Bicycles on ice? Yes, definitely challenging yet extremely
rewarding. With the right bicycle, proper care of your equipment and
winter-bicycling skills you can bicycle for convenience, commuting, and for exercise
or pleasure throughout the year. With the fresh air, a winter wind and amazing
scenery you will arrive feeling alive, refreshed and accomplished. Icebiking,
also known as Snowbiking or winter bicycling dates back to the days of the
horse and carriage. Prior to the popularization of the automobile, bicycles
were a major means of transportation throughout the United States. “The freedom
of movement afforded by the bicycle would not easily be surrendered to autumn
breezes or winter chills. Getting off the bicycle meant walking in many cases.”
Maintaining control of the bicycle on icy roads requires a
different riding technique. Riding slower, using back brakes, sitting upright
as you navigate and being aware of narrower streets due to plowed snow is
important. Metal-studded tires improve traction, chains and hub gears shield
the drive train, and drum and hub brakes operate when wheel rims are caked in
ice. With unpredictable conditions, your frame must be able to handle changing
road conditions. Mountain bikes with wider tires are a must in heavy snow and
ice. Bixby Bicycles has a full line of Mountain Bikes available.
The right handle-bars, fenders with mud flaps, and proper clothing
are a necessity. Dressing in layers allows the skin to breath, and proper
sunglasses allows the rider to see through snow-glare, the reflection of the
sun on newly fallen snow and in blowing snow. Being seen is also important.
Wear brightly colored clothes easily seen in cloudy, stormy and foggy weather;
reflection tape is essential.
Enjoy your bicycle year round, even in every changing
Oklahoma weather. Buster Brown, our USA
Certified Cycling Coach offers instruction in Icebiking, and Bixby Bicycles and
Accessories specializes in mountain bikes, winter equipment and winter wear. If you keep
your crank spinning, sit upright, keep your front wheel light and your
handle-bars high, riding on snow and ice can be just as rewarding as
snow-boarding or skiing. Following some simple rules, being physically and
mentally prepared, having the right equipment, gear and clothing will make Icebiking,
or Snowbiking a fun, safe and rewarding experience.
BUSTER BROWN, USA Certified Cycling Coach
Bixby Bicycles & Accessories
www.bixbybicycles.com
