What do you consider bad weather for riding? [Archive]

DarkEros07

01-27-2007, 02:27 AM

crazycanuck

01-27-2007, 03:15 AM

Well, I think my limit for riding is about 38C. If there's no wind when it's that hot, no way!

I'll bike in pretty much any type of weather. It's the heat though that gets to me.

If it's 38c-40C I might re think my ride & take the train home. I feel taking the train is wimping out but because there's no shade on my commute home, perhaps it's justified.

What do you think?

c

DarkEros07

01-27-2007, 03:34 AM

okay since im a dork and didnt pay attention to the conversion of celcius to ferenhight HELP! lol. isnt 32degrees farenheight 0 degrees celcius? lol. i dunno i give up. im talking 100 degrees farenheight and i would be okay get me over that and im dying. then again i was also living in fl for a while so that has a huge part to play in it. lol. anyways. i figure my cut off for coldness tho would have to be just about freezing point. i dont think i could handle it much colder. lol.

-Kris-:D

East Hill

01-27-2007, 03:56 AM

Well, I managed to get out in the (to us PNW'ers) extreme cold of about 27 degrees Fahrenheit about 9 or ten days ago. I don't think I went out at all when it was actually snowing, but I did get out when there were great chunks of ice still on the road, and snow/ice mixed on the trail.

I actually found it to be quite refreshing! Slow, because parts of the trail were quite slick, but I didn't have too many problems getting out there on the mountain bike. I don't know if I could handle any - temps, though.
Rain is not a deterrent here in the Pacific Northwest. If it were, virtually no one would ride a bike.

On the other hand, my extreme high temperature is probably the upper 80's. I get migraines from excessive heat, so I am quite leery of getting out there in the midday sun.

East Hill

HillSlugger

01-27-2007, 06:30 AM

When the temps go below 35F it's getting too cold for me. Compared to many here, this makes me a wimp! I haven't found my upper temp limit yet; usually I ride outdoor in the AM before it gets too hot.

Usually I won't go out if it's already raining as I'm paranoid about losing my traction and crashing.

Lenusik

01-27-2007, 06:59 AM

Well ladies, when it gets below 40F in Phoenix, it is cold. We are not very well adjusted. It is easier for me to ride in 100F then in 33F and that's the way it's been forthe last 3 weeks in the mornings. But I shouldn't whine, prego women ride indoors anyway. That's my bad weather.

Running Mommy

01-27-2007, 07:11 AM

I'm such a WIMP!!! I was FREEZING at 40 degrees last week! In fact I have a 56 miler to do this morning and I'm putting it off till it warms up a bit so I don't have to pile on the clothes! :p
Now as for the summer... I'm pretty good in the heat. I'll go out up to about 112 f as long as it's late afternoon and I know the sun will be setting soon. In the summer I usually go out about 5:30 pm and ride until dusk. Usually my biggest worry when it's that hot is that my tires are going to explode!:rolleyes:
I guess I'm a psycho but I actually LIKE to ride in the heat... go figure?!
I guess thats why I never looked back when I left soggy nor cal for Phoenix.

five one

01-27-2007, 08:10 AM

I am also a weather wimp. I don't want to ride if I'm not going to enjoy it.

Temps in the 40s make my eyes freeze up and tear like crazy, even with my close fitting glasses. I've ridden in light rain. That's not too bad. But I've also been caught in a downpour on an organized ride and it was he!! Had the right clothes and stayed warm, but couldn't see well through my glasses, hit water-filled potholes, got splashed intentionally over and over by people passing too close in cars. Scary :eek: :eek: :eek: . Not a SAG vehicle to be found the entire time.

It's raining off and on today. Can't complain as we really need the rain. I'll be riding my trainer - if I can get rid of this headache I woke up with :( .

RoadRaven

01-27-2007, 08:25 AM

The wind is the biggest predictor of whether I will ride or not.

The Spring westerly here is often gale-force, and not only is that damn dangerous, it also means a head wind climbing back home.

