Hello, my name is Silver and I'm a bike-aholic.... [Archive]

silver

12-10-2007, 07:41 AM

It's been 15 days since I rode outside.

I'm unhappy and sad. I'm sure that my perfectly calloused bum is softening up. I gaze longingly at my bikes hanging on the rack and the wheel that sits on my kitchen floor with the tire unmounted as I struggle daily to mount the &*%^$ continental 4000 tire that haunts me.

I spend untold hours peering at the internet in search of the proper rim tape and tire mounting tools, trying to decide which one will help me mount the tire.

I search the internet for the perfect clothing that will make me feel warm and dry enough to want to go out and ride in the cold, rainy, nasty December weather.

Where, oh, where did the sunny, warmer weather go?

My last ride was a lovely 107.5 ride on November 27. Woah....woah...is me.

;) ;) ;)

Please tell me I'm not alone. ;)

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-10-2007, 08:16 AM

I search the internet for the perfect clothing that will make me feel warm and dry enough to want to go out and ride in the cold, rainy, nasty December weather.

Where, oh, where did the sunny, warmer weather go?

But Silver- don't you live in a warm area?? :confused: :confused:

Popoki_Nui

12-10-2007, 08:18 AM

You are not alone! I feel your angst: I've been nursing a funk of my own for a while now. I too divide my gaze between my bikes, and the nasty cold rainy/snowy weather out the window. I have zero motivation, not even to climb aboard my indoor trainer setup. I really want to ride, but I don't. I miss the soothing heat of summer like you cannot believe. I haven''t even felt like posting here on TE (although that may not be such a Bad Thing :rolleyes: )

*Ack*

Starfish

12-10-2007, 08:23 AM

Oh Yes, PN, I totally get the funk. You, too, Silver. I have not been on my road bike since September. Fortunately, I am finally back in the gym, but for some reason I am resisting my bike on the trainer.

Yesterday, I thought we might have a pretty day of white snow. But, it lasted all of a 1/2 hour, then turned into COLD, 34 degree rain all day.

I miss SUMMER HEAT!!!. Fortunately, I only have about 7 more months to wait for summer in these parts. :rolleyes: :mad:

Flybye

12-10-2007, 08:42 AM

Silver, I couldn't have said it better than you. I know exactly how you feel.
I woke up this morning feeling pretty dumpy. I haven't exercised for three weeks because we have had two viruses run through our family of five and I just haven't felt up to doing much of anything.
I just finished with the lovely time of the month crap and thought that today I should feel better, but I really don't.
I crammed some St. John's Wort (I haven't tried this in the past, so we will see if it works or not) into my face and grudgingly pulled out the treadmill. I feel like I have betrayed my poor bike somehow. I can't bring myself to set up the trainer either.
I feel so much better after my 45 minutes on the treadmill.
I hope we can find something else that feels as good as the bike - if you do, let us know!!
In the meantime, I will refrain from indulging in my usual winter pity party and I will determinedly beat this funk this year!!!!

li10up

12-10-2007, 08:46 AM

mimitabby

12-10-2007, 08:52 AM

it's been below 40 for days and i don't like to ride in weather that cold. I'm going to a spin class 2x a week AND I AM SUPPOSED TO BE GOING TO THE GYM 2x A WEEK so i am getting SOME exercise.
I look at my bike and think; "can i still ride that thing?"

Melalvai

12-10-2007, 09:19 AM

I search the internet for the perfect clothing that will make me feel warm and dry enough to want to go out and ride in the cold, rainy, nasty December weather.
Any kind of clothes, if you pile enough on, will keep you warm enough. Multiple pairs of gloves, mittens, and socks on your hands, socks on your feet and over your shoes, minimum 2 layers everywhere. Even a 10 or 20 minute ride can feel great (might take you 10 minutes to put on all that stuff, 10 min to take it off).

The rain sure does bite. I like riding in the rian, I like riding in the cold, I do NOT like riding in the cold rain at all!

I recommend not riding in an actual ice storm. A light snow fall is a beautiful thing to ride in.

