Dave Simmons

Cold Ride Well I'm back from my ride. Two and a half hours out in the blizzard. 16 degrees, 30mph winds with gusts over 40mph. That's -15 degrees windchill! Good thing I was prepared with the best Patagonia and Lake shoes have to offer. I started out with my 36x18 gear ratio on the Pugs. It was tough going north into the wind. At times I was standing up and barely able to move forward. I made it to the bike shop and promptly swapped front and rear wheels to the 36x20 gear ratio. It made a noticable difference. I think I will be leaving it that way for now. Maybe even get a 22 tooth freewheel or a 34 tooth chainring. My legs are pumped after that workout. While at the bike shop I picked up a pair of ski goggles. They are a must have for riding in the wind in winter. No fogging, and they kept the skin around my eyes warm. I left the shop and headed north on my winter riding loop. It was tough going into the wind again, but even tougher with a cross wind. At one point I was crossing 42nd Ave and I had to get off my bike and literally crawl across the icy road. I must have looked pretty stupid. I couldn't believe all the cars that were out tonight. The roads were glare ice. At least I could ride on the sidewalk or where there was some snow on top of the ice. There were cars sliding all over. I got as far north as the loop takes me and started to head back south. That was fun but kind of scary going that fast, legs spinning wildly, on the icy spots. I came over the point bridge from East Grand Forks, and the wind was blowing me right into the guard rail. I had one hand one the rail and the other working the brake and steering. Skills training at its finest. Well I made it home with all my fingers and toes. Can't wait for the next ride. Here are a couple pictures. Two of the Pugs thawing out, and one of me thawing out. Hopefully I have this picture thing figured out. Enjoy.