What's your coldest riding temp?

[Miranda]

What is your coldest riding temp? Meaning... what's your cut off point... 40degrees F? 32degrees F?

Ugh, we have the longest winter to spring transition. I've never owned cold weather gear, but just bought some. It's just above freezing, dry, less than 10mph wind, but *sunny* (a happy sight from long weary winter days). Thinking about heading out. Curious as to when others start, and stop.

Of course I'm sick, been draggin on forever, sinus/URI (and will still continue on with allergies/asthma to boot, spring trees blooming next to cause head congestion)... but I can't help it... I'm so sick of being couped up... think if I wore face/mouth protection, maybe it could work?

I've put on "the winter coat" weight too with lack of being able to work out *sigh*. Can you feel my desperation?

[redrhodie]

This was the first year I rode all winter. I discovered I actually like the cold. My hands and feet don't need more than a single layer. I don't go out below 38 though. That's about all my eyes can take (as they tear up and feel like they're going to freeze in their sockets!).

I'd get out there if I were you. Once you get going, you build up heat and the cold feels great. Just the first few minutes are a little uncomfortable.

The other thing that used to keep me from riding in the cold was how runny my nose gets (sounds like this could be an issue for you, too). I was convinced that I could never do a "snot rocket", but the discovery that I was wrong was life altering!!! (Sorry if this is TMI) It was just such a drag to have to carry a bunch of kleenex, and they'd be used up halfway through the ride, and I'd be in this desperate state of "now what to I do?" Finally, I just did it, and was shocked that it worked. Yet another reason to ride alone

[Harley]

If it's above 32, roads dry, and sunny, get out and ride. Even a short ride will lift your spirits.
Cover your ears with a headband or helmet liner (I use a Bula); neck gaitor; cycling shorts under xc ski tights; smartwool zip t; either a xc ski jacket or windbreaker; thin wool socks; gloves, again xc ski or liners under cycling gloves.
Remember, there is still winter sand on the roads, so take it easy on the corners.
Where do you live?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Old saying:
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

[lauraelmore1033]

I used to have a cut off of 40 degrees, but was enticed by the promise of good food and good company to go on a group ride in January when the temp was only 26! I discovered that it wasn't all that bad and, since I had begun to develop the above mentioned hate-hate relationship with the trainer, I had no problem riding through the winter after that initial breaking in(when roads were free of ice). I found that an underlayer (top and bottom) and two wicking tops, windbreaker, gloves and "calientoes" were all that was necessary. also, something to cover the mouth and warm the breath and a hat.

[SouthernBelle]

I ridden down in the 20s, but not often. If I can keep my toes, fingers and ears, well not warm but not frozen, I'm OK.

[Miranda]

This was the first year I rode all winter. I discovered I actually like the cold. My hands and feet don't need more than a single layer. I don't go out below 38 though. That's about all my eyes can take (as they tear up and feel like they're going to freeze in their sockets!).

I'd get out there if I were you. Once you get going, you build up heat and the cold feels great. Just the first few minutes are a little uncomfortable.

The other thing that used to keep me from riding in the cold was how runny my nose gets (sounds like this could be an issue for you, too). I was convinced that I could never do a "snot rocket", but the discovery that I was wrong was life altering!!! (Sorry if this is TMI) It was just such a drag to have to carry a bunch of kleenex, and they'd be used up halfway through the ride, and I'd be in this desperate state of "now what to I do?" Finally, I just did it, and was shocked that it worked. Yet another reason to ride alone

Yes, all the nasal drainage is a nusiance... can't say that I have mastered the technique yet lol. When you have allergies the stuff never totally goes away. But, we can't stay coupled up just because of that.

[HoosierGiant]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.

[Miranda]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.

The road grit is a major issue. In the Fall, they give the county roads a coat of gravel before snow. O, that is dreaded when cars pass you and throw it up on you. Now, they are filling the potholes. A good thing in ways. But, there are lots of loose bits from that (like the gravel) that's ready to fly as well. It would be great if you could just snap your fingers like Mary Poppins, and all your warm cycling gear would just pop on your body.

[Miranda]

I've ridden as low as 10 degrees, with windchills making it even colder. My feet are always asleep on rides, but I'm not warm until temperatures reach at least 70, so I guess that's to be expected. My biggest complaint is that it takes soooo long to get all the necessary clothes on for cold-weather riding. But I have a hate/hate relationship with the trainer, so I suffer without whining too much.

More than temperature, road conditions are the determining factor for us when it comes to deciding whether or not to cycle outdoors. Obviously, we don't take the road bikes out on snow or ice; but more often than not, it's the amount of residual sand, salt, grit, etc., left after the county clears the roads that keeps us indoors.

Midwest... I love our change of seasons here... Fall is my favorite, so beautiful, a nice white xmas is good, but snow is March starts to get to be a drag. I think seeing the sun makes it better tho. If you have ever gotten S.A.D. in the winter (lack of light seasonal depression), you can see what I mean. I liked the nip and chill of Fall riding... thinking a nice sunny day, and the cold doesn't matter so much.

[Miranda]

Thanks ladies for your thoughts. Yes... advice is correct... even a short jaunt would do my spirits good. For me with the new gear, I think it might be a bit of trial and error of what to wear (how much). But, have some good tips thus far in the thread.

[breezy]

I found out the hard way that 27F is too cold for me, even wearing a thermal layer.

[SheFly]

I've said it before, and will say it again - it's never too cold to ride . I've been out down to 5F. I think that one involved some running to try and keep the feet warm though .

I love to ride, so don't usually give it up. Although, if it weren't for the "bragging rights" and stories, I'm not sure I would go out in temps quite that cold again.

SheFly

p.s.
I also do snowsports, and went out a couple of weeks ago in temps that were at -15F and got a little colder as we climbed...