Editor's note: This is one in an occasional series of profiles in brief of random cyclists encountered on the streets of the Twin Cities. To see previous profiles, go online to startribune.com/icycle. These are edited excerpts from a conversation.
Cyclist Eric Smith
39, Minneapolis
Physician's assistant, Central Clinic, northeast Minneapolis
Seen: Morning of Jan. 18, Central Av. NE near 18th Av.
His ride: SE Lager single-speed from The Alt bikes and boards shop in Minneapolis
"It works pretty good in the wintertime when things get clogged up with snow and salt. Cleans off pretty easily, too."
On his winter commutes to work
I work four days a week, Monday through Thursday. The only time I won't is if there is freezing rain, or if it's in that 31-32 degrees [range] and it's actively snowing I probably won't. Most any other time.