Rain rain go away, come again as snow.

Above freezing temperatures have lead to rain, puddles, and a lack of snow. My morning commute bringing me less and less joy. My steed seems to scream out in distaste of the weather, by allowing her chain to slip from the gears. I tried adjusting her derailer, after the first few days but the problem persists, and her fifth gear is now skipped. Straight from four to six. I will be removing her old chain and installing a new one, my mind knows that the slush and salt of the road will wear into the chain, destroying it. But that is no ordinary bicycle, that is my noble steed! They have carried me far and been a constant companion over the last four years through thick and thin. Maybe while I have her chain off I can clear some of the built up dirt and grease, really clean up. Lately everyone has been telling me that biking to work in winter isn't viable and I need to learn to drive, a little spit and polish and maybe everyone will see her as I do. A beautiful steed, together there is nothing that can stand in our way. Unfortunately the weather did not agree with me, my maintenance day was met with rain instead of snow or even sun. Another day of chain slipping is in my forecast, however I have managed to minimize this. If I keep geared towards the larger gears. Which to me screams I chain is indeed too long, it must have stretched a little and the change in tires really brought the problem to the forefront. A forecast of snow for the morning is encouraging to my spirits, my chain may slip tomorrow but at least the ride will be fun.

The frost setting in.

As the seasons changed I noticed my once tranquil ride becoming more fridgid. As Jack Frost reared his head I was forced to layer, first a warm underlayer eventually giving way to a snowsuit. My trusty steed has never failed me until my first ride in the snow, a once casual ride to the bicycle store now involved sliding, drifting, and snow build up blocking my brakes. Clearly my hybrid tires were lacking for the weather, their smooth surface lending nothing to my battle. After reaching my destination I was told my tires would continue to fail me, their surface too smooth to grip. They've carried me far the last few years but I cannot allow sentiment to impede safety. I selected some cyclocross tires on a whim, they looked like they could handle the pavement alright, and if it works for mud it can probably handle the snow. A few zipties later and I was on my way home, my bounty strapped to my back. After the change over was completed I was ready for my daily commute, I road down the pavement gently gliding. So far so good, but the roads had mostly been plowed and the trail and country roads on my way to work were not. As I left the road my wheels collide with the snow but remain steady. Easily forcing their way through to the frozen earth bellow. As I effortlessly forced my way through the snow I felt a new love brewing within me, a once dreaded season now opening too me. No longer will the ice and snow prevent me from enjoying the pastime I love, now I will fight back and teach winter to fear me and my steed. FrostRider.