The second biggest predictor is rain - too much and its too dangerous on my slicks to ride (remember I have to descend/climb 600' to get anywhere or get back home) plus its difficult to see... plus if there's a winter chill factor involved, nah... I don't have the cold weather gear some of you gals have, besides, I don't like the cold and (I'm with five one on this.....) cycling is supposed to be fun - yeah?

Heat? 38'C (thats just over 100'F Eros) is about the hottest I have ridden in - and that was last week. There was a nice breeze coming up the valley, so that prolly made a huge difference.
That was midday and usually I avoid/minimise riding in summer between 10am and 2pm because of the UV. So I may not find out if I can ride in anything hotter...

PinkBike

01-27-2007, 09:52 AM

kelownagirl

01-27-2007, 10:10 AM

For me it's road conditions more than the temp itself. I don't have the clothing for riding in much less than 0 celcius. Did 10k for fun on new year's eve and my toes and nose were pretty darn cold by the end. It was -5 I think. Other than that, I haven't been riding outdoors since early November because there's too much ice, snow, and gravel on the roads. :(

Upper limits - I don't love riding in over 35 (about 100 or so) but I do it. I especiall hate hills in that temp because I am working so hard and going so slow, there's no wind to cool me off. But I do it because I live where I do.

Ideal day is 25 degrees, sunny, no wind.

Aint Doody

01-27-2007, 11:10 AM

I'm in 5-1 and RoadRaven's camp. It's supposed to be fun. If I'm cold, wet, miserable, I find it hard to believe I'm having fun--regardless of the activity.

Triskeliongirl

01-27-2007, 01:36 PM

Hi,

Okay what do you all consider bad weather for riding? I figure if theres snow on the ground and its more then 2 inches and sticking and im sliding all over the rode forget it. If its pouring down rain or snowing and not sticking lets get it on! Now am I crazy? Also what about whats your "heat limit" how hot it too hot for you? I myself will ride if its 100 out but then again im also crazy and carry a 2 liter of water in a back pack with me at all times so who knows. Anyone?

-Kristen-

What's interesting to me is that you will ride in such extreme cold, but only mention 100 as a high. Is that the highest you'll go? My upper limit is 105, although if it goes higher and I am stuck out there so be it. But my lowest limit is 35, but prefer over 40. No rain (unless it started after I left), no snow, for safety reasons.

chickwhorips

01-27-2007, 01:58 PM

here its never good weather, or very very very rare.

i'll ride in most anything, here wind the winds pick up then its hard. i usually don't ride when its over 20/25 mph.

i'll ride in the rain as long as the winds aren't high and same with snow.

emily_in_nc

01-27-2007, 02:34 PM

I am probably the wimpiest person on TE! I generally won't ride below about 60F -- chillier than that, I hike, run on trails, or hit the gym. I ride on the trainer all winter and have only ridden outside once since October, when we had a gorgeous 70 degree day a couple weekends ago. I also won't ride above about 94F in the summer. Fortunately, we have a LOT of days in NC between spring and fall that fall within these limits. Only a few days each summer are hotter (and I'm usually at work when the temp is that high at mid-day anyway).

I don't mind one bit taking the winters off and refuse to feel guilty! :rolleyes: I quite enjoy concentrating on hiking for a few months and riding indoors to get a good cardio workout and keep from getting saddle sore in the spring. DH and I used to ride outdoors all winter, and I hated it. It was windy, I couldn't breathe, my nose ran like a faucet, I just couldn't get motivated to ride in the cold....I feel so relieved I don't make myself do that anymore.

I also won't ride in the rain, snow, or ice unless it's completely unavoidable; e.g., I rode in the rain a couple of times during a nine-day self-supported tour. Not much fun.... I don't mind hiking in the rain so much since with the proper rain gear and waterproof hiking boots, I actually stay dry. On the bike, it seems impossible not to end up with water in your shoes and all over your face, glasses, etc. The faster you go, the wetter you get!

WIMP AWARD WINNER HERE!!!! :D :D :D

Emily

mimitabby

01-27-2007, 03:00 PM

Yeah, Emily, you can keep that award, I'm not going to take it away from you.