Oh, and clean your bike up afterward.

bike4ever

12-10-2007, 09:28 AM

Oh for me it's not necessarily the cold, but it sure is my December schedule. Since I am a manager in a bike shop/outdoors store, we are working 6 days a week.:eek: In addition, I have three boys that participate in multiple extra activities - basketball, indoor soccer, scouts, school choir, band, the list goes on. Everyone wants to have a holiday concert. Even though we are supposed to receive more ice today, if schools are open then the activities continue. Tonight is a band concert and two in basketball. Husband is doing band - I'm doing basketball.

This morning I had 45 minutes to exercise before getting ready for work. After the kids left, I took a nap. I can't wait until January.

mimitabby

12-10-2007, 09:31 AM

and yes, December, the least light month!!! it's hard to get enthusiastic about riding when it's dark when you get home (unless you're raleighdon!)

silver

12-10-2007, 10:18 AM

But Silver- don't you live in a warm area?? :confused: :confused:

Yes, Lisa, I live in Southern Indiana. But I'm from Alabama. This is frigid weather to me. I'm just whining a bit, it's really not that bad, and I'm sure that it will get worse before the winter is over. The weather that we've had for the last couple of weeks, has been either two or more of the following types of weather that I don't like to ride in....winds sustained of over 15 to 18mph, raining, colder than 40 degrees. I can usually tolerate one of these conditions, but when it's two or more, I can't motivate myself to do it.

I've been experimenting with different articles of clothing and keep finding annoying things, like sleeves too short so my wrists get cold. Fingers too cold to shift, nose too cold.

there is hope in that we only have about 12 more days of decreasing light and then.....celebrate!!!....the days will start getting longer. I think that as we acclimatize (is that a word?) we will be able to tolerate the conditions better, but it sure is nice to know that others feel the same.

li10up

12-10-2007, 10:20 AM

On the bright side, the days will start to get longer beginning December 22nd. I remember getting snow one year in PA on April 15th...that's one thing I don't miss about living in the northeast - the long cooold winters! One snowstorm a year would be perfect.

Mr. SR500

12-10-2007, 10:58 AM

Triskeliongirl

12-10-2007, 11:33 AM

You just need the right clothes. I even surprised myself this morning. Normally I don't ride in the rain, but it wasn't raining, just drizzly, and I wanted to test drive my new rain gear. I put on my craft rain jacket, and goretex rain pants over a shebeest long sleeve dristyle jersey and tights, and rode very comfortably to work in a low 40s windy drizzle. I even unzipped the pit zips about 7 miles into the ride. I also used my new LG helmet cover, together with one of those headbands that covers your ears, and short gloves with full finger liners. The only part I need to work on are the gloves, as the liners got wet, need more weatherproof full finger gloves.

Melalvai

12-10-2007, 11:59 AM

sleeves too short so my wrists get cold
Someone mentioned Snocks (on the snot thread): a pair of socks with the toes cut off. If they already have a hole in the heel, stick your thumb through that hole. Dual purpose: covers the bare wrist between coat & gloves, and serves as a hanky.

Velobambina

12-10-2007, 12:01 PM

Ironically, I don't find that I get as cold when I'm riding in rainy 40 degree temps vs dry 40 degrees.

Silver, layer up and get out there. How can you acclimate if you are in your house, off the bike? Every day that the pavement is clear of snow/ice/slush/snow-debris is a gift this time of year and remember, we still have several months before the threat of snow/ice is over. If you get out there and it's unbearable, you can turn around and go home. I'm betting that you find it invigorating.

The hardest part is getting out the door. Usually when I dread riding on a cold day, I get five miles into the ride and realize that it isn't as bad as I anticipated.

Here's a treat---go out after dark and see all the houses decked out with Christmas lights!

Blueberry

12-10-2007, 12:14 PM

Oh...Velobambina - that sounds really nice:)

I mentioned in another thread, we'll be in the DC area this weekend - we have lights on our bikes (if we bring them) - Any not to be missed, not too difficult rides?? Bonus points if we get to see lights:)

silver

12-10-2007, 12:19 PM

Oh, good suggestions everyone!!!!

