By Ron Gavalik
POINT PARK NEWS SERVICE
Monday, December 31, 2007

Retired neurosurgeon Sydney Wolfson enjoys bicycle riding in all kinds of weather — sun, rain or even snow.

“I look young because I bike,” said Wolfson, 76, who used to commute by bicycle from his home in Fox Chapel to his office in Oakland.

Winter biking remains a sport for the hardiest of riders. Still, each year on New Year’s Day, members of the Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen meet in the city for their annual Icycle Bicycle Ride, a 20-mile loop around Pittsburgh starting on the South Side. Group members recently gathered for a 100-mile ride through North Park on the winter solstice.

The New Year’s Day ride has taken place for more than 30 years and attracted more than 200 riders last year.

“We stop a lot for coffee every chance we get,” said President Curt Vazquez, 54, of Fox Chapel.

Winter bicycling in Pittsburgh is gaining popularity, said John Todd, sales supervisor at Recreation Equipment Inc., an outdoors store on the South Side that specializes in bicycling. Cycling has taken off in terms of marketing and production over the past five to seven years, he said.

In the past, winter riding was limited to hard-core cyclists, Todd said. Now that arena is opening to a broader group of people seeking a cheaper commute or a new activity.

“We are seeing the northeastern part of the country moving toward the trend,” Todd said. “It’s a slow growth, but we’re seeing a lot of interest in this area, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Scott Bricker, executive director of Bike Pittsburgh, said snow on the roads can be a real hazard for bicyclists. Narrower lanes in the winter force cyclists into traffic patterns with cars, trucks and buses.

Another major concern for winter cycling is road debris, Todd said. Road salt, ice and chunks of frozen dirt can puncture tires, damage bicycles and hurt riders.

Fenders around the front and rear wheels help deflect debris from the bike and rider. Brake pads on bicycles wear out faster in the winter because of material that embeds in them.

Todd said three main categories to consider for winter cycling are comfort, safety and convenience.

“To remain comfortable, riders have to dress in a way that allows them to be chilly,” Todd said. “Biking is an aerobic activity.”

Riders who dress too warmly will find themselves sweating then freezing. Todd recommends layering clothing, so garments can be removed and added as necessary.

Keeping feet warm and dry is another important concern. Todd said a number of products can be purchased, but an inexpensive trick is to wear thick socks and slip bread bags over shoes to keep moisture out.

Safety is not only wearing the right gear but having an awareness of winter riding, Todd said.

Because days are shorter, lighting is vital. In Pennsylvania, cyclists are required to use a front bicycle light. Todd recommends using a red blinking rear light as well.

“It is important to have a lot of reflective gear,” Todd said. “Riders can’t go wrong with reflective options on their clothing and bikes.”