Gimmy 1 : Ice 0

Today was -10C. It was a bit dangerous out there. All the melted snow from yesterday’s 2C went icy (and slippery). (You are probably more annoyed by the cold than the slippery road surface.)

To those of you who live in warm environment, you may find it surprising that our wheels have metal studs on them.

maxresdefault

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/c38AUXDlLTI/maxresdefault.jpg)

In Canada, people are obsessed with this Finnish tyre – Nokian (same town as Nokia, the former cellphone company), and they make this line of tyres called Hakkapeliitta. It was the first Finnish word I learned (not perkele or vittu)… It means “Cut them down!” (Wikipedia)

nokian

(http://blog2kolka.pl/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nokian.jpg)

and yes, bicycle tires also have studs…

and yes, people cycle all-year-round.

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What about people? People often strap these on when it gets really ugly… elderly people generally (who don’t mind being made fun of by their friends)…

… of course there are fancy outdoor runners (sneakers, running shoes) with carbide studs… but they are €xpensive.

Screen Shot 2016-01-14 at 23.29.08

Today, I’d like to show you a poor student’s trick. I first saw it on a Canadian outdoor company MEC’s forum. Disclaimer: I’ve never tried it before.

FYI: pick the shortest & least sharp screws.

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You need superglue.

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A pair of running shoes with no feelings.

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I put the screws where my weights are distributed. I think I will add a few more later for more traktion.

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In conclusion:

  • I think just 5 screws is not enough.
  • I was acting more recklessly with screws on.
  • BUT it DID manage to save my ass once already!
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I didn’t see this patch of black ice and almost slipped to my graceful downfall. Good thing the screws (see the scratch marks?) slowed me down, enough for me to catch myself. I went back to take a picture as souvenir.

Stay safe!

löv,

gimmygöteborg

Gimmy

Written by Gimmy

15 Jan 2016