I have noticed in the past that when the temps get close to 90, I fail... i slow down and start getting too hot. That's 32 deg celsius.

On the other end of the scale, I won't be riding below freezing. A guy in our bike club hit black ice last week and at 2 mph he fell down and broke his hip and his femur (yes, that's the big bone)!! that's awful. he's a veteran rider of thousands and thousands of miles.
I have no business riding when there could be ice.

and on the watery side of the spectrum, if it's raining pretty bad when we are supposed to start, i probably won't..

drizzle i can do. and what we call spitting or misting. I can handle that too.

silver

01-28-2007, 08:11 AM

my cold limits: needs to be no colder than 35 to 40F, SUNNY, winds no more than about 15 mph. I might get starter a little colder if there's hope for it warming up.

Warm limits: I've ridden in weather up to about 102F. I think I could ride in hotter maybe up to 105F. Seems like it could be unsafe much hotter.

I wouldn't ride in snow or ice. Just cause I'm afraid of falling right now.

I don't too much mind a light rain after I get started, but I won't start a ride if it's raining.

It's been interesting to see other people's limits. I don't feel quite as much like a wimp now, seeing that I'm not the only one who doens't like the cold.

sbctwin

01-28-2007, 11:11 AM

Well, I had high hopes to commute all winter this year. But I lasted maybe one month into the "cold morning temps". When it finally got consistantly lower than 20F for my morning commute (done at 4:30am), I couldn't keep my feet and hands warm enough. Only 5 miles, but uphill and I couldn't feel my feet. I did get to ride some in Dec 06 when our temps were mild. As far as heat, I melt when it gets too hot, but I have finished a ride when it had reached 100F. I can't get enough liquids in me at those temps. I sweat profusely....

Veronica

01-28-2007, 11:23 AM

I've commuted as low as 26 degrees F this year. It's only a two mile trip. My legs get super cold though, since I wear my work clothes. I've seen ice several mornings.

My fingers were getting too cold with the AmPhib gloves I have, so I started wearing my winter motorcycling gloves. They are a little bit better. My feet don't get cold. I wear Smartwool socks and my waterproof Keens.

For hot, we're in the 90s all summer here. I like the heat. I sweat a lot and since it's a dry heat, my sweat actually does what it's supposed to. :p

I think the hottest I've ridden in is 105 in Death Valley.

V.

Velobambina

01-28-2007, 12:39 PM

I won't ride if there's snow/ice on the pavement. If it's below 40 degrees and raining hard, I won't ride, either. Nothing worse than being wet and cold.

It's never too cold to ride in dry conditions, so long as you layer correctly & use chemical hand/foot warmers. ;) Only one thing is to remember that your gatorade might freeze, so bring along some Shot Bloks! When it is really hot, I just make sure I hydrate sufficiently and take it easy. I used to train for marathons in the worst of DC's heat/humidity, so riding a bike in it is much easier than running!!

SheFly is our official Queen of adverse conditions, going out in the dark when it's 15 degrees outside! She can ride on ice covered ponds, for crying out loud!!!!!!!

KayTee

01-28-2007, 01:33 PM

I'll ride most days it's above 10 F but don't like ice/snow, rain or winds above 30 mph. Today we had to cut our ride short. We started in off-and-on mist, but then that turned to rain, then mixed with sleet. It was fun, but people were getting cold and wet. I don't like slick roads or not being as visible to cars in bad weather - cars really don't look for bikes on the road in dark, rainy conditions.

Maureen Valley

01-28-2007, 04:19 PM

emily_in_nc

01-28-2007, 04:24 PM

Wow...I'm like Emily. We're both Wimpettes. I heard tomorrow the high will be only 50 degrees and mentally made a note to go to the gym instead of riding. I've turned into a HOT HOUSE PLANT since moving to Florida. I biked in the snow in Minnesota and shrink in horror, now, when it gets just a tad chilly. I guess, knowing I can bike 365 days a year makes it easy to be picky picky picky.

