Springs man takes icy bike commuting challenge

A lot of people had no choice but to brave the cold temperatures Wednesday, but one man is taking it in stride.

Mark Davies is a graduate student at UCCS and had to make a 7:30 p.m. class. But instead of hopping in his warm car to make the 2-mile journey, Davies is riding his bike.

“My wife and roommate definitely think I’m crazy, but it’s keeping me fit so it’s good for me,” Davies told KRDO NewsChannel 13.

The tires on his bike have studs to handle the icy roads and bike paths. Wednesday night was the first time Davies tried it out.

He started getting into biking this summer and fell in love.

“I’ve lost about 45 pounds so far,” Davies said. “It’s real easy to sit on the couch and wait until it gets warm again before you exercise again, then it’s an uphill battle for the entire first part of the summer.”

Besides the health benefit, Davies said he likes avoiding traffic problems.

“I don’t have to wait in line,” he said. “I’m usually at class faster than people who spin out that are riding the other way.”

Davies is part of the “Icy Bike Winter Commuting Challenge.” It’s not a competition, but a worldwide network of bikers interested in winter biking who share tips, experiences and encouragement with one another. To learn more, click here.