Monday, January 03, 2011

Riding Through the Slush

Did you know that a "dry" slush (more ice than water) and dry pavement look a lot alike from a distance of 6 feet or more?

That was news to me.

As I rode home tonight I spied a large patch of "slush" as I turned on to Fifth Avenue. Being the smart rider that I am, I switched sides of the street and kept my eyes peeled for other patches. I rode on the left of Fifth Avenue for 10 or so blocks before I realized that most of the "slush" patches I was seeing on the right side of the street were ... wait for it ... dry pavement. D'oh!

There were no incidents on my ride home and only one small skid on some slush on the way uptown this morning.

Why did I ride, knowing that there was still icy stuff on the streets?

Because it makes me feel good.

It's kind of like a drug addiction.

But good for me.

As long as I don't fall. (and I didn't)

I find that on the days that I drive I tend to be grumpier and more tired and less productive and on the days that I ride I am generally a nicer, more tolerant person.

That said, given a repeat of today's road conditions and my need to ride at dawn and dusk, I will probably go for the car from now on. It was a bit scary and I'd rather be grumpy then scared.

(And if anyone is looking for FABULOUS, really warm athletic gear run, don't walk, to Col d'Lizard. I'm still trying to figure out how little of it I can wear and not overheat. I've already lost two layers on top and really seem to only need one on my legs. Basically, I am comfy and a lot less bulky than last year. No affiliation, I just LOVE their stuff and have ordered for the entire family!)

3 comments:

Dave Daniels said...

You are one brave woman. I can't imagine NOT wearing boots right now, let alone hopping on a bike. I'll have to keep an eye open for those dry slush spots.

Cookie said...

Riding must be relaxing compared to fighting traffic. Thank goodness you made it home in one piece!

Anonymous said...

Be careful out there ---- but, I totally know what you mean. Car driving can be so stressful (said the woman that has been almost hit by distracted-driving police TWICE since Christmas --- one was on the computer, I don't know what today's cop was doing, but he was looking down and drifted across the center line into my lane :::rolling my eyes:::

I'm sure the exercise early in the morning really gets you awake and ready for the day!