The weather here has had drastic changes from record highs in late February to wintry blizzards with rain to snow in April. Fifty degree temperature changes from daytime highs to nighttime lows are no longer uncommon.
This past Monday we received 7 inches of very heavy wet snow. It melted when it touched the warmer ground at first but then turned into a slush on sidewalks and roads. It became icy later only after it had been crushed down by cars, bicycles, pedestrians and other road and path users.
After a fair amount of deliberation, I decided to forgo swapping in my winter studded tires and instead leave my three-season tires on my trusty workhorse commuter bicycle. I rode to work once again taking another car off the road.
This was not dangerous. Slush was not yet slippery in the overwhelming majority of places. I followed slightly wider bicycle ruts on the paths for relatively smooth and safe riding. I also wore my transportation safety apparel consisting of pants and coat with hood to stay dry and comfortable.
Needless to say, I’m looking forward to warmer, dryer weather with spring sunshine and temperatures. Then I may summon my thoroughbred road bike for longer rides to the dreamy bucolic countryside.