Thanks Maureen, glad I'm not the only one! It's a little daunting reading these reports of gals riding at 10F, 20F, 30F. I have ridden in cold temperatures, but I didn't like it! DH and I are considering moving to Florida when I retire. NC is too cold for us! :D

Emily

MomOnBike

01-28-2007, 05:14 PM

I'm reasonably tough on the cold weather side - but then I have a great tolerance to cold. I've ridden my 2 mile, mostly uphill ride to work in the upper teens and felt wonderful when I got to work. About the only thing that complains about the cold is my cheeks - and my glasses, they fog up.

I don't really like riding on the packed snow/slush streets, but I'm much warmer than I would be in the car for that distance. The car is just about starting to think about warming up by the time DH drops me off. I'm toasty warm on the bike over the same distance. If the roads are very snowy/slickity, I don't ride. I like cold mornings with dry streets.

I've ridden on some pretty windy days. I don't know how hard the wind was blowing on my tour, but it beat me up pretty badly. I don't think I want to know.

Rain, up to a point, isn't all that bad. My fairing keeps some of it off me, but the front fender makes up for it by directing all the road spray into my shoe. This is annoying.

But I'm not tough, I melt in the heat, basically anything over about 75 deg F. Yuck! I hate the feel of sweat on my skin. Bleh! Humidity. Pooh! I do it, but only to get in shape so I can ride in the cooler parts of the year.

lph

01-28-2007, 11:53 PM

I almost only commute, 8 miles each way, and today I rode in in -10, -11 deg C, that's 12-14 deg F. And I wasn't cold at all - a single layer of good quality thermal underwear, shorts and AmFib tights, Gore softshell jacket, wool socks, regular shoes and neoprene booties. Most important was a windproof helmet liner, a Buff over my nose and big PI lobster gloves.

But the snow was H*ll! It was liberally mixed with salt, so I had this awful slushy mixture all over my bike, packing up my chainring and re-freezing... I could only use the 3 or 4 largest rings in back, all the smallest ones were clogged. Snow is worse than cold.

But I know Geonz is way ahead of me in the cold statistics - come on, Sue, pipe up ;)

Mr. Bloom

01-29-2007, 12:37 AM

For the first time today, I saw an amish buggy while commuting from Home#1 to Home #2. It was 13 degrees F and the wind was about 20mph and snowing. I wonder what they do without technology like:

thermal underwear, shorts and AmFib tights, Gore softshell jacket, wool socks, regular shoes and neoprene booties. :p

I will admit that they were so wrapped up, they looked more "American Ninja" than "Amish".:eek:

You've got to admire someone who wants so hard to get from point A to point B...they must have some common personality traits as cyclists.:)

tattiefritter

01-29-2007, 01:00 AM

Won't ride on the road if there is ice about (fallen off and hurt myself doing that), offroad is still fair game though. I'll quite happily ride in temperatures down to about -5C but as it very rarely gets stupidly cold in the UK I've not really had to test myself further. My nose does run and fingers toes take a while to warm up but usually do.

If its over 30mph gusts then I definitely won't ride on road but I'll still generally be up for offroad unless its raining/snowing horizontally to go along with it. Rain (without strong winds) is generally not a problem, if you don't ride in the rain in the UK then you won't ride much!

I'm rubbish in heat though - I think about 25C is about my limit, doesn't often get hotter than that here. Ideal is about 15 - 20C sunny day with a little breeze.

uk elephant

01-29-2007, 01:27 AM

Cold I can handle. I commuted by bike to school most days through the winter when I was living in Illinois and it got VERY cold at times (windchills well below 0F). Heat on the other hand, I cannot cope with. I tend to overheat and collapse when it gets above 25C (whatever that is in F). That will be my biggest challenge when I get to CA in June to do the aids ride....hmm....helmet with ice packs?

