Comments | blk: scattered around snow white leaves upon the ground

blk

scattered around snow white leaves upon the ground

Nov 12, 2013 10:53

the leaves fall like snow
wind knocks clumps from the tree's eaves
frozen curls drop

the snow falls like leaves
fluffy powder gently blown
dancing circles down

red orange peeks through white
yellow flurries drift to earth
in colored snow-fallWe had a very rare early snowfall last night, with light, fluffy accumulation on everything, up to a ( Read more... )

seasons, fall, writing, winter

Comments 4

pat_rieger November 16 2013, 05:45:17 UTC

How do you handle biking in the snow? If I can get a job close enough to home I want to bike to work but Winter weather concerns me with that mode of transport.

blk November 16 2013, 16:45:27 UTC

Well, the cold is handled just by proper layering. A good wicking layer on bottom and a windbreaker on top, and the middle changes according to the temps. Then things to cover my extremities - shoe covers, 4 finger gloves, and a balaclava or something to cover face/ears, and I'm usually good. Probably much easier if you have a casual dress code or can bring a change of clothes ( ... )

pat_rieger November 19 2013, 05:42:39 UTC

I was mainly thinking about when snow is on the ground, especially with Pittsburgh terrain. Taking a spill when the bike hits snow and/or ice has me concerned. Layering for the cold and the wind chill created when moving can be handled by just bundling up well. I do get the image of Randy Parker from "A Christmas Story" being bundled up!

Have you had any problems with wheel slippage?

blk November 19 2013, 16:23:26 UTC

Sure, I had slippage last week when the roads were icy in the morning. Fortunately I discovered it on a slow stretch, and knew to take it easy the rest of the way in. Take turns more slowly, give a lot of time to brake, keep balance relatively centered. Same as if you were in a car. Then again, things like leaves and debris can also cause slippage, so it pays to always be alert to conditions.

I think the more scary part for me is knowing that cars are going to have the exact same problems, and knowing that if they slip near me, I'm the one in danger. So I try to give them a lot more leeway, too (or else take the lane more aggressively, whichever is more appropriate).