Cooler temps

[Catrin]

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!

Except...I am apparently a cool weather wimp 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?

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

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!

[pll]

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.

+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.

[OakLeaf]

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

[Catrin]

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

[Crankin]

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!

[Velocivixen]

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

[marni]

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

marni

[Bike Chick]

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.

[pll]

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.

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...

[Crankin]

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.

[Owlie]

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!

[indysteel]

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...

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.

[OakLeaf]

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.