Crankin

01-29-2007, 03:42 AM

Well, I would say I am in the middle. I used to have the same "tolerance" as Emily, but somehow, this year, I've done more in the cold. I will start rides or go out if it's in the high 30's. Lower than that, it's not fun to me, especially if there's wind! I use chemical warmers for temps in the 30's. I don't purposely ride in the rain. That would be a gym day, or a hiking day for me. No snow riding, either. I have ridden in downpours, which sucks, and light rain, which I can tolerate, but don't like because of road conditions. I can do trail riding down in the 20's, as long as there's no ice.
I have ridden in 98 F, but I don't love that! If it's very hot and humid, I tend to go out early or late, or stay inside in the AC! Well, with all of these likes and dislikes, I still managed to ride 3,000 miles this year.

DeniseGoldberg

01-29-2007, 05:17 AM

Bad weather? Well, let's start with my favorite weather - which I don't get all that often here. My favorite is temperatures in the 60s and 70s with dry pavement; summer rides here do tend to be warmer than that.

I have ridden at both ends of the spectrum from a heat standpoint though. I remember a string of days on my cross-country trip (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/denise2002xc) when it was above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, days, not just one (actually, from Ohio through Kansas - a lot of days and a lot of miles!). And yesterday I set a new record for riding in the cold, 18 miles in 18 degrees (http://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com/2007/01/two-wheels-rolling.html). And yes, given the right conditions, I probably will repeat both of those at some point in the future.

I don't like riding in the rain, although I have done it many times - usually because I've been on a tour and there has been no way to avoid it. And I won't start out if the roads are icy or if it is snowing.

--- Denise

SheFly

01-29-2007, 05:24 AM

SheFly is our official Queen of adverse conditions, going out in the dark when it's 15 degrees outside! She can ride on ice covered ponds, for crying out loud!!!!!!!

LOL! Thanks, VB!

At my house, we ride all year. And in New England, that means some pretty adverse conditions. I think the coldest ride I have done was a couple of years ago - it was -5F when we started :eek: . The only reason we actually stop riding is if we have a lot of snow - then we switch to x-country skiing and/or snow shoeing instead. This hasn't happened in the past couple of years though.

We did an awesome road ride yesterday. Temp here was about 37F (which was bikini weather compared to the previous two days). Only trouble was the roads were completely salt laden. We had it everywhere when we got home!

Will likely go out and hit the ponds again tonight - just for fun ;) .

BTW - I may be great in the cold/ice/snow, but I DON'T like the heat...

SheFly

Geonz

01-29-2007, 07:59 AM

Yesterday was close to a record for me with 7 degrees (F) and 20 mph winds. Four is my personal best... but both times, I wasn't heading towards hypothermia... once past the three minute chill at the beginning, I warmed up and yes, it was fun. I don't mean "It's fun because when it's over I can tell a story about it," either; fun in exactly the same way riding when it's twenty degrees warmer is fun.
Could be the Goretex, though :) I'm very grateful to the fella who decided he didn't need it when he retired and gave it to me!
(AMAZING to ride on ponds!!!)

Brandi

01-29-2007, 08:20 AM

i rode 35 miles two weeks ago at 29 degrees F, it was cold but i'm learning what to wear, mostly the issue is feet.

in the summer - no limit - i LOVE the HEAT! it's never too hot for me to ride.

being a total bike geek, i love the tan line from the shorts that shows off when i'm wearing my work shorts (which are shorter than my bike shorts). i dont like the farmer tan on my arms so i mostly wear sleeveless jerseys in the heat.
Do you work for UPS? You said work shorts that is why I ask. See I wear shorts for my work too cause I am a sand sculptor. I personally think I look goofey with the the bike short tan line but maybe I shouldn't!

I don't like to go out when it is raining cause people drive bad enough in the rain and snow. I figure I am just adding to it and don't want to get hit.
And it does not get to cold here so that is not an issue. Except a few weeks ago when it was in the 3o's in the morning. I am a wimpy Cali girl.

