrong with certain multifunctional bags, whether it's for shopping, traveling, attending outdoor events - we all need ways to carry things - that make our time outside more organized and safe.

What special bags are your favorites?

Riding in Winter - Reset the Mindset

Slow down, be safe, and if you live in northern latitudes, boost vitamin D.

Winter riding conditions in Vermont were waylaid by a month, something that I have mixed feelings about. Dry, warmer temperatures means it's easier to navigate with lights during after work rides. (I rode the Dahon a lot in December.) I venture further and ride multiple routes, and feel safer on dirt paths and trails. For as long as I can. 

On the other hand, frequent snow storms and plummeting temperatures within a week is a shock, and a different mindset takes over. Studded tires go on; snow goggles, bar mitts, and down parka come out; path choices dwindle, and I ride less in the dark, preferring weekend daylight and once a week rides to the office for better visibility. 

Staying warm is less of an issue because of previous years testing my cold weather stamina and figuring out appropriate gear. It didn't take long to adapt to riding on snow either, quickly reminded to lower gearing, loosen grip on the bars, and avoid erratic turns. (Kind of like a metaphor for life: sometimes you need to slow down but keep moving!) 

A destination is also a necessity, preferably at least a 10 mile loop, which seems to be the magic distance for enough exercise. 

Upon reflection, while my biking body prefers warmer temperatures, cold is more seasonable and allows me also to cross-country ski. Plus, sunset is nearly 5pm!

Gratitude

As we roll into the holiday season, I can't do what I do without the support of those around me. To my gracious, loving, helpful, and supportive husband, thank you for all you do to keep our lives in balance, for having coffee ready every morning to prop my eyelids open and get out the door to help support my mom in her home. I'm thankful for both sons, the eldest flying home for a weekend to celebrate his dad's birthday, the younger for his patience and bicycle knowhow, for upgrading my fleet, not laughing when I ask stupid questions, for slowing down when we ride together. For the beauty around our home, river view, two bike paths, wildlife, spotting deer on night rides, eagles and herons, turtles butting against our home that we gently guide on a different path, and the colorful diversion that I'm finding within myself, exploring painting again. The role that the bicycle plays in my happiness is another constant, a steadfast companion that keeps me on even ground - to you I'm eternally grateful.

Ditching the Mirror

For a while I've ridden without mirrors on any of my four bikes. It wasn't a conscious decision and evolved over time, with switching handlebars, updating controls, etc. I meant to reinstall mirrors but learned I hardly needed the rearview vision with my current style of riding: mostly upright bikes with better awareness, on bike paths, rail trails, and dirt roads. Funny thing is, I used to be an advocate of mirrors, but now I'm happier, avoiding contact with automobiles, thus the accessory became unnecessary. 

What has been your experience?

Winter Riding Tips

Let your body and terrain be your guide.

Whether you're aiming to ride in 45F or through a New England winter, take it in stages. Things to consider are listed below in order of importance, devoid of recommended brands (other than lights) - you probably have cold weather layers in your closet. Your comfort level, goals, and climate are also important factors. And remember, it's a process.

Know your body
Do you run hot or cold? Under most winter conditions - darkness, rain/snow - means you'll generally be slower than in summer, spring, or fall. Prepare to be snug and warm when setting out, paying attention to the big three: head, hands, and feet - you can always remove clothing as you warm up.

Know your route and forecast
Preview your preferred commute. Are there bridges, depressions that collect water, hills to be aware of ahead of dropping temperatures? Allow extra time to understand changing conditions and to get to your destination on time. Pay attention to the forecast before heading outdoors. Let common sense be your guide.

Length of time outside
Allow time to learn about your personal cold weather tolerances. Think of it in terms of how long you'll be pedaling rather than distance traveled. Can you stay warm for a 15 minute ride? One hour? Factor in stop lights and intersection crossings if those are part of your route. I discovered I'd stay plenty warm for a 30 minute ride in any temperature.

