Contrary to what most unenlightened Californians believe, it is very possible to have great rides in the Northeast at this time of the year.
This morning I went out for what was undoubtedly my best ride of the year. Yes, in the snow with temperatures in the upper teens (-8°C). The only thing needed to enjoy such rides is a bit of preparation. You'll need your tights and shoe covers, hat and collar muff (sounds like Brian going out for a ride in the 50's in Southern California) It also is extremely useful to have a Zzipper fairing to protect your privates. Then comes the selection of the appropriate bike: in my case: my trike (front end is an early 80's Morello and the rear end is a early 50's Holdsworth trike conversion kit). The trike was what made the ride special. As there was just a light dusting of snow on all the roads, I was able to enjoy some fantastic three-wheel drifts through the corners, without having any traction problems on the straight-aways. The best of the best for trike riding. Controlled drifts through corners are things that you will likely never be able to experience in California; except perhaps in the mudslides (what are they?) that touched great parts of the state in December.
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Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