Um, what do you have in mind for emergency veterinary transport? I'm asking honestly because that's the primary reason I still own a car. Lots of people keep their cars, but commute year-round by other means.
Panniers: I use them in winter all the time. They're not waterPROOF, but they keep enuogh of the elements out. If you want to get serious, get a pair of Ortlieb panniers. Fabulously expensive, but absolutely waterproof; nearly capable of stopping a bullet. In any event, I would definitely recommend some kind of panniers over a backpack, to lower your center of gravity. Backpacks make you way too top-heavy; snowy/icy streets accentuate this. About my only bike-specific winter clothing is a balaclava. Otherwise, I wear the scarf, winter parka, winter gloves/mittens, winter boots, etc. that I do when walking. Thermal undies help. Trailers are great for things like 40-lb bags of dog food. Presuming the Barrymore end of your commute is the home end, you're not far from Mounds on the Stoughton Frontage Road. It's an easy ride; basically take the LMR, but go east on Buckeye to the Frontage Road. Willy St. Co-op also carries a number of "quality" dog foods. Personally, if you have the time/inclination, I would recommend home-making the food. Way better quality, and since it's from human-food ingredients, there's no sales tax. But I digress... A lot of all-year cyclists get a second "winter-beater" bicycle. Salt and melting snow are rough on bikes, so consider something that won't break your heart if it wears out quickly. Shoot, you just missed the police bike auction, but just keep your eyes peeled for used bikes. Oh, and you might want to look into studded tires. I got a pair last year, and of course had little occasion to use them, but when I did, I was sure glad I had them. > From: John Moxness <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > i'm thinking of selling my truck and not replacing it. whoa! big move > here. so i figured i ask if any other bikies have done the same to find out > how they prepared and what things you just didn't figure on. i live about > 7 miles from work which would take me from the barrymore theatre area to the > intersection of whitney and university - a pretty bike friendly route. it > helps me out being that i live close to the jennifer street market. i just > wish i had a pet store around the corner too as i have a very large and > always hungry dog. > > please give me suggestions on winter clothing. i have done a fair share of > winter riding and i do have some winter riding gear but i've not had to rely > on it every day. how about a trailer/mule for hauling big stuff? i do > have a wonderful backpack made by vaude, siena 40 - i would suggest that > pack to all bikers!! i've never used panniers so i am clueless as to how > well they would work in a winter commuting situation. please advise. > > and if anyone thinks i'd be crazy to go completely carless i'd like to hear > your story too. > > thanks much for your input as it could produce one more full time year round > commuter convert. --------------- Paul T. O'Leary Desktop Insurgent Madison, WI USA _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