Take it one step at a time
Start with pedaling when roads/paths are dry/clear. Focus on how to stay warm. You'll develop confidence. Then, if desired, perhaps you'll take it to the next step, riding on snow, if that's of interest. Just riding in colder weather can be liberating!

Day or night
Nighttime rides offer an added dimension: can you see what obstacles lie ahead? Can you spot that icy patch or downed limb? There's no substitute for good lights. Cygolite, Nightrider, and Light & Motion are all great brands among many others. All offer a range of pricing and brightness settings. 500 lumens is a good starting point - plenty to light up unlit bike paths, not to mention wild creatures, plus oncoming pedestrians and cyclists who failed to illuminate themselves.

There's no magic formula
If you want more ideas, check out the following blogposts that illustrate my progress:

2015 - 2016 finding a light, 3 weeks in, the learning curve, motivation, 

2016-2017 gearing up for the 2nd year, preferring to be in control, 

2017 - 2018 freedom is a down jacket, knowing my limits

2018 - 2019 starting to ride on snowy paths

2020 - 2021 The next level: Studded tires, warm boots, lined helmet, bar-type mitts

Vincita Dutch-style Top Loading Skye Panniers Review

 

I am enamored with the budget-friendly Vincita Skye Panniers! I had wanted to replace worn, smaller panniers with something of equal volume, however what I got was double the size - and I couldn't be happier. 

Four hook and loop fasteners, secure the Dutch-style panniers to the rack with one at the bottom so the bag stays in place. When empty, the bag remains flat. There are additional hook and loop fasteners along the top edge for expanding, yet secure for additional groceries, or leave the top open for maximum storage. The side buckles can also stay open, but the straps are short enough to clear the spokes. There is a zipper pocket to store valuables or, in my case, for a cargo net for additional rack top volume. 

I like the minimalist design, low cost, and color selection. The panniers are backed in black material, so I had no qualms buying a colored version. They also come with a rain cover of which I have not yet tested. The roll top design itself can withstand a light shower. I purchased mine on Amazon.

Look at the volume! Wedge-shaped when extended, cargo tends
 to stay in place without a top closure.

MoGee Muffs - a Pogie for Beginners?

Trying MoGee Muffs on my winter commuter bike.

I hadn't given a thought to using pogies before - those chunky-looking mitts attached to handle bars, seemingly made for brutal winter weather - until an Adventuring Cycling newsletter appeared in my inbox with a link to an article Geared Up: Falling for Autumn. One of the reviewed items were MoGee Muffs, a brand of inexpensive pogies. With arthritis creeping into my hands and several numb fingers, the timing was fortuitous. Last winter - my first with studded tires - I primarily used insulated mittens, which worked out reasonably well, though I couldn't stop for long at 10F. 

The mitts are designed for upright - or slightly curved handle bars as is my case - with a drawstring enclosure to cinch however you want, and easily removed once at your destination. There is ample space to insert bare or lightly gloved hands, but be able to grasp thumb shifter and brake levers. After several rides of 1-2 hours in 20-40F, so far, I'm impressed at how warm my hands are!  It's interesting that even with some air allowed past the closure, allowing cables to freely move, the mitts still provide incredible warmth. I'm looking forward to toasty hands as we sink further into winter.

Our son used the MoGee Muffs for days before he "let me" have them back. Guess who's getting a pair for Christmas?

The only unnecessary feature, in my opinion, are the four exterior pockets. Mitts are interchangeable, right and left - pockets designed for cell phones or goodies. I prefer to store my phone in my jacket pocket to protect it from the elements and from cold potentially draining the battery. I have storage options with panniers. I considered removing the pockets altogether, but since they're unobtrusive and the logo is fairly small, I'll leave them as is for now. 

From my experience, it's easier to extract hands versus inserting, which requires minimal wiggling as I reposition hands back onto the bar. I ride mostly rail trails at this time of year, so I have little use for hand signals and interactions with traffic. I have yet to test fast extraction if there's an emergency, like if you are falling and want to catch yourself, so that aspect has yet to be reviewed. As a one size fits all mitt, my average sized hands are fine. If you have large hands, you might have trouble. 