And I am working on the garments. I'm sending back the Gore jacket that I'd ordered from Terry. I've ripped out the cuffs of a Nike jacket and am adding a bit of dri fit fabric to the ends to make to give a little extra length.

I have kept up the exercise. But indoors.

Does this work.....linking my bike journal? I input all my exercise.

http://www.bikejournal.com/journal_calendar.asp?month=12&jyear=2007

I ran outdoors last wednesday, 6 miles in 29 degree weather. My fingers froze. I bought some new lobster claw gloves.

Mr. SR500, I just bought a used trainer, but haven't used it yet. I teach indoor cycling and am going to be doing a bit more of that. I'm trying to get permission to have people bring in their road bikes and trainers to use rather than the spin bikes.

I had the opportunity to buy rollers from the same person that sold me the trainer but decided against them. I'm afraid of them.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/tenday/USIN0480?dp=windsdp

I'm looking at the weather and thinking that I may try a ride tomorrow afternoon. I may have an inlaw errand earlier tomorrow. But, Thursday and Friday look good. Mr. hasn't been bringing his bike home on the weekends now that he has it set up in the trainer, so I'd best not plan any long rides for the weekend.

Yes, there is hope. I'll start gathering the cold weather gear together in anticipation.

What do you all use as too cold, too windy, too rainy?

Flybye

12-10-2007, 12:24 PM

While I can empathize with those of you being kept inside due to bad weather I have to admit that I'm loving this time of year.

After suffering in the Texas heat all summer I'm finally able to ride in comfort. Yesterday was a chilly 48 degrees with some very light rain. I had on a light skullcap, tights, arm warmers and a vest and was still sweating a bit during my ride. It is so nice not to feel wilted after 2 miles. I'm able to ride faster and further in the cool weather without suffering. So while I feel for those of you in the cold and wet, this is the perfect time of year to ride for me.

Here's to a short, mild winter so you can get back on those bikes.

I read your post twice to make sure that I read it right. In Idaho, if it were 48 degrees we would still be riding in shorts and sleeveless jerseys!! Might tie a jacket around the waist in case of rain, but very unlikely. We must be thick skinned!!!!

there is hope in that we only have about 12 more days of decreasing light and then.....celebrate!!!..

Yeeeesssss!!!!!!!!

SheFly

12-10-2007, 12:35 PM

. What do you all use as too cold, too windy, too rainy?

Hmm - last year we went riding and it was 5 degrees when we started... And that's FAHRENHEIT, not CELCIUS :eek: .

I'm afraid you are not really a bike-a-holic... I was complaining about the long season in another thread, and making a decision NOT to travel to our national championships in Kansas this week. However, faced with a weekend at home and no racing on the schedule, we STILL went out both Sat and Sun in the SNOW to get in a ride. When you SWEAR off of your bikes, and STILL go out for a ride DESPITE the weather, then you're a bike-a-holic.

Hi, I'm SheFly, and I have a biking problem... :D

TracyinMesa

12-10-2007, 12:49 PM

Here in the Phoenix valley we are blessed with perfect winters. However with the days getting shorter it is dark before and after work for rides. The last 2 weekends it has rained and been very cold(unusual for Phx). I did not get even get out to ride this weekend. It is the first weekend since June that I have not ridden. Going from 4-5 rides a week to living for 1 or 2 weekend rides is depressing! I do strength training and aerobics 2x a week, it is not the same as riding outside. My kids tell me I am crabbier too! They shake their heads and call me "addicted." I am addicted and not appologizing for it!

makbike

12-10-2007, 01:45 PM

Hi, my name is Marcie and it has been 14 days since I last rode my bike (new or old) outside. Like Silver I sit in my living room and stare at my new bike and dream of warm weather and flying down my favorite roads on my new addition. I've been on my old bike/trainer everyday but I sure miss riding outside. Just maybe I will be granted a warm, sunny day during our holiday break and I can get out an ride. If not I shall continue to spend at least 40 minutes/day on my bike and trainer for I want to be strong and swift in the spring.

