I finally got out for a nice ride last Sunday. The Illinois weather has been harsh lately and not overly accommodating to riding bikes outdoors. Those who dress like Eskimos and ride fat bikes might argue that the weather has been fine, but I don't fall into either of those categories, at least not yet. I normally prefer to ride my single speed during this time of year because the sloppy salty conditions aren't so harsh on the drive train, and also because a single speed is easier to clean up after getting dirty.
Between now and April 12th I like to ride as much of the Grumpy Grind route as I can. Some of the roads are pretty familiar to me, but I try to find new roads for each years event, and those are the ones I get excited to "try out". I think the route this year will once again provide some worthwhile scenery and be challenging enough to make the legs feel exhausted by the end of the day.
Winter gravel riding is about as peaceful as it comes. The snow is pretty well packed down, except where there has been a lot of drifting. And you almost never have to worry about seeing a car. The gravel pops through the snow and ice just enough to give you solid traction that is probably safer than riding on icy paved roads. The only down side is when you are riding a single speed, and the hills demand that you come out of your saddle in order to power your way up. You quickly learn to just stay seated, be patient, and grind your way upward. But it's a good grind, the kind that drains you, then fills you up when you reach the top, and makes you want more.
Winter gravel riding is about as peaceful as it comes. The snow is pretty well packed down, except where there has been a lot of drifting. And you almost never have to worry about seeing a car. The gravel pops through the snow and ice just enough to give you solid traction that is probably safer than riding on icy paved roads. The only down side is when you are riding a single speed, and the hills demand that you come out of your saddle in order to power your way up. You quickly learn to just stay seated, be patient, and grind your way upward. But it's a good grind, the kind that drains you, then fills you up when you reach the top, and makes you want more.
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