My First Winter Cargo Bike Ride

Back in December, I decided to get winter tires put on my Urban Arrow. I went with what my friends over at The Cargo Bike Shop offered, which was Schwalbe. We biked up there in a hurry one afternoon before the snow was slated to fall so I could be all set to bike home the next day.

Ever since nearly being hit last summer, and it being December in Minnesota (early sunset), I am hardcore in love with my hi-viz wear. It makes a huge difference to visibility! Even the gloves. My hubby has a pair, too and when we ride together I always do a double-take because I don’t expect to see that little flash of orange in my mirror.

In this photo, I’m wearing fleece lined cross-country ski pants with wind pants over the top. I have on my winter snow boots. On top, a polyester wicking layer (long underwear shirt), fleece, and cross-country ski jacket to break the wind. I also am wearing my favorite Turtle Fur balaclava under my helmet and over my face and neck. It was around 20 degrees for this trip.

Well, the ride home was a little fraught. I fishtailed around in the snow, which was roughly 2 inches deep and as one Facebook friend put it, “pancake batter” and St. Paul has AWFUL snow removal, so the streets have basically stayed that way since. I think I needed more weight in the box. After this ride I got nervous, and the temps plummeted, so I haven’t been out again! (I’m writing this in early February).

I will challenge myself to try riding again with the studs on yet this winter. I’ll put a kid or two in the box to see if that helps. They’ll have their helmets on. 😉

How about you? Have you biked with your cargo bike in the snow? What tips do you have to share? Tell us in the comments!

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