So much for buying two sets of Ice Spiker tyres! This afternoon we went out for a short run out to Herad and back, and would have managed fine on slick racing tyres.

A quick stop to tighten a crank bolt. Ice free asphalt.

Actually the mild weather is a bit of a blessing. It means we might get the chance to run in the studded tyres before we need to use them in anger. According to Schwalbe you need to cycle around forty kilometres on bare asphalt to bed the studs in correctly. Today we managed just over twelve kilometres which is better than nothing.  The tyres, when inflated to three bar, roll surprisingly well on tarmac. I tell you what, it felt good to be back in the saddle again!

Yes it was great to be out cycling again and we’re definitely going to be out again this winter. We’ll have to work out strategies to deal with wind chill though!