I started this blog in November, a girl who had a tentative plan to see if living car-free was possible during a Northern New York winter. I had no idea of the fun and excitement that was just around the corner. Now winter is (basically) over and I made it. I made it through all the snow and cold and ice and wind. But I didn’t do it on my own, not by a long shot.
A huge thank you to the following for making my first winter biking experience successful, safe and enjoyable.
God.
Although I rode through the winter without human company, I was never alone. In my most fearful moments and in the incredible times of joy in the snow, God was there. He protected me and I could feel His love wrapping around me in stronger way than I have ever felt before. When I was delighted by the glory of the winter, I could feel His joy intertwining with mine.
My Dad.
He wasn’t 100% on board in the beginning, but that didn’t stop him from helping me out. Whenever I needed assistance or advice he was always happy to jump in. He also became a top winter biking apologist; I am pretty sure he is more skilled at convincing people that biking through the winter is awesome and safe than I am!
My friends, family and coworkers.
Almost all of them were reluctant about my crazy plan at first, but that didn’t stop them from offering me rides if I ever needed them. They also prayed for my safety, which gave me a boost of much-needed courage especially during the first few snowstorms.
You.
To everyone who followed my trek through the winter, reading and “liking” my posts, thank you! So many of you also took the time to comment with helpful advice, encouragement or anecdotes of your own. I don’t think you have any idea how awesome you are so I am going to tell you – you guys are really, super, crazy, out-of-this-world awesome! Your blogs have inspired and challenged me, reading them is a wonderful part of my day.
My bike.
Through the freezing rain, the sleet, the snow, the ice and the wind this little mountain bike persevered while I splayed out awkwardly over her frame. Even when I shoved her in cold sheds or left her out in the snow she remained my trusty, rusty companion. Sure, she complained in the cold and even once let me down, but it was her first winter too.
My studded tires.
You two rock! Thanks for never letting me down.
Snowplow dudes.
I don’t know why they seemed so scary at first, I think of them now as helpful friends. They were always cautious, professional and friendly and I am very thankful that they kept the roads in my community passable.
Random concerned strangers.
There were so many people who stopped to check if I was okay/ask if I needed a ride this winter, even though I was a complete stranger. Several times they pulled over in rather risky conditions, which was pretty heroic of them.
Motorists.
The drivers on the roads were overwhelmingly cautious and considerate around me throughout the winter. They refused to crash into me which was kind of them.
Winter.
I couldn’t have biked through the winter if there was no winter, right? Aside from winter’s joke of dropping the first subzero temperature on me in the form of -17, the weather was fairly decent in giving me time to adjust and buy more gear when I had chinks in my armor.
I am going to end this post with the song that became my winter biking anthem.
Well said Bri, and be assured that you certainly have encouraged me in my endeavours and I look forward to reading more of your adventures đŸ™‚
LikeLike
By the way, love the song. We were blessed so much when we saw Rend live, fantastic.
LikeLike
I don’t really know much about their band but I listen to their album, “Art of Celebration” all the time. Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My family love them. We particularly like Fireworks and Lighthouse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the thought of riding in sub zero temperatures makes me shiver. You are a warrior. Congratulations for turning a negative into a big positive.
LikeLike
Thanks rootchopper đŸ™‚
LikeLike
Congratulations Bri. You are an inspiration to us all. I have been car-less (almost) for 4 years but question whether I could have persevered through northern New York winters. Well done and I too enjoy the song although I have not heard of the band before.
On another matter, I have engaged my son, a personal trainer, to assist me in catching up with your push-up count. đŸ™‚
LikeLike
Oh no! If you have a pro helping you, I am going to have to up my game!
LikeLike
Don’t do that. Let me catch up first.
LikeLike
No can do! It is your fault, you should have kept your secret weapon secret.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are not the only one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLbt-Nu1jyk). Thought you might enjoy this – 2 hearty souls.
