My commute to work consists of leaving my urban area to pass through some country lanes before I get to a science park where I work.
About 3 weeks ago, when the weather suddenly went very cold, I was travelling on a smooth, straight rural road. There was no ice when I left home but I was just starting to wonder as I gazed at the fields. Suddenly, my bike slid from under me and headed for an on-coming car. I was just saying goodbye to my bike when the car slid to a stop, as did the car behind me. A lucky escape!
I am still not sure what happened. Clearly I hit some black ice and the road was very smooth. There may have been an adverse camber but I am not sure how that would make the bike head for the other lane. I have a TongXin motor on the front so there is not too much weight there. I wonder if it lost traction and started to spin?
After that, I have been more careful to look out for ice, and aware that as you leave an urban area, the temperature can drop.
On Friday, I was on the same stretch of road and it was very cold so I was keeping a careful look out. I was approaching a left hand bend when I saw a car sliding around it. I remember thinking that it was at an odd angle and so were its front wheels. I didn't even have time to consider using the brakes as a split second later I heard a loud bang. The next thing I remember was sitting on the ground with excruciating pain in my legs.
I don't think the driver was reckless as he didn't appear to be going that fast and he did call an ambulance for me.
I have a number of cuts an bruises but thankfully no broken bones. The bike was destroyed but the electrics still seem to work OK, although one of my two batteries (the one in a soft bag) was wrecked.
It's not put me off cycling - I've already ordered parts to rebuild the front wheel - but it has certainly put me off that stretch of road when it is cold. One of the few alternatives is a cycle track on an old railway route but it is quite rough and gets muddy so slows progress and shortens bike life.
Anyone any thoughts on cycling when it is icy? (other than "don't do it!")
John
About 3 weeks ago, when the weather suddenly went very cold, I was travelling on a smooth, straight rural road. There was no ice when I left home but I was just starting to wonder as I gazed at the fields. Suddenly, my bike slid from under me and headed for an on-coming car. I was just saying goodbye to my bike when the car slid to a stop, as did the car behind me. A lucky escape!
I am still not sure what happened. Clearly I hit some black ice and the road was very smooth. There may have been an adverse camber but I am not sure how that would make the bike head for the other lane. I have a TongXin motor on the front so there is not too much weight there. I wonder if it lost traction and started to spin?
After that, I have been more careful to look out for ice, and aware that as you leave an urban area, the temperature can drop.
On Friday, I was on the same stretch of road and it was very cold so I was keeping a careful look out. I was approaching a left hand bend when I saw a car sliding around it. I remember thinking that it was at an odd angle and so were its front wheels. I didn't even have time to consider using the brakes as a split second later I heard a loud bang. The next thing I remember was sitting on the ground with excruciating pain in my legs.
I don't think the driver was reckless as he didn't appear to be going that fast and he did call an ambulance for me.
I have a number of cuts an bruises but thankfully no broken bones. The bike was destroyed but the electrics still seem to work OK, although one of my two batteries (the one in a soft bag) was wrecked.
It's not put me off cycling - I've already ordered parts to rebuild the front wheel - but it has certainly put me off that stretch of road when it is cold. One of the few alternatives is a cycle track on an old railway route but it is quite rough and gets muddy so slows progress and shortens bike life.
Anyone any thoughts on cycling when it is icy? (other than "don't do it!")
John
