Training for the Birkie by Bike

by Peter Herreid

Numerous Madisonians have been training all winter to race from Cable to Hayward, WI in the Birkebeiner Ski Marathon this Saturday. Many of Madison's competitive skiers also race road bikes. Spandex clothing stretches across both sports and seasons, as well. Fortunately, you don't need to race or don full-body spandex to bike or ski. 

Bike Tow

"Shelly, please!" My brother, Kevin, was pleading with his bike for most of our ride. He was having issues with the chain, which eventually snapped and fell off. Luckily, we were within a quarter mile of our destination. My bike has always been something of a workhorse, whether piled with laundry, groceries, or carrying a person perched on the rear rack. This was the first time it acted as a tow truck, though.

Madison's Bike Boulevards and You

When biking around Madison, you likely have noticed certain streets were upgraded for bicyclists with sharrows and signed as “bike boulevards,” such as on E. Mifflin St., Main St. and Kendall Ave. A bicycle boulevard is a street with low traffic speeds and low vehicular traffic volumes where the movement of bicycles is given priority. Bike boulevards work as a good alternative to bike lanes on quieter streets, which are typically too narrow for bike lanes.

Cabs with Bike Racks Got Your Back

I love biking in the snow! It's a great way to enjoy winter weather, work your core, achieve ultimate bike balance skills, and have an outdoor adventure. It's a blast on the bike path, but not fun on a busy road during a heavy snowfall, even if it is designated as a bike route. Motorists have less visibility, less control, and are not as mindful of bicyclists sharing the road. You may also encounter a vocal jerk who will announce himself by rolling down a window and yelling, “Idiot!”

Cold Weather Bike Commuting Q & A

It’s the winter and you’re still riding your bike – awesome! You’re probably finding that family, friends, and co-workers have been peppering you with questions about it. You’ve likely heard, “How do you stay warm?” Argh. Asking a cyclist that question is like asking a vegetarian, “Where do you get your protein?” Though annoying, it requires a thoughtful response.

I’ve found there are a few questions I’m asked over and over again. While it can be tempting to give a curt response, use this opportunity to be a bicycle advocate. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire someone to give bike commuting a try.

What's with Winter Bikes?

On any given winter weekday morning, it is easy to spot Madison’s sizable contingent of “winter bikers,” who are actual people beneath layers of winter bike gear: balaclavas, goggles, breathing masks, construction-style reflective vests, winter Lycra, and wrist-deep Bar Mitt handlebar gloves. While it is encouraging to see so many people out biking year-round, as I have written in previous posts, such as “Riding a Bike in the Winter Isn't Extreme,” all of the specialized gear is not a prerequisite to biking in the winter. I believe this extends to the bike you actually ride: You don’t need a “winter bike;” you just need a decent bike for year-round transportation.

If You've Never Ridden a Bike in the Winter

Miller High Life - Alternative Fuels

Miller High Life — Alternative Fuels from Michael Williams on Vimeo.

Biking in Cold Weather: Tips for Toasty Toes

If you’ve been riding in a Wisconsin winter, you likely have experience with how much insulation you need to layer on in order to retain body heat generated from pedaling. However, cold feet can be a surprisingly pesky problem on a longer commute, but don’t let them keep you from biking in the winter.  Here’s what I’ve come up with to stay comfortable:

Printing a Bicycle with a 3D Printer