Brrrr!

[SheFly]

It seems that at least some of winter has finally arrived in New England. Yesterday when I got up, the thermometer read 6F (-14C). Still no snow here, but it was plenty cold all day. After work, the temp was a balmy 15F (-9C). What to do? Ride, of course!

I dressed in multiple layers - wool ski socks, bike shorts and knee warmers as the first bottom layer, and then a pair of wind proof winter tights over top; sports bra, undershirt, wicking hoodie and lined wool jersey topped with a wind vest and jacket on the top; added toe covers over my wool socks, and slipped on my Lake winter shoes for my feet; hands had a pair of liner gloves with an outer layer of fleece-lined ski gloves; fleece earband, hood (from hoodie) and helmet on my head. I felt like the Michelin man!



I headed out with the boys. Riding the road to get to the woods was chilly - my face got a little cold, but the rest of me was ok. Once we were in the woods, I quickly warmed up. After a few days of rain, and then cold temps here, the trails were pretty solid, but not as icy as I expected. The ice came whenever we needed to cross a bridge.



After doing some really fun riding, it was time to head home when my feet started to get really cold. I ran for awhile on one trail just to try to get them warmed up some! The only issue was that the ride home was mostly downhill, and a lot of roads, making it VERY COLD; in fact, I ended up with an ice cream headache on the way home!

Changed into warm, dry clothes and ate some dinner, so am warm and happy as I write this. Crazy? Yes indeed. We usually do one really cold ride a year though, and have ridden in colder temps. Managed to ride 10.5 miles in 1:40. I think I'll ride the trainer in the basement next week - it's definitely warmer .

[Adventure Girl]

Damn!

[Bluetree]

SheFly, this may be Team Estrogen, but you officially belong to the Team Cajones Club!

[maillotpois]

Good for you for getting out in that!! You look well bundled up. Great photos!

I just did a 17 miler this morning before light. I really wanted to test out my new schmidt hub and light system. It was between 32 - 33 the entire time and there was ice on the roads. Not as cold as your ride, but cold enough. The worst part of the ride was in the shower afterward. My tights (2 pairs) were clearly not warm enough and my legs and butt were BRIGHT red. When they started to defrost it hurt SO badly! I should have worn my rain pants as more of a windbreaker. (My top half was fine.)

[Veronica]

Good for both of you!

I'm having a hard time getting out. I sweat so much that I get really cold if I stop at all.

The pictures were awesome! Thanks for sharing.

V.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

She-Fly, you're my HERO!

[Blueberry]

I admire all of you! I just cannot make myself get up before work and ride when it's cold (or anytime for that matter - I usually have to leave by 7:20 as it is). By the time I get home, I'm ready for sleep this time of year.

My hat is off to you all!!

CA

[SheFly]

BlueTree - believe it or not, I've been told that before. I think it's the Team Stupidity club sometimes though .

Sarah - trust me when I tell you that I know that defrosting pain! My fingers took about 30 mins to thaw out, and the pain was intense...

V - sweating was my issue last night. I actually over-heated on the way out so that part way through the ride, my core actually got cold. That downhill ride home was downright chilly!

Lisa - too much pressure being a hero . One thing to remember - I'm actually Canadian .

So, let me also let all of you know that I did this ride somewhat under duress. DH insisted that I go out with them so that I could have something to write about on my new blog! Sadly, it sounded like a good idea and reason to me... In truth, though, heading out in temps over 20 is really not an issue for me usually - I like the cold.

SheFly

[telegirl]

Isn't it funny how normally, downhills are fun and when you are tired, you look forward to them.....then, it turns cold and all you can think of is 'damn, not another downhill'!

Good Job! You Da Woman!

Hubby just tried to go out today, but even with the ice and frozen snow, there was too much on the trails and he kept breaking through and not able to get traction. So off to the trainer!!

Going skiing this weekend? At least it is cold enough to make snow!!

[caligurl]

After work, the temp was a balmy 15F (-9C). What to do? Ride, of course!

wow! ya.... what blue tree said... cajones!

what would "I" do? turn the heater up to 80 degrees and put on my warm jammies and stay inside where it's warm! yep.... that's what i'd do!