My coldest, windiest ride so far! Wheeee!

[PamNY]

Okay, this is newby enthusiasm. Tonight I did about 12 miles with 22 degree windchill -- and a significant (about 18-20 mi.) headwind outbound.

I'm so excited -- I actually enjoyed it! I would have gladly gone farther, but i don't feel safe at night past a certain point on the bike path. Thanks to everyone who has given cold weather clothing/riding advice. I wouldn't have considered cold weather riding if I weren't reading this group.

My apparel is a work in progress -- I wore heavy, insulated boots and I'd like to improve on that, and I need better gloves. The main thing is I had fun and felt great, even with those limitations.

Now for the hardest part -- how do I stop myself from being a smartass about all this? Everyone was complaining about the nasty weather and I was all rosy and smug and full of endorphins. Heaven help me if I ride even farther tomorrow.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so excited -- I actually enjoyed it! ...Thanks to everyone who has given cold weather clothing/riding advice. I wouldn't have considered cold weather riding if I weren't reading this group.

My apparel is a work in progress -- I wore heavy, insulated boots and I'd like to improve on that, and I need better gloves. The main thing is I had fun and felt great, even with those limitations.

Now for the hardest part -- how do I stop myself from being a smartass about all this? Everyone was complaining about the nasty weather and I was all rosy and smug and full of endorphins. Heaven help me if I ride even farther tomorrow.

Pam

Pam,
I could have written these exact words.
I totally share your enthusiasm, and your wonder at being able to do things you never would have imagined braving before.
Go ahead, feel as rosy and smug as you like....you've earned it!

I'm in NY too, and I was out on my bike both Wednesday and today- it's been COLD!!!!

I wear heavy insulated boots a size larger than normal so I can wear like two heavy pairs of wool socks in them. Don't pack your socks too tight though or they will reduce air insulation and will limit circulation.
I also layer my gloves. I start with a thin cashmere or merino glove liner, then a thick polarfleece glove, then a man's big Windstopper soft flexible ski shell glove over the top.

[pardes]

Now for the hardest part -- how do I stop myself from being a smartass about all this? Everyone was complaining about the nasty weather and I was all rosy and smug and full of endorphins. Heaven help me if I ride even farther tomorrow.Pam

Nahhh, don't stop yourself. That's part of the fun!

Okay, so I'm 63 and bike commuting for the first time starting 4 months ago. I figure it's time to finally be eccentric and do exactly what I want to do, so I did. My colleagues at work kept waiting for me stop biking when it turned cool. Most assumed I had stopped.

Last night I walked into the Director's office decked out with front and back helmet lights flashing and dressed in rain pants for the snow. He's never been speechless in his life until that moment.

Yuk, Yuk, I love the effect but what I really love is the biking for biking's sake!

Good for you and keep us posted on how things go. Winter clothing is a work in progress that never ends. I just ordered different pants to replace the rain pants since they keep me dry but I need something more wind-proof without that nylon cold feeling. If the replacements work out I'll let you know what they are.

Tomorrow it's going to be very cold but sunny so I have errands lined up for the entire day! Lovely, just lovely, when getting there is as much fun as being there.

[PamNY]

Pardes, what a great image of you with the helmet lights. New motivation for me to get helmet lights. I would like to know about the pants you describe. My pants that are great for hiking/camping feel kind of icky on the bike.

BleeckerStGirl, I am going to look for the windproof gloves you describe. I have umpteen layers, but need something windproof.

Who knew winter could be this much fun?

Pam

[Biciclista]

brag brag brag. it helps get others motivated!

[Dogmama]

Okay, this is newby enthusiasm. Tonight I did about 12 miles with 22 degree windchill -- and a significant (about 18-20 mi.) headwind outbound.
Pam

Hey Pam - I think you deserve to gloat over that!

[Dogmama]

Okay, this is newby enthusiasm. Tonight I did about 12 miles with 22 degree windchill -- and a significant (about 18-20 mi.) headwind outbound.
Pam

Hey Pam - I think you deserve to gloat over that!