Conference noted::bicycle

    You will not need studs if you're only riding in the snow.  ICE
    is when you need them.  There are 2 theories to riding in the snow.
    1) run the tire pressure at 25-30 lbs. for maximum traction. ( I
    prefer this one).  2) run the tires at a higher pressure to cut
    through the snow.  Riding in the snow alot of fun but also strenous.
    The falls that would usually leave you with a broken arm or the
    need of a plastic surgeon leave you with snow up your nose.
       Yes you can make your own studded tires.  I used an old pair
    of Ritchey Force K's (they had weak sidewalls), drilled through every
    fourth knob and pounded through a very small sheet metal screw (from
    the inside out).  The screws stick out about 1/4 of an inch.  On
    the inside of the tire I covered the heads with a Mr. Tuffy tire
    liner and glued it in place.  Cost of the screws $2.00.  I think
    your Fattrax would work better in the snow than my Ritcheys because
    of the block pattern, but then nothing works close to good once
    the snow gets to a certain depth.  With my way of making studded
    tires you won't be able to do any riding on the asphalt.  not only
    will they make a horrendous noise but there won't be much traction.

    Instead of studs, why not take an old chain, cut it to the
    exact length of the circumference of the rear tire when deflated.
    Install it around the center of the tire and inflate until the
    chain stays in place under pressure.  Wala...instant traction and
    tires you can use again in the spring.
    
    						Jerry

The guy that used to run the shop I worked for made up tire chains for 
sale - took two rows of real light chain, and cross linked them with 
even lighter chain, enough so that they would fit on when the tire was 
deflated, and be stretched tight with inflated. The cross links should 
be enough to allow the side chain to just sit on the sidewalls, and not
interfere with the brakes. BTW, the place to put the chain is on the 
FRONT wheel - rear gets plenty of traction since your weight is on it.

                                       ken

    Speaking of snow tires and offroad riding, in todays Boston Globe
    there's an article about the National Cyclocross championships.
    They took place this weekend in Plymouth, Ma.  
    
    Men's champion was a guy who emigrated from Poland 6 weeks ago and 
    can't speak English!  Apparantly that caused some controversy as you 
    are supposed to be a US citizen.
    
    Women's champ is from Colorado and just took up the sport this fall!
    She spends most of her time mountain biking and this was just an
    expansion of her offroad abilities.
    
    There were 75 men on the course and it was supposedly  narrow and
    demanding.  Most men used traditional bikes and not Mt. bikes.
    
    It was cold and the course was snow covered.  From the comments
    in the article, the sport seems to be gaining in popularity and
    the competition has gotten better every year.
             

    re: .4
    
    The Junior National Champ now is Mark McCormack winning in front
    of his home town.  Also according to the Globe Mark turned in lap
    times very close to that of the senior race. Mark will be the lone
    rider representing the good ole U.S. at the World 'Cross Champs.
    If anyone has different information regarding how many people represent
    the U.S.,I heard the single person figure from the official as he
    was announcing it to the kids before the start of the race.
    

    It turns out that Mark McCormack won't be going to the Worlds because
    he will actually be over 18 at race time.  This makes him ineligible.