Quote Originally Posted by denny View Post
At mile 5 I noticed a very painful earache beginning that was almost dizzying.
My jaw was beginning to hurt as well. I don't know if I was too tense on the last hill climb by clenching my jaw and not relaxing my shoulders enough, but the pain in my ear made the thought of an additional 5 miles intolerable. Any ideas or tips on cause or prevention? Anyone experienced this?
I'd suggest you get either a buff to wear under your helmet, or this Smartwool helmet liner:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_12950.html
I have one of these and it's very thin merino wool (washable) and it's soft and covers your ears. It fits nicely under your helmet and tucks away small once the temps warm up and you need to remove it. It'll keep your head and ears nice and snuggly from the 40's-60's degrees.

I know it's not a particularly cold place in Atlanta, but...you wore just shorts at 55F?? I'd be freezing! Maybe you need one pair of long biking tights with chamois for your cold season of riding.