Cooler temps

I've been looking forward for quite some time to riding in 60 degree temps and sunshine in the evening. I got my chance today! :cool: :D

Except...I am apparently a cool weather wimp :o :( I've become so accustomed to riding in 90-98 degree temps without thinking much about it (and hotter, but I think about that more) that my body didn't know what to think tonight.

It was 61 degrees, a bit breezy/windy, sunny...perfect. I thought at least. I figured shorts were fine so I just had on shorts and wool socks for my lower half. My upper body was layered with a long-sleeve smartwool base layer and a short sleeve Swobo merino wool jersey. Though my lower arms were a bit cool, my upper body was fine. My lower body however FROZE, and my feet were getting cold. I tried to hang in there, but after an hour I was still cold...so I packed it in.

Just goes to show that I should have followed my instinct to wear leg warmers...and that when we are accustomed to the kind of summer heat most of us have had, cooler temps require some adjustment. I am mad at myself for cutting my ride so short, but I was just so cold.

I guess this differs individually as to what temps we need to adjust to, anyone else notice this at 61-62 degrees?

For anything cooler than 65 degrees, especially in the evenings, I cover my knees and wear wool socks and lightweight full fingered gloves. I prefer knickers this time of year. I don't sense a big adjustment until the tights come out.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

For anything cooler than 65 degrees, especially in the evenings, I cover my knees and wear wool socks and lightweight full fingered gloves. I prefer knickers this time of year. I don't sense a big adjustment until the tights come out.

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I think this would have been perfect - I ALMOST wore my mtb gloves, and leg warmers would have been fine, knee warmers would have been better if I had any. Lesson learned ;)

This time last year I was already about off the bike, so I didn't get to experience the change of season while riding. I remember wanting to chase leaves with my bike so bad I could taste it - and I got to do some of that tonight!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by indysteel

For anything cooler than 65 degrees, especially in the evenings, I cover my knees and wear wool socks and lightweight full fingered gloves. I prefer knickers this time of year. I don't sense a big adjustment until the tights come out.

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+1 on covering the knees for any temperature below 65. If it is close to 65, I can still use short fingered gloves and sometimes even short sleeves. My knees, however, are sheltered. I like knickers, too.

+1 on the knees and arms. I need FF gloves if it's below 70°.

Got it, new shopping list:

- wool socks (thicker)
- knee warmers

I just thought my legs would be working enough that it would be ok. I never did warm up, not really. Lesson learned, and thanks!

I also have asthma, and both cold air, and the rhinitis (spelling?) caused by riding on colder temps are far better triggers for me than riding in really hot/humid temps. I actually noticed a bit of this tonight :eek:

Catrin, try using a saline nasal spray before and even while you are riding for the rhinitis. My doctor suggested it at the beginning of the summer and it has really helped. I bring it with me on long rides.
I used to wear knee warmers or knickers up to 70 degrees, but now I can go as low as 60 or so, if the sun is out. But, I like my knees covered. I have so many thicknesses of wool socks, one of them is usually right for anything below 70, too. The gloves, though, I do short fingered down to the low fifties, as my hands seem to sweat a lot!

Our daytime highs in the last few days has been 68 with clouds and I LOVE it. Last week it was 95!

yesterday the temperature was 101- the first time on September 14 since 1918. I just wish it would get a little bit cooler.

marni

It was 47 here yesterday morning. Brrrr. I ran in long sleeves and capris. The morning before it was 68 and I ran in shorts and a light tank top. Crazy weather but I do think fall is here. This is a wonderful time of year to ride. I get bummed to think it's going to be cold soon and we can't ride.

60 degrees is my guideline for donning leg warmers and/or knickers. And my feet get cold too, Catrin. I use wool socks and toe covers for anything under 60 degrees. Do you have covers, Catrin? If not, I would definitely invest in a pair.

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Originally Posted by Bike Chick

I use wool socks and toe covers for anything under 60 degrees. Do you have covers, Catrin? If not, I would definitely invest in a pair.

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Toe covers are great! I use those more than shoe covers. Once I need shoe covers, it is too cold for me to enjoy a ride...

I know we all are different when it comes to cold/heat tolerance, but it never ceases to amaze me when I see people riding in shorts and just a jersey or a light jacket and it's 45 out. It can't feel good! Over the years, I can wear less layers on the top, well at least thickness of layers, but my bottom half and feet need warmth.

Yeah, I had to drag out the sweatshirts. I'm so used to 90-degree and humid air hitting my skin that this cooler, drier air has me all confused. Now I don't know what to wear for my Saturday morning ride. Arm warmers and my wool base layer, probably. On second thought, it's 43 degrees right now. That's jacket weather!

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Originally Posted by pll

Toe covers are great! I use those more than shoe covers. Once I need shoe covers, it is too cold for me to enjoy a ride...

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Me, too. Plus, getting full shoe covers on is such a PITA, and I've never found that they keep my feet all that much warmer than the toe covers.

I love my Shebeest Pedal Pusher knickers in this kind of weather. The fabric is kind of cozy, and because I have pretty short legs, they hit me on my lower calf. So, most of my leg is nice and warm.

Catrin, I wonder if you could get by without knee warmers and just use your leg warmers instead once it gets cold enough to cover your knees. I find that I don't mind it if my legs are "overdressed." It's my upper body that I need to careful not to over (or under) dress.

As for wool socks, I find that thicker isn't always warmer either. They just end up making my shoes too tight.

I'm the other way around, toe covers restrict circulation so much that my feet are warmer without them. I might have lightweight shoe covers on before I even break out the knee warmers.