Bicycling in Bloomington

Sunday February 8 was my first ride of the year. The previous day, I planned a 5 mile run (first run in a long time). Because of the snow, ice, mud, and water, I ran 4 and walked 1 mile. The roads were still not clear after earlier snows. I got wet feet. Because the melting was so slow, I planned to spin indoors on that day.

But, the temperature was 40, the sun was shining, and I felt a need to get out for a ride. I anticipated some ice problems and was able to manage them. While the air temperatures in Bloomington were warm, the ground was still very cold. Many intersections and places where the snow melt was creating a sheet flow across the road, the cold ground created ice. In addition, many roads were covered with gravel.

The ride was relatively slow (27.25 miles; 2.1 hours) but slow was anticipated. Since the day was so nice, going slow extended the ride. My winter rides tend to be a series of loops that never take me too far from home. I went to the south end of Old 446, back on 46, down Swartz Ridge, up Ramp Creek, to the Water Works, back on Fairfax to Clear Creek. I attempted to ride the unpaved Bloomington Rail Trail but the ice and mud made it too challenging to do for a long distance. I turned around and came home on Old Walnut, through Cardinal Glen, and Sare Rd.

It was ride with many firsts:

• My first road ride since the Hilly Hundred in mid-October
• My first ride this year
• My first ride since I qualified for Social Security Old Age benefits

My first commutes to work also happened during the week of February 9-13.  Prior to then, my last commute was on December 19. This was the longest period without any sort of ride since I came to Bloomington. Since December 19, there were 2 days that I could commute safely when I didn’t need to drive. The weather has been bad for riding. My commute has a stretch of about .75 miles that are somewhat tough in normal weather and absolutely dangerous when snow and ice are present. Many riders won’t ride on the road during the summer because it’s so dangerous.  

A short note: earlier this week, I saw a bicyclist riding on this dangerous section of road at 8:30 PM with no lights. I caught the flash of the pedal reflectors but he was otherwise dark. I might change my opinion that pedal reflectors have no value. I slowed in my car so others wouldn’t run into him along the most dangerous part of the road. He had more courage or stupidity than most bicyclists.

With four commutes last week and two so far this week, winter seems to be fading. It’s possible to ride year-round in Bloomington but sometimes, the weather and the poor roads make it difficult.