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From: putnam@steinmetz.UUCP (jefu)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Falling On Ice
Message-ID: <675@steinmetz.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 10-Mar-86 09:07:40 EST
Article-I.D.: steinmet.675
Posted: Mon Mar 10 09:07:40 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 14-Mar-86 06:03:53 EST
References: <458@tekigm2.UUCP> <7700015@hpcvlo.UUCP> <22@cbm.UUCP>
Reply-To: putnam@kbsvax.UUCP (jefu)
Organization: GE CRD, Schenectady, NY
Lines: 47

In article <22@cbm.UUCP> grr@cbm.UUCP (George Robbins) writes:

>Actually riding on ice can be a lot of fun if you are prepared and can find a
>route minimally frequented by automobiles.

Yup.  I decided that i was going to officially (personally) decide spring
was here when i could bike the bike path from Albany to Troy (NY).  So 
spring was here on saturday (despite the 18 degree (F) temperature).  
However, it was all snow and ice with a few places where the sun actually
got to the dirt and made mud.  It would have been _possible_ on a road
bike, but was work even on my ATB.  I only fell twice. In one place there 
was about a hundred yards of sheer ice, flat on both sides and with a 
kind of small glacier in the middle.  Getting across that without falling
was a minor triumph.

>The biggest trick is to learn how to maintain a very neutral pedaling/riding
>attitude and be prepared to fall gracefully.  You only have so much traction
>on ice and any unbalance, thrusting, leaning or careless braking will deposit
>you on the ground.

Which translates to : keep your wheels going in the same direction at about
the same speed (remember Newtons law), dont pedal energetically (too much
weight shifting), turn _very_ carefully, and _RELAX_, you probably cant
do anything anyway.

>* Avoid Cars
>* Practice Riding Style
>* Wear a Helmet (do as I say...)
>* Practice falling (relax, don't get tangled)
>* Wear Padded, tough Clothing and gloves
>* Pick you route (all ice is ok, patches suck)
>* Avoid Cars
>* Avoid Cars

You forgot :

 *Avoid Trucks
 *Avoid Cars





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