Innovating forecaster highlights potential for very snowy winter in Mid-Atlantic, D.C

[PotomacCyclist]

NBC Washington is predicting 20-25 inches of snow in DC over the winter, with 30-50 inches out to the west of the immediate DC area.

Above average temperatures in December, January slightly colder than average, February significantly colder than average. Partly the effects of one of the strongest El Niños on record.

Whether or not these advance forecasts are accurate, we know it will be chilly over the winter. I just hope it’s not as bad as in February, which was one of the 10 coldest months ever in DC.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Winter-Weather-Forecast-At-Least-One-Major-Storm-344062632.html

[Crickey7]

I’m been gradually prepping the snow bike to be ready. The rest of the gear is pretty well set, though I wasn’t really happy with my footwear last winter–the shoes are a hair tight, which makes it really hard to wear the warmer socks. Still finding it difficult to stomach shelling out 200 samolians for dedicated winter boots.

[PotomacCyclist]

I don’t think I’ll wear bike shoes any time the temperatures are in the mid 40s and below. (Actually I’ve rarely worn bike shoes at all this year, since 99 percent of my bike trips have been on CaBi.)

I’ll probably do more work at home this winter so I won’t have to bike commute that often. When I ride for recreation, I’ll continue to ride CaBi nearly all the time. My regular winter boots will work better than any bike shoe (which has the gaping hole in the soles for the cleats).

If I ever decide to get back into any sort of athletic training, I might use spin bikes at the gym. Or get an indoor trainer and finally use my triathlon bike again. I’ve only used that for a total of about 5 minutes this year.

[DismalScientist]

I predict major whining by people who should meditate on Rule #9 and simply follow Rule #5.:rolleyes:

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

[Emm]

I actually got parking at work for the winter (and well, hopefully long term moving forward as long as they don’t lose and spaces). I will try to bike in when the MVT isn’t too icy, but last year I fell twice on ice walking to the metro during the winter, so I’m done metro-ing on days I can’t bike. If the weather really is super cold and snowy, I’m guessing my days biking this winter will be limited

[DrP]

@DismalScientist 128590 wrote:

I predict major whining by people who should meditate on Rule #9 and simply follow Rule #5.:rolleyes:

The problem with these references is that if you go looking for “the rules” they aren’t there any more. At least the link from http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?6846-The-Rules
goes to a “page not found” response.

[PotomacCyclist]

I never understood why we are supposed to follow some random rules that a bunch of dudes put together on some website.

[sethpo]

Just in time! I picked up a set of Marathon studded winter tires in 700×40 size. Should be good for anything that comes.

…ugh, sorry I even said that out loud.

[Tania]

@sethpo 128600 wrote:

Just in time! I picked up a set of Marathon studded winter tires in 700×40 size. Should be good for anything that comes.

…ugh, sorry I even said that out loud.

Where did you get them? The only place online (with decent prices) that I’m familiar with is Chain Reaction.

[ginacico]

@DrP 128596 wrote:

The problem with these references is that if you go looking for “the rules” they aren’t there any more.

Here are “the rules”. It took me months to figure out whatthehell people were talking about; I’m convinced obfuscation is part of the game. Now you know too, and we can all go back to breaking rules #1-3. :rolleyes:

@Tania 128603 wrote:

Where did you get them? The only place online (with decent prices) that I’m familiar with is Chain Reaction.

I had a long chat with the Schwalbe rep at Philly Bike Expo. He recommended ordering through your LBS, good for everyone in the supply chain — I’ve got new road tires coming (no, not studs). Chain Reaction is in the U.K., though they do ship stuff to the U.S. and have decent prices.

[Tania]

I’ve purchased two new bikes from my LBS since late summer so I’d like to save a little money now if possible so I can buy a third (a Beargrease). I’ve used CRC for the past five or six years now, their prices are usually pretty competitive if you can meet the free shipping minimum.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@PotomacCyclist 128598 wrote:

I never understood why we are supposed to follow some random rules that a bunch of dudes put together on some website.

Because comedy.

[consularrider]

@Tania 128609 wrote:

I’ve purchased two new bikes from my LBS since late summer so I’d like to save a little money now if possible so I can buy a third (a Beargrease). I’ve used CRC for the past five or six years now, their prices are usually pretty competitive if you can meet the free shipping minimum.

Yeah, it looks like Chain Reaction has the best deal at the moment, and two of the studded tires is over their minimum for free shipping. Amazon, BikeTiresDirect, and Wiggle all are about $6 per tire more. What size are you looking at?

[Tania]

@consularrider 128613 wrote:

Yeah, it looks like Chain Reaction has the best deal at the moment, and two of the studded tires is over their minimum for free shipping. Amazon, BikeTiresDirect, and Wiggle all are about $6 per tire more. What size are you looking at?

Not exactly sure of size. The new Jamis has clearance for 40mm but not sure what it will be with the fenders. Dirt suggested I hold off buying tires until we can see what I can run with fenders. Sage man, that one.

Have you bought anything from BikeTireDirect or Wiggle? Wiggle just sounds like it would be sketchy!

[consularrider]

I’ve bought tires from BTD including some Marathon Winters for my hybrid (700×35) that I now use on the Rove. My first Marathon Winters I bought from Peter White because they were hard to find anywhere else. I have lost more studs from the BTD purchased tires, don’t know why, but PW does claim to check each tire to ensure that all studs are seated correctly before shipping. He also cautions about riding aggressively on non-snow/ice because that can rip the studs out (you’ve seen me ride, I am the soul of calm and non-aggressive, right?).

As far as Wiggle, I have never bought from them, but I know several people in the states that routinely order from them when they have the lowest price.

[Author]

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