Nestled between the eastern edge of the Adirondack Mountains and the western shores of Lake Champlain, lies the quaint but bustling city of Plattsburgh, NY. Just 20 miles south of the Canadian border, it’s a place known for its rugged winters and unpredictable weather, conditions that would deter most from commuting by bike. But not John Burl. Our fall Super Commuter braves -20°F mornings with grit and a deep love for two-wheeled adventures. Bundle up as we explore John’s journey as a dedicated bicycle commuter. 

John grew up in Plattsburgh and never left. As a kid in the 1970s, he and his buddies explored every corner of the town by bike. "I played around with the world-class rock climbing and winter camping,” he recalls, “but at the end of the day cycling stole my heart."  That early sense of freedom, fresh air, and discovery never left him, and it’s what still drives him to ride every day. 

Over his 58 years, John’s love of bikes has shaped more than just his lifestyle, it’s influenced his career. Now a fitness equipment and arcade game technician, John got his start by fixing spin bikes at local gyms. What began as tinkering with his own gears turned into a full-fledged profession, blending his mechanical skills with his cycling passion.

John commutes year-round, choosing from three different routes depending on his mood and schedule. He used to be a three-season commuter mainly because winter cycling information and appropriate gear were hard to come by. With a bit of trial and error, and a lot of determination, he was off and riding through the winter. He takes great satisfaction in his winter commutes and enjoys being a part of a growing community of cold-weather cyclists, swapping tips online and embracing innovations in bar mitts, eyewear and face coverings that are specifically designed for winter cycling.

As a tinkerer, John keeps his bike simple, long-lasting, and trustworthy. He rides a reliable Trek 3900 Aluminum mountain bike. Riding in all seasons and every day takes its toll on his Trek, but it can carry all of John's racks, panniers, lights, and supplies. One of his favorite pieces of gear is a set of Planet Bike Hardcore fenders, which he discovered in 2004 and ever since they’ve been keeping him clean and dry in even the messiest conditions.

John’s biggest challenge is those winter days when the Canadian clippers put a -20°F grip on the weather. Those days and nights have gotten easier for him as he’s dialed in his cold-weather gear. Nevertheless, John’s advice for aspiring all-weather commuters is, "Don't bite off more than you can chew.” Get out there, experience, learn and adjust, but most importantly, John always says, “Ride safe everyone and ride on.”

A self-proclaimed "bicycle light freak," John has worked the night shift since 2001 and knows the importance of visibility. He’s been known to stop fellow cyclists riding without lights and hand them a free set, which he gives away on his own dime. He also volunteers in trail building, supports local cycling events and assists folks in need of maintenance to keep their bicycles working. 

Even on the toughest days, when the cold bites and motivation wanes, John still swings a leg over his bike "There is just something missing from my day if I don't get on my bike," he says. And we get it, some of the greatest joys in life don't require further explanation. It simply just is! Congratulations John, you are a true Planet Bike Super Commuter.