captain crash v. to “go down with the ship”. This is usually the result of a novice spud user failing to clip out in time.

spuds n. “SPD” (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) clipless pedals.

Clipless pedals are bicycle pedals that have a special mechanism that attaches you foot to the pedal using a special cleat mounted to the bottom of your shoe.  This type of pedal creates a very efficient connection between you and your bike. Clipless pedals are about the most efficient way to attach your foot to the pedal.  The rider steps into the mechanism and can then apply pedaling forces in the upward, downward, forward and rearward directions. To release from the pedal, the rider simply needs to twist their foot.

The term clipless is a bit confusing, since many would describe the mechanism in a clipless pedal as a clip.  However, they are known as clipless because they are an alternative to the original toeclip pedals that use straps and a toe cage to hold your foot to the pedal. 

Yesterday Kayak Women in her blaugh asked me about ice biking.  In a related post Ron had a post earlier this week about people who bicycle the Iditarod, the ultimate winter cycling experience.  I don’t really ever set out to go biking in the snow or ice, but sometimes I encounter some while I’m out and about.  The flurries I encountered on Monday of this week are a perfect example.  The preceding definitions and explanations are intended to educate the non-bicycling members of this blog’s community, so I can tell my story about why I don’t usually go out biking in the snow or ice.

As the title of this post implies it is all about crashing.  I have crashed two times while trying to bike in winter wonderland conditions.  In these events I did the captain, I went down with the ship.  The good thing about these types of crashes is they are usually low speed crashes.  The first time I went down, it was many years ago and I slipped on some ice and simply tipped over into a snow bank.  No harm was suffered.  The second time I went down with the ship was last winter.  Everything was going fine until a freezing mist descended.  I went to round a corner and found myself lying in the street.  That one was a hard landing, but I was in my Michelin Man outfit so still no harm.  These two events are the reason I don’t intentionally go out into ice or snow. 

I did ride today, in the Park.  I got 15 miles.  The temperature got up to the high fifties though, so there was little danger from winter weather today.  Tonight we are expecting a wintery mix, so tomorrow is another day.  The picture for today’s post is intended as a little breath of spring.