FLCC> Winter Cycling Conditions in Ithaca

[Scott W Brim]

On 09/06/2006 11:24 AM, John Rieffel allegedly wrote:
> My current commute from Thomas Rd to Cornell is along Ellis Hollow  
> Creek to Stevenson to 366.  November-March, what can I expect the  
> roads and shoulders to look like at their best/worst?   Might there  
> be a better route to take in nasty weather?  What kind of bikes do  
> you all ride in the winter?  How many days this winter will it be  
> faster to ski to work than bike?

I used to commute year-round to Cornell, even when it was -5 out (I
walked into the office looking like the Michelin Man).  I stopped when
my job moved downtown because I was afraid the cars on State St. would
slide out of control and take me with them.  I rode a mountain bike
with deep tread tires, but never spiked tires -- yes I did slip on the
ice occasionally.

I think your route sounds like it would be okay except you'll probably
have to walk up Turkey Hill on some days.  366 would be okay since
there aren't serious hills.  It depends where you are at Cornell.  You
might consider turning left on Game Farm Road to take the bike path
all the way to Pine Tree/Judd Falls and pick up 366 there.  I've
ridden it in the snow and it can be fun (wear overpants and booties),
and iirc they plow it eventually.

swb