li10up

12-10-2007, 02:06 PM

I read your post twice to make sure that I read it right. In Idaho, if it were 48 degrees we would still be riding in shorts and sleeveless jerseys!! Might tie a jacket around the waist in case of rain, but very unlikely. We must be thick skinned!!!!
Yeeeesssss!!!!!!!!
Ok, I admit it...I'm a wuss. :p But it was rainy and windy...doesn't that count???;)

Meaux

12-10-2007, 02:22 PM

[QUOTE=silver;269422] My last ride was a lovely 107.5 ride on November 27.
/QUOTE]

I don't even want to talk about when my last ride was or how long it was. The weather here hasn't been cold, but it's been SUPER muggy. I hate riding when it's muggy outside, I feel like I'm breathing through a wet rag. I pray for dryer, cooler days!! (I feel your pain about they calloused behind...I almost dread being on that bike again now.) I hear the siren's song of my bike...and she doesn't want to be on the trainer.

Triskeliongirl

12-10-2007, 03:34 PM

I hear you on the clothes. I recently orderd a bunch of stuff from the terry sale, TE, and sierra, and just recently boxed up and sent back what didn't fit. There is a lot of inconsistency, even within a brand, and since I lost weight I also found often the smalls fit me in width but not length, and I am shorter than you so I can imagine the problem you are having.

I have now tried a lot of stuff on since I had to replace my wardrobe after losing 35 lbs. I can highly recommend the shebeest dristyle tights and long sleeve jerseys I got recently from sierra (at great prices too, just subscribe to their email list and they will send you 20% off coupons). Both run long in the smalls, in fact the sleeves on the small jerseys are so long I am sitting here with the cuff rolled up about 2 inches! Another good way to go is to simply get some arm and leg warmers. I like the PI ones, very warm. Got the arm warmers in X-small and they still come almost up to my armpits, but the leg warmers only come in unisex small which may be too wide on your leg, but you'll have to try them on. Castelli makes one that are tall and skinny (I mail ordered and returned these from performance, too tall in a unisex small for me but very skinny fitting). I also just love my craft rain jacket from TE. This fit me better in the M (european size 38 if that helps), but I am a little wider than you so probably the S would be good for you. Its good not just for rain, its a great layering piece that is warmer than just a nylon shell. Another great piece is a balaclava, I hae one I got years ago from terry. If you are a cold wimp, wearing pieces you can easily take off as you warm up is a good strategy.

Good luck, just GO SHOPPING and you can do this!

Flybye

12-10-2007, 05:55 PM

Ok, I admit it...I'm a wuss. :p But it was rainy and windy...doesn't that count???;)

Yep, then it surely counts!

I did have to laugh when we went to LA in November once and everyone was in jeans and sweaters and we broke out the shorts and t-shirts! It was 60 for crying out loud! Maybe we Idahoans aren't right in the head or something!!

It is 12 degrees right now and we have about 3 inches of snow. Tonight, instead of going on a lovely ride on my bike, enjoying the warm air and sights and smells, I took all of the knobs off of my oven, cleaned them, and cleaned that disgusting part under the top of the stove that collects all of the spewage from overboiled noodles. Something is extremely wrong with this picture!

Jo-n-NY

12-11-2007, 04:31 AM

Silver this is a very busy time of year for me between my day job and retail store. My last time in the saddle was last Sunday, but that was trainer miles. I would have to get on it at 5am before leaving for work, but that would wake my daughter whose bedroom is below that area. However, I am taking off 3 days next week from the day job to work in my retail store (my daughter runs it) and I will then be able to ride the trainer in the morning.

My trainer miles do count on Bike Journal. Because of the lack of daylight and winter weather here at this time of year those miles count for sure. I know I give myself a good work out even if it is just 10 miles.

