My ride home from work this afternoon was unquestionably the most tension-filled since I started bike commuting in 2008.

When I left the paper, it was snowing. But it was coming down in the form of fluffy flakes. That did not seem too threatening. So I didn't think twice about going ahead with my ride.

By the time I reached the Lower South Hill, though, it was coming down as ice pellets. Not ideal for bike riding. Or anything else, for that matter.

I go up Adams. But this afternoon I had to get off and walk my bike between 17th and 20th because my back tire was slipping on the climb.

Walking the next couple of miles to get home occurred to me. But I concentrated on staying in a straight line and making extra-wide turns. And it worked out fine.

Still, I was lucky.

Now I've got my fingers crossed for everyone else still out there.

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