For instant warmth, especially if you suffer from aching, cold hands, these affordable bar mitts might be the answer. Unless, of course, you have battery heated motorcycle gloves like my neighbor!

The Simplest, Easiest Bike Overnight

The Peugeot Saint Laurent, my commuter bike, is perfect for a quick bike overnight.

We are lucky to live a two-mile ride from - along a stellar lakefront rail trail, no less - our cozy camp on Lake Champlain. It's a spot that holds family memories, the best place to relax on breezy summer days, accompanied with refreshing lake dips. There's nothing better than sipping a cold drink while relaxing in cushioned deck chairs, then later on, marveling at beautiful sunsets - in short, the camp and its view are a treasure!

I have mentioned staying at camp in the autumn, and a fun family ride for a coffeeneuring outing, plus errands - all when we lived 6 miles away, through a maze of tight neighborhoods, near a busy university and hospital. Fast forward to 2020, relocating closer to the lake, getting settled, then enduring a record-breaking hot summer. I lost interest in visiting this family residence. Looking back, it was a period of major transition, and our perceptive youngest son said something that hit home: camp for him meant hanging out with friends and family, not encouraged in 2020. Certainly, a rollercoaster year we'd all like to put behind us.

In 2021, vaccines are making family events look promising. I have renewed interest in this amazing spot, even though we reside near water. It's been by far, best to eat dinner at home, pack a few necessities in panniers, then pedal 20 minutes to camp. We eat breakfast with a view of the lake, then return to work from home. I have packing down to a science, filling two small panniers. I schlep all belongings back and forth, lending freedom based on weather or mood.

I can't think of an easier bike overnight, and yet so worth it!

In Love with the Bern Muse Winter Helmet

Bern Muse helmet in action.

As previously mentioned, my goal was to ride throughout the 2020-21 winter. Along with getting the right footwear and longer length windproof jacket, I found a comfortable insulated helmet: the Bern Muse. 

I tried on numerous brands of ski helmets at our local Sierra Trading Post - to keep the cost down, especially if I was adding a third helmet to my collection! I immediately fell in love with a purple colored Scott brand, but the padding was too thick, which pinched my head. The Bern Muse is geared towards burly helmet protection with a lightweight liner, in the classic visor style - indeed the overall helmet weight was half of the heavier padded options, which I knew would translate to less neck strain on longer rides. Definitely a better trade off - getting the right fit was critical as I wanted the helmet to be part of my routine winter setup.

The color scheme is not my favorite (only choice in my size), but the removeable liner and full coverage ear flaps won me over.

The back of the helmet has a clasp for goggles.

Since November, I've tried various weight balaclavas, neck warmers, and beanies underneath so I'm not overheating on rides. I've settled on a lightweight balaclava or thin wool beanie plus a thin neck warmer  to use as a makeshift mask when passing other riders. Goggles have helped during snow blinding conditions for depth perception or to keep my face warm, but generally I have a love/hate relationship with goggles in conjunction with mouth/nose coverage - feeling like I can't breathe in addition to partially fogged goggles. 

The Bern helmet completes my necessary winter riding trifecta: adequately covered head, hands, and feet - items that should serve me well for years to come.

My Favorite Winter (Cycling) Boot - The Storm Chaser

I've found the best easy slip-on winter boot that's perfect for walking, driving, and has brought my winter cycling to a new level: LL Bean's Storm Chaser Boot. 

With a thick sock the footwear is loose enough to trap heat - indeed I can wiggle my toes - yet with a stiff sole and heavily insulated interior, plus a waterproof exterior, is perfect for whatever a Vermont winter throws our way.

This is the first time that my feet are warm and dry while riding a bike. I'm amazed that I generate heat - if you're a cyclist you know how difficult it is to keep extremities warm. Yesterday, I cycled for 1.5 hours in 10F weather and was pleasantly warm, even while struggling homeward against a biting wind. Now that's a good boot!