I have invested in cold weather clothing and even got my husband a couple of pieces for Christmas as a hint, hint, lets ride outdoors honey despite the colder weather lol

~ JoAnn

Velobambina

12-11-2007, 05:36 AM

Hmm - last year we went riding and it was 5 degrees when we started... And that's FAHRENHEIT, not CELCIUS :eek: .

..... When you SWEAR off of your bikes, and STILL go out for a ride DESPITE the weather, then you're a bike-a-holic.

Hi, I'm SheFly, and I have a biking problem... :D

Disclaimer---SheFly is the chick who RIDES ON ICE. She's my heroine!!!

Silver--This morning I was thinking about you when I was out riding. Your "long arm" dilemma? Why not get some Terry Thermal Boleros? That way if your jersey is warm but the arms aren't long enough, you'll get coverage from the bolero sleeve? Last year, I paired Boleros with SS jerseys and it worked well (with a long-sleeve base layer & a jacket).

mimitabby

12-11-2007, 06:19 AM

Silver, i prescribe MORE shopping~!

Flybye

12-11-2007, 06:38 AM

Silver, i prescribe MORE shopping~!
Can you write me out a prescription too? Will my insurance cover it :rolleyes: :cool: ????

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-11-2007, 07:02 AM

Silver, i prescribe MORE shopping~!

I second this medical opinion.

Remember-
There is no bad weather- only bad clothes.

silver

12-12-2007, 12:38 AM

Disclaimer---SheFly is the chick who RIDES ON ICE. She's my heroine!!!

Silver--This morning I was thinking about you when I was out riding. Your "long arm" dilemma? Why not get some Terry Thermal Boleros? That way if your jersey is warm but the arms aren't long enough, you'll get coverage from the bolero sleeve? Last year, I paired Boleros with SS jerseys and it worked well (with a long-sleeve base layer & a jacket).

And you are one of my mileage heroines!!!! :)

I ordered a bolero from TE once and the sleeves were way too short....so I sent it back.
:(

I find internet shopping to be sooo frustrating. I need to TOUCH the items, feel them.....try them on, look at myself in the mirror, pose in the bicycle position, try to see how I look for the back, see if the sleeves will still be long enough, will the back slide up too short........;)

I'll keep window shopping though......please keep up the suggestions!

Oh, so the temp here went up to 61 degrees today and the sun actually came out BUT I didn't have time to ride!!!!! :mad: :mad: :( :(

I did squeeze in a 5 mile ride. :rolleyes:

Triskeliongirl

12-12-2007, 04:54 AM

FYI, I tried on the shebeest bolero and the sleeves were very long on me. Other options are PI arm warmers. They are unisex sized so tend to run long, but available in XS and S to fit women's skinnier arms. I have the XS and they are snug but come almost up to my arm pits. I know I am shorter than you, but I am comparing these items to the bulk that is out there, and they do run longer. Same with the small castelli leg warmers from performance. I sold the ones I ordered to a gal that is your height (6 ft tall and rides a 60 cm bike).

silver

12-12-2007, 07:53 PM

I'm not sure which bolero I orderd from TE. It was when they first got them last year.

ARe my arms freakishly long? so, I measured my wingspan....It's 68" same as my height. From the end tip of my collar bone to my wrist is 23 inches, to the tip of my middle finger is 30inches. My bicep where I would expect the arm warmer to come up to is 9 inches in circumference. My wrist is 5 inches.

I think the solutions are out there, but I'm not patient enough or willing to spend enough to order and try them on and send back what doesn't work.

I did modify a pair of nike football socks into arm warmers. I'll try using them.

I did thnk of another way to deal. Since I have lots of running clothes that fit (but are mostly all black thus deemed not good for cycling since not easy to see) I ordered a bright yellow vest to wear over the running layers, since I wouldn't have to worry about the sleeve length. I'm still waiting for that to come in.

So far it hasn't so much been the weather keeping me from riding but life obligations. the inlaw issue has been very time consuming this week and had to take SD to Louisville for a dermatologist appt today. Maybe I can squeeze in some time tomorrow.

I hope that you all are getting out there!!!

