Submitted by admin on Wed, 2006-12-06 10:46.
Icebiking (sometimes known as snowbiking) is the activity of cold weather winter cycling often on snow and/or ice. Although cold weather and slippery surfaces deter many riders from cycling in sub-freezing temperatures, these challenges are readily overcome.
Where roads are salted to melt ice, the corrosive effect of the salt on bicycles, particularly chains, is an additional challenge.
Types of icebiking
Types of icebiking include road biking for sport or utilitarian purposes such as commuting; trail riding (usually on snow); and riding on frozen lakes and rivers.
Commuting
Winter commuting in areas that get snow and ice poses several challenges, including the need to travel in a variety of conditions, and conditions that may change greatly between a morning and evening commute. Depending on factors including the climate, the length of the commute, and the plowing schedule, some icebikers wait for the streets to be plowed, whereas others relish the challenge and vigorous workout of riding in snow storms.
Off-road riding
Off-road biking on snow is easiest on well-packed snow such as snowmobile trails, and with wide, low-pressure tires.