Decent, grippy tread plus a removable inner sole that provides arch support.
Comes in a variety of styles and colors.

I'm thrilled when I discover new gear that aids in my outdoor enjoyment. What have you found that helps you appreciate winter?

2020 Rewind

Rolling into 2020, I knew our lives would change - plans were underway to relocate to a new home by May/June, which eventually happened, so it has been a bittersweet year. In fact, for most of 2020 I've been full of gratitude.

I spent January and February bike commuting to work, per usual, not minding the cold but wary and careful of slick surfaces. Looking down the road, I was mentally and physically prepared for a future double-the-length commute, and in fact I applauded a challenge, primarily because of cycling on a flat, car-free path with Lake Champlain views.

"Furloughed" in March, I busied myself with old and new home tasks and regularly checked in with my mother's household. I exchanged regular commuting miles for bicycle challenges to keep the wheels turning - a savior in an upside down year: Burlington Historical signs, Visit Little Free Libraries, visit Burlington Parks, and my annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. 

2020 was also full of wrenching, getting to projects earlier than anticipated. In April I upgraded my Clementine, swapping handle bars and tires, and a bit later dismantled the Trek Antelope, plus swapped the Peugeot commuter's bars for a more swept back version.

Along with new home sewing projects, I took a deep dive into more creative bikey things. I researched and figured out how to repair old panniers, added a custom bar bag to the Dahon, sewed 3 stem bags, and had fun with a pink reflective vest.

Bicycles and the freedom they provide took on special meaning in a socially distant, brave new world. I was thankful to ride the folding bike for transportation and exercise - or any bike at all - due to a thumb injury, but the Dahon's grip shifters allowed me carefree miles. After a wonderful staycation, quite unexpectedly, I purchased my first hardtail mountain bike, a Trek Marlin 7, in September. The bike added a new dimension to fall foliage rides and avoiding crowded MUPs: meandering in nearby wooded trails alone or with my new dirt-loving, live-in buddy. I'm dreaming of future adventures aboard the Trek. It's bizarre (fortuitous?) that I replaced one Trek bicycle with another in the same year! I have the desire to keep on trucking throughout a Vermont winter - even without a regular commute - recently adding studded shoes on my Peugeot St. Laurent.

For so many, 2020 has been tough, We're fortunate to have secure housing and plenty of food. But it has taught us to be humble, to be giving, and be thankful. Though I'm still seeking a safe employment situation, learning and creativity has been my salvation on top of regular cycling. I've completed an intro to Excel class and have started a personal project, tailored to track my bicycle mileage and specific statistics. 

And, somewhere amidst all the life changes, I almost overlooked two milestones: I've been blogging for 10 years and surpassed 3000+ riding miles in 2020. 

Be well friends.

Dedicated Winter Bike 2.0

A dusting of snow has already coated our cycling paths. It has melted, but it's got me thinking about riding throughout the winter again because, at some point, snow will be here to stay - if we're lucky and I hope we are - it also means enough coverage to ski in local parks.

After getting rid of a too small Trek Antelope earlier in 2020 that served for two years as a practice winter bike, (never tried studded tires) I'm ready - I think - for the next step.

I've spent some time pondering exactly what that next bike should be: Do I want a lean maintenance-free machine, converting my step-through Peugeot into a 365 Bike and use currently owned 26" studded tires? I also have an extra wheelset, which means I could swap wheels when needed, though in reality the hassle wouldn't be worth it. Or, I could purchase a cheap single speed fat bike - I've always loved the comfort of cushiony 4" tires. But the coolest thing ever - to be honest I'm dreaming big - would be a 20" fatter tired bike like the Velo Orange Neutrino. which might cone in handy for multimodal commuting, using our local bus service. 

After all my internal ramblings, I've decided to slap the studded tires on the Peugeot St. Laurent and try it out for the snow season. If that's successful, then eventually I might have Old Spokes Home convert the bike into a 365 bike - the model is a perfect candidate.