LikeLike
Awesome video, I love the fact that they are using skinny tires as well! They would probably laugh at my knobby, studded ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They likely started on knobby tires like you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you continue to ride, even in the “scorching” heat. There’s a trick to summer riding just as much as there’s a trick to winter riding. I ride all year long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup, the main trick in summer is to drink more then you sweat, which is why I am changing my blog’s name to “Hydrate Like Crazy” for the summer, hehe.
I am just kidding, summer temps don’t really get that bad around here. Most of my sweating is done at work actually, the kitchen gets insanely hot in the summer.
LikeLike
I worked in kitchens to pay for college many years ago. Hotter than Hades at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just wanted to say I have found your story really interesting, enjoyable and even inspiring so far. I know the word “inspiration” is really over-used, but I have also been trying to live car-free, and reading about your experiences, which are always told with such positivity, has really helped! I think that what you are doing is really making people question what they think is possible and you are helping a lot of people to do something that is good for their health and that of the environment.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Mae-Lin! Your kind words are making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, they also make me want to get out and bike even more đŸ˜‰
LikeLike
Congrats, Bri! Thanks for making us feel like part of the journey. Your accomplishments became our accomplishments and your struggles were hopefully alleviated a bit by being able to share them with us (in spirit at least, where we couldn’t actually share the burden). Keep riding, keep writing, and just keep it up in general!
LikeLike
I don’t even know what to say, you all are too kind and turning me into a little ball of sentimental mush!
LikeLike
Way to go Bri!! I came across this adventure of yours part way through but I’m so glad I did!! Can’t wait to see more beautiful pictures of your home. Mine will continue to be green. đŸ˜‰
LikeLike
Me too, Kel đŸ˜‰ I love chatting with you and you always point me to awesome, helpful websites!
Ah! I am so excited! Trees are gonna start budding out soon…there is gonna be flowers and grass and little baby birds around…
LikeLike
Bri, you’re journey and commitment are amazing. To set a plan like you did for the Winter, and a brutal Upstate Winter, is something that few would ever even contemplate, never mind actually carry out. I have trouble motivating myself to get out and ride if the temps drop below 45 degrees, and I consider myself mildly obsessed. My helmet is tipped to you in reverence and respect. Keep it up. It’s SOOOOO much more fun when the weather is nice.
LikeLike
Thank you!
There are tons of perks to warm weather riding for sure and I am totally, completely excited about the coming of spring.
But I am going to miss the epic-ness and challenge of winter riding. I would go to bed not knowing what the road conditions would look like in the morning, every day was its own adventure. The good news is winter comes every year đŸ˜‰
LikeLike
You’re such an inspiration! Thanks for all the great writing!
LikeLike
Thanks Rosie đŸ˜‰
LikeLike
Yes, great writing about riding through the winter. Good going. I found it funny that I thought you were a guy for the longest time. Once again, that doesn’t matter, but I just “assumed” you were a guy. I hope you don’t reveal yourself with a picture! I love the mystery. I’ve got kind of a sloppy picture in my head of what you look like and I know it’s not even close. Anyway..keep riding, keep writing. I’m sure there’ll be a movie soon.
LikeLike
PS. I’m in Rhode Island and it’s gonna snow tomorrow!!
LikeLike
It is supposed to snow here tomorrow, crossing my fingers.
And not to spoil it for you or anything but there are a few pictures of me on here and I probably will post more in the future.
I will have to add a spoiler tag for you, lol
LikeLike
Noooooo!! Say it ain’t so! I will never look at such pictures, averting my eyes to avoid the truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool beans…next thing you know, you’ll be doing centuries for fun. ::thumbsup::
LikeLike
Now that would be awesome!
LikeLike
Bri,
Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment! Really enjoying reading about your daily commutes this winter and I’m looking forward to warmer weather soon!
Jessi
LikeLike
Thanks Jessi! I can’t wait for warm weather and all day bike rides….
LikeLike
I’ve been commuting by bike since the 1970’s. I love reading about your adventures. Keep riding!
LikeLike
Wow, that is super awesome. I hope that I will have that kind of stick-to-it-ness!
LikeLike