Triskeliongirl

12-13-2007, 04:39 AM

Ohhh, the running clothes are a good solution. My husband has some Nike turtlenecks for running, and he just puts either a bright sleeveless cycling jersey or bright wind vest, both of which have back pockets over for cycling. I have had trouble to find leg warmers that fit (opposite problem as you, smalls are too long and often too wide for me) so I have been using my old nike running tights over my shorts.

The important thing is that you are managing to staying active.

Geonz

12-13-2007, 05:41 AM

I was thinking this a.m. that I didn't like how long it takes to get dressed to ride (and decide how many layers to use). It is better now that I sprang for the "wickers" stuff that is really warm... that and one layer and the jacket are *plenty* down to 20 or so. But I didn't have time to do the tire swap I need to do to take the Gazelle in to get my LBS guys to take apart its back end (it confounded me... too much internal stuff attached to it in foreign ways - and somebody's gotta keep those LBS guys entertained!) so it can get the studded tyre which should make it a veritable tank. (I got one on on the front.)
But I'm not an addict. I could quit any time I wanted ;) :D

Susan126

12-13-2007, 06:26 AM

Silver,

Me too, off the bike for too long now. Got a cold, getting fat, roads are still wet with some ice and leaves so bad for riding. Time to get out the rollers and trainer.

You gotta check out these rollers:

http://www.insideride.com/images/stories/EMProdImages/model-f-wbike.jpg

http://www.insideride.com/

I want one so bad, but $800 - OUCH and we still don't have a !#@ Wii.

Time to ride will be soon...

I saw one of those inside ride things at the Group Health Bike Expo two years ago. My daughter even got to ride one. Mom (me) chickened out. I would love to have one right now because like many of you out there I too have not been riding because of this stinky weather! :( I am looking forward to spring! And I am happy that the days will start to get longer in a week! Yippee!

Video of my daughter riding one of those inside ride machines. (http://www.cyclingaddict.net/videos/pedalpower.mov)

Sue :p

Bike Goddess

12-13-2007, 07:42 AM

Rollers aside- check out the bike:p :p :p :p !

BleeckerSt_Girl

12-13-2007, 09:29 AM

Rollers aside- check out the bike:p :p :p :p !

Call me anal, but it bothers me when people don't align their quick release levers neatly with their forks and chainstays. :( :cool: :D

smilingcat

12-13-2007, 12:24 PM

oooOOO :eek: LisaS.H., you're right. That is not safe?? should align your levers with the fork or to one of the stays. Tucked away neatly. Otherwise you might catch it on something or someone's wheel to catch it.

Good eye!! my six eyes didn't catch it (bifocal plus the one I was born with).
smilingcat

Susan126

12-13-2007, 06:40 PM

Call me anal, but it bothers me when people don't align their quick release levers neatly with their forks and chainstays. :( :cool: :D

Even more so on a mountain bike! Those sticks and trees and shrubs have a nasty way of grabbing those things and undoing them. Believe me it happened to a friend. I like mine tight, aligned, and facing slightly backwards!

silver

12-14-2007, 08:45 PM

yeah! I got a small fix today.

I got my new vest in and wore it over my black nike running top. It was cold but I'd say I was dressed appropriately. It was about 38 degrees. The colder thing was my nose. I had my balaclava pulled up over my mouth but kinda felt like I was sufficating.

I rode 19 miles at 16.9 avg mph.

We are expecting nasty weather tomorrow and sunday so I was glad to get this squeezed in.

solobiker

12-16-2007, 01:44 PM

Call me anal, but it bothers me when people don't align their quick release levers neatly with their forks and chainstays. :( :cool: :D

I am there with you Lisa, drives me a little crazy. As for riding, I haven't been on my bike outside for about 3 weeks, due to a back injury that has flared up, and now there is a lot of snow and ice on the roads, the last thing I need to do is fall and re-injure my back. It still hurts a bit right now:( I did ride my spin bike this morning for about 45 min and just came back from a short walk. Thanks for this thread as I was starting to think I was the only person who felt like this. ( none of my co-workers Know what the word exercise is, let alone bike:o )