Dedicating the Peugeot to winter duty still allows a range of perfectly suitable bikes for the rest of the year: skinny-tired fender-less Peugeot UO 14 for fair weather rides, Dahon Boardwalk, and with safe bike parking, the Rivendell Clem could also work. All are unique bicycles that would be efficient commuters (plus give me a variety of riding styles).

I think I answered my own question.

After another snowfall that has lingered for days, I was ready to get out there. Today I mounted the studded tires and rode in more fresh snow that started the moment I left home and continued for the entire 8 miles I was outside! To be honest, it's helpful that I primarily ride on flat trails.

I had so much fun. I can do this!  

Le Peug with studded tires. I removed the front basket for better visibility while using a front mounted light, and sporting an older set of small panniers.

2019 Rewind

If there is one word that describes 2019, it is transition. I'm proud of a leap in creativity, overcoming and fully embracing riding on snow, thoughts on replacing one bike for another, an amazing hiking adventure that stretched my physical limits and unfortunately lowers the bar for future long distance hikes, and finally an upcoming relocation that's filled our thoughts since October.

I find writing this year end blog post very therapeutic - a chance to reflect - so I can move forward. Equally important to recounting is writing (and referring back to periodically through the year) a future goals/ideas type of blog post - not so detailed to feel overwhelming - but to set an intention, which gives me something to look forward to. When winter rolls around, I anticipate future trips, thoughts, new places to see, etc. for the coming year. It keeps me going!

I fully embraced the Dahon in 2019, focusing on lowering the gearing, fixing a broken fender, making a water bottle holder, pouch thingy, (from scratch!) and creating small panniers. While riding the brilliant, easy to mount folder, quite a lot this year, I realize I would be perfectly content if I had to make a choice of having one bike - the Dahon is it. This simple realization is liberating.

My heart wasn't in planning my own overnight excursions in 2019, but I found a solution: hook up with a cool trip to Law Island and a WTF Explorers weekend. Both adventures stretched my comfort zone - never forget your sleeping bag! In addition, Adele and I made our annual pilgrimage to Quebec happen with last minute planning. I'm so fortunate to have an adaptable companion.

In September I went on a two week hiking adventure with my husband, a 100 mile circuit of Mont Blanc, often referred to as the TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc). With daily steep ascents and descents, it was very difficult terrain, but easily the most beautiful scenery. With complications in places to stay, and the busiest trail I've ever seen (in the off season no less!), and very sore knees (yours truly), it was a wonder we were able to finish every mile. Going forward, I've given myself permission to avoid difficult hikes from now on.

The Coffeeneuring season has turned me into a confident winter rider. For the second year in a row, November's arctic blast and early snowfall meant toting a thermos when I otherwise might've stayed indoors. With a chosen theme to explore a neighboring town - where we'll eventually move in 2020 -meant a least a 15+ mile round-trip ride, often in temperatures of 20F. Because of the coffeeneuring challenges, I believe a year from now, when my commute distance doubles (9.5 miles each way) on mostly flat bike path, I'll be able to ride to work on many wintry days.

Emotionally I'm ready to let go of one ill fitting bicycle. I am also considering acquiring a hard tail mountain bike as I have a desire to ride trails. I've also accepted that blog posts will remain infrequent (though follow me on Instagram at @annie.bikes for photos). I'm content with this social arrangement.

I'm ready for 2020 - are you?

The Journey: Becoming a Year-Round Rider

It's been a slow process, from adjusting to riding in complete darkness, wearing appropriate winter clothing, switching to flat pedals, finding and altering the perfect (for me) work pannier, stretching coffeeneuring outings a little beyond my comfort zone, to seeking out weekend rides in winter. And lately, I've been quite comfortable riding on a little snow. A traffic-free route has allowed me to experiment with what's possible, adjusting attitudes, lowering speeds, and walking when it makes sense: to warm feet, negotiate a steep incline, or to skirt a patch of ice.

It's been totally worth it!