PinkBike

01-29-2007, 08:28 AM

brandi - i'm an aircraft mechanic at USAirways. since we're based in phoenix (when we were America West) they let us opt for wearing shorts. some of us wear shorts all winter, with the "California look" - shorts and a sweatshirt.

dont feel goofy about the tan lines - they are a source of pride, an identifier as a bicyclist

DarkEros07

01-29-2007, 09:00 AM

I love to ride in the rain. Its actually verry fun for me. Someone asked about why I said 100 is because I haven't riden in anything higher then that. I live in michigan and the humidity does get to me sometimes but I keep going! if its icy out tho I wont ride. like right now there would be no way id be out and about. the ice is just too bad. snow doesn't bother me as much tho i have fallen a few times but nothing serious! lol. its fun no matter what i just love to ride. i will ride anytime anywhere as long as theres no ice and the winds are extreem!! lol. anyways.

-Kris-:D

SalsaMTB

01-29-2007, 09:07 AM

For temperature, I don't have a limit in michigan weather. The temps here aren't too extreme, so I'll ride in whatever. This year I had a night road ride at 12F and felt perfectly fine once I got moving. The heat here only gets mid-upper 90s with high humidity and I'll ride. I think the heat has more of a effect on me than cold.

I don't ride in heavy rain or snow at all. If it's a really light rain, I'll ride road or trail (assuming the trails are dry). Light snow, I'll ride trails. I don't recall ever having strong enough winds here to make me not go out or regret going out. It just isn't something we have much of. Last week we rode with 23mph winds which I found pretty tough, but REALLY fun on the way back! I'm guessing 30mph winds would be my cutoff point.

CR400

01-29-2007, 09:59 AM

My limit temp wise I haven't figured that out yet, because it hasn't got cold enough here yet. Lowest ride so far in a balmy 18F. For snow depth I know that 3inches is still rideable but 13 is not, so maybe 6 or 8. Then again it depends on the kind of snow too. Is it the light and fluffy kind you would rather ski on or the wet and heavy that gives people heart attacks shoveling.
With the heavy I would imagine anything over 2 would be difficult, 4 just possible any more yikes, can you say max heart rate.

bmccasland

01-29-2007, 06:08 PM

I'm with Emily and Maureen - fair southern flower ;)

To answer the original question - "thunder and lightening, very very frightening" and hurricanes are out too.

We start training for the MS tour in July, when the temperature is around 95F and 95% humidity. And we're riding after work, not in the mornings when it might be a little better...

Count me in on the running for a whimp award! But when it come to what passes for "cold winter" in these southern climes, I want to stay warm. So I suppose my lower limit is something around 50F, but I have riden when it was colder, but the sun was out.

I draw the line at lightening, especially riding on top of a levee, where me and my bike are the tallest things out there.

CR400

01-30-2007, 12:17 PM

Oops, of course a thunderstorm. Can't think of much else that truely temps fate while cycling, than to be on a metal bike during a thunderstorm. Especially if you are possibly going to be the tallest thing around.

I can't wait I'm thinking about going out really early around 6am on Monday the low here is predicted to be less then 5F. Ok it will only be for about a mile, but just so I can say I did it, and thus forces my guy riding buddies to try it.

GLC1968

01-30-2007, 01:03 PM

I haven't really found my 'limits' yet either. Since I didn't start riding until I moved here to NC where it's pretty mild, I haven't had much of a chance.

I won't ride in an ice storm, or in nasty lightning...or winds much above 25mph (if it can be avoided), but other than that, I'm game.

I regularly ride in temps above 100F degrees (and 99% humidity) in the summer here. In the winter, we haven't had snow yet (to speak of) but I've ridden a few rides below freezing and was quite comfortable. Like I mentioned above, it's quite mild here. I did grow up a nothern girl though...so I don't see cold temps holding me back should I ever encounter them! I've also had a few rides in torrential rains...not easy, but kind of a fun challenge! ;)

Geonz

01-30-2007, 02:16 PM

Fog will be the last straw to get me in the car if it's also threatening to precipitate or the roads still have vestiges of ice and slush. Tornado warnings and thunderstorms, too.

Today it was six with a 21 mph wind coming in; gosh, now it's a fat fourteen. Wind still 21 - it'll be behind me, so I'll go faster but I'm warmer charging into the wind.

The tripshould be broken up by stopping at the LBS for the inside ride... now where's that T-shirt so I don't have to soak the bottom layer...