Icycle Bicycle 2022

Some people do the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day, jumping into the freezing cold river, if only briefly, but Pittsburgh cyclists traditionally do the Icycle Bicycle Ride. I'm not sure when it started; must be at least 20 years ago. I've ridden most years since 2009. Regardless of the weather, cyclists show up and ride around the city as best as conditions allow. If there was a two-foot snowfall, anyone who made it there at all would push their bikes through the snowbanks. That hasn't happened in anyone's memory, but they'd do that if they had to.

Jan 1 2022 presented little challenge beyond a steady drizzle. It wasn't even that cold, 50s F (10+ C), more typical of early April, but apparently enough to dissuade a few riders. Total turnout was 15-20, only two women, though we had at least two first-time riders. The route isn't difficult, no hills, little troublesome traffic, though we were on a few busy streets. 

Why do this? The most significant reason, for me at least, is that I can say I rode somewhere in calendar 2022, and in January, when many bikes are gathering dust, waiting for a warm day. I do ride 12 months a year when conditions allow, so this at least gets those boxes checkmarked. Beyond that, any group ride is worth showing up for. Meet new people, share news with old friends, discuss commonalities and differences in our collective bike experiences around the area, find out if anyone has anything interesting planned. I also like to compare equipment -- what do others have that I do not and how is that working for them? What do I have that others don't and how is that working for me?

Once we get underway, I like being with others, especially if someone else is leading. I may learn new paths, shortcuts, where to turn off a trail to get to a bridge or major street, and vice-versa. Most of these are not on any GPS system, so you just have to experience them to know where they are and go. I know the area pretty well, but even I picked up a couple of pointers or noticed road configuration changes, to file away in my head for next time.

The route was simple enough. Starting at REI in South Side Works (which was open at 10am, unlike some past years), straight down East Carson, past Station Square, out West Carson, up the ramp to the West End Bridge (the only hill on the route), right lane on the bridge, ramp to the casino, past the Science Center and both stadiums, River Avenue, a couple quick turns to get up on the downstream sidewalk of the 16th St Bridge, Penn Ave through downtown, through Point State Park, around the Point (group photo! I'm on the far right), out through the Mon Wharf (river level aaalmost up to flooding it but not quite) to the Smithfield St Bridge ramp, to the Jail Trail, over the Hot Metal Bridge, and back to REI. I didn't measure it but it felt like 7 to 8 flat miles.

There were a couple of surprises.

1. The Jail Trail recently developed a serious lake close to downtown. I sent in a 311 request to have the storm drains checked for leaf clogs. I'm not even sure where those drains are; there are no markings or posts. It was easy enough to find the ones not under water, but none have paint symbols on the adjacent concrete wall.
2. At 11:25, we didn't hear a loud boom, heard across the region especially south and west of the city. Many in their homes did, including quite a few farther east than where I was. The initial hypothesis is that it was an exploding meteor, as no point explosion or earthquake was reported. A weather satellite did note a flash over the Pittsburgh area at that time, supporting the idea of a meteor. Rain and clouds obscured visibility of anything in the sky.
3. Less a surprise, more a plan, I rode wearing sockless, open-toed shoes. This proved helpful when I traversed the flooded trail, where the water was pedals deep. My feet did not get overly cold, as I feared could happen, but I don't think I want to try it at temperatures any colder than 50.
   

Anyone else desiring to try this next year, or joining any group ride at REI, if you must drive there, your best bet for parking is under the Birmingham Bridge, accessed from the end of South 18th Street. It's a quick, three-minute ride from there to REI, parking is free, and no need to search for a spot, unlike trying to park on a street near REI, or a garage.

A few of us then adjourned to Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh for lunch and conversation, as we have done in past years.

All in all, a very pleasant start to the new year, as was intended!