Traveling at 10 mph is my favorite way to explore. I enjoy walking also, but by challenging myself to stretch my idea of what's rideable, or not, I've been pleasantly surprised at what I can do.

All of this feels like a culmination, and liberating! It's made our decision to move further away from my office very acceptable. Living closer to the lake means I'll have a much longer though a welcome, prettier commute. It will be an adjustment, I'm sure, but in the end worthwhile.

One step at a time.

Winter Cycling, a Challenge in Itself

There are different realms within winter cycling, whether it's challenging yourself to ride on snowy or only dry roads, ride at least once per month, or to be able to withstand a certain temperature. Throw in commuter cycling versus pleasure cycling and "winter cycling" covers a broad spectrum. Riding in 30 degrees in Washington DC could be very difficult for some while hearty Swedes might consider similar temperature as balmy spring riding weather. We all have different tolerances. Distances, temperatures, and lifestyles are a significant factor in whether winter cycling is doable.

Until recently I've been a fair weather winter transportation cyclist, riding only when dry roads prevail. However, something has undoubtedly changed and I've made a personal breakthrough. It wasn't one big decision, but rather a metamorphosis over the span of a couple months.

In November cold descended early upon Vermont. I struggled to complete the Coffeeneuring Challenge and pedaled on weekends in 20 degree cold aided by a thermos filled with a hot beverage.  Miraculously, I kept warm.

In December cold days prevailed, but I refused to give up weekend pleasure rides and kept at it, dressed warmly, and actually enjoyed sunshine and lake views. It was a revelation that cycling along the waterfront meant peaceful meanderings. Gone were the summer and fall crowds. Hello quiet sunsets and awesome clear air!

On New Year's Day I set out again, breathing in cool air and after stopping for a blazing sunset, popped on my lights and rode home through quiet neighborhoods.

And then, just last weekend during a cold snap I waited until mid-afternoon to get outside. The temperature had risen to 13 degrees. It would've been my first ski of the season on powder snow, and yet because it was faster to dress for bike rides, rather than switching sports and driving 2 miles to a nearby country club, I chose to spin wheels. The Burlington Greenway was sketchy, with packed snow and ice in places, but I prevailed. My feet grew chilled after a while; the remedy was jogging a bit, but that's probably my limit for pleasure rides.

Monday I rode to work in zero degrees or slightly below, depending on which weather source was accurate! I rode on snow covered paths then resorted to snow packed, gritty sidewalks with occasional bare spots. This would normally be beyond my comfort zone, but conditions were rideable and I didn't freak out, but instead slowed to a manageable speed. The downside of those conditions was that I had to clean a dirty drive train.

I don't know if I'll continue riding on weekends. I've pushed my limits - something I never expected - and broken a barrier, so only time will tell whether I will keep it up.

Winter Commutes - I'm Back!

Snow piles at Overlook Park, South Burlington.

A weekend road ride in 45F fueled the hunger for getting back into riding to work. Bike paths still needed to dry out, but pavement was fine, which fired me up to look at alternate, navigable routes.

Lake Champlain vista, Overlook Park, South Burlington.

My normal route encompasses two bike paths, but thinking outside the box to include neighborhoods and quiet streets could still make for a pleasant ride. After reconnaissance by foot and bus, I formed a workable plan.

Staying organized is key. to getting back into  winter commuting, especially with the extra clothing required to stay warm.

I've ridden two days so far this week, a brisk 10F ride and today in 15-35F, linking one path (walking a few short icy spots) and mostly on road. It will take me a while to get back in the groove. I forgot to wear earrings one day and I can't locate my normal cable lock, though a purple chain lock is adequate for my relatively safe workplace outdoor parking.

I know I've come full circle when I arrive home, smiling, and unpack my pannier onto our entryway. floor, and begin the process of putting away my belongings.

After six weeks without bike commuting, I'm thrilled to be back on two wheels. And only time will tell - either that or the furry guy emerging from his burrow tomorrow - as to how often rides happen.