Black Ice

I was discussing the merits of studded tires with a couple of friends last week. I argued that I wasn't going to get studded tires for my road bike. My reasoning was that if it was snowy and icy, I shouldn't be out on my bike - It is just too dangerous. They countered that studded tires were literally a life saver, particularly on black ice, which could appear unpredictably even on milder winter days.

This past Sunday evening it rained. Then, the temperature dropped and the rain stopped. Monday morning was clear, but it was cold. The conditions were perfect for black ice. The roads through town had been graveled, so my tires had something to grip as I made my way cautiously to the Chipman Trail. I hoped in vain that by the time I got to the trail, the temperature would have risen enough to melt the ice. The instant I turned onto the trail, however, my tires hit the icy pavement, and I was down in a matter of seconds. I banged my hip - it's still sore two days later. My bike went spinning on its side as if it were on an ice rink. Several other bike commuters were caught unawares by the black ice as I had been. One fellow was riding a recumbent. The lower center of gravity helped him navigate the slippery trail. The rest of us weren't so lucky. I saw people walking their bikes along the side of the trail or simply leaving the trail altogether and finding other ways to get to work.

I thought about calling Lysa to rescue me and drive me to Pullman. I decided instead to brave the trip. I figured that if I didn't make any sudden stops or turns, I would be ok. What really saved me was that the temperature eventually rose and melted the ice. The pictures in today's post show the trail at the end of my trip. Some of the ice on the trail can still be seen although much of it had melted by the time I took these photos

How I wished I had studded tires!

So today I took the plunge and bought a pair. I also bought a second pair of wheels so that I could leave the studded tires on the wheels and just switch them - wheel and tire - when needed. The whole set up - studded tires, wheels and cassette for the back - cost a pretty penny. However, the cost is minimal when I consider the harrowing alternatives. For instance, there was a terrible accident in Pullman last week when a biker slipped in the snow and slid under a bus. Slipping on ice on a bike is totally unforgiving. The two wheels slide out from underneath, and the rider is down in a heartbeat. I was fortunate that I went down on the trail away from cars, buses and other vehicles.