– Slideshow below –
(Photos © J. Maus)
There’s snow in the forecast around Portland this weekend; but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to leave the bike at home.
The last snow day I can recall was back in March, and from people I’ve talked to, they remember that day with fondness. Now, I realize snow is a big headache for some folks and that it causes PDOT all sorts of maintenance issues, etc…, but for those Portlanders who go by bike, it also brings something to be cherished — quiet streets with very few (and slow-moving) cars.
A snowy bike commute definitely presents some challenges, but with the type of minor snowfall we tend to get, it’s no reason to leave the wheels at home. On that note, I’ve put together a little slideshow of past snowstorms to keep you inspired…
Snow: Mother Nature’s traffic calming.
More snowy biking photos in the BikePortland Photo Gallery.
Thanks for reading.
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Be safe out there. A driver doesn’t know how little traction there is until it is too little.
*crosses his fingers for snow*
I’m an east coast boy, so I miss the hell out of the snow. hopefully there’ll be snow on sunday, and we’ll have ourselves a good ol’ fashioned snowbomb!
Great pics. After seeing them I am actually digging the idea of taking a ride in the snow. I’ve gone on plenty of snowy runs and they are great, the quiet, the tranquility!
Glad I’m returning home from a business trip tonight, I definately do not want to miss this!
I love biking in the snow. When it’s packed down traction becomes quite predictable and reliable with all but the most minimalist tread pattern.
If the snow gets thick enough, I might break out the skate skis.
… awesome
Jonathan,
This slide show had the desired effect on me. It makes cycling in the snow look doable and fun. I’m looking forward to pedaling in it!
the slip…the slide…the snow offers the best time to ride!
oh c’mon…it’s not really going to snow…um, is it?
Depending on where you are, there could be snow– or there could be a lot of snow. 🙂
I don’t really have the proper tires for snow-biking, so I’ll be either telecommuting, or putting my mad driving skillz to the test– I can handle the slippery, it’s the other drivers I detest! 🙂 I could wish the other drivers would learn how to drive! 🙂
Gotta get my studded tires out… Who want to ride up to Council Crest?
My 10 year old has a slumber party across town to go to Saturday. We both can’t wait to make the trip by bike in the snow! Good times. 🙂
a.O,
I’ll meet you up there. I live up that way and may take the mountain bike out just for kicks. I’ll be the guy on the mountain bike grinning like an idiot, or the one who fell down the hill. Either way I’ll still be grinning like an idiot.
Slide show? Was the pun intended or not?
Sunday night on Peacock Lane is shaping up to be a beautiful experience. I’m going over Tabor to get there!
thanks for the great photos…riding alongside the ‘holiday express’ down at oaks park this sunday could be a delightful experience
Woo-hoo! I love the snow biking! Bust out the mtn bike so I have disc brakes and better traction and bring it on!
video from a storm in January ’07:
http://drop.io/redbike
Cruising along Humphrey Blvd near Sylvan.
Snow rides are a blast!
Snow is one thing, but sheets of ice is another. What some east coasters don’t realize is that since our temps hover in the 30’s when it snows, it can get very icy to the point that even walking is difficult. The last time in 2004, it was fun to see the shock and horror of our friends who had just moved here from Colorado and thought that snow couldn’t phase them. I would recommend stocking your pantry this weekend because you never know…
Should add an element of fun and adventure for the MMR tonight!
oh snow riding is so cool… no traffic, the delightful crunch under my mountain bike tires… that would be awesome. No ice please!
😀
Don’t know what those cyclists in eugene are going to do? how are they going to see the leaves under all the snow?
Come participate by bike, ski, sled or whatever in a new Portland tradition.
Pass it on!
Stumptown Birkebeiner
An urban ski parade and race in downtown Portland – if it snows.
http://stumptownbirkebeiner.blogspot.com
Monday morning may be possible.
Here on the other coast of the continent (further east than Maine), ice and snow had come and gone a few times already – we’re not into real winter yet.
Patience and studded tyres are all you need … the rest is just like riding a bicycle.
On another note, fresh snow here on the weekend brings an opportunity to skate ski the streets before traffic or plows awake to ruin the fun.