It is good to see so many outside riders posting to this thread. Depending on your region, any amount of miles can be significant. Even San Francisco, because there is thick fog and ocean winds in SF.

Quote Originally Posted by trekin' View Post
....but I really miss riding in the winter. What do you all wear to stay warm? I hate it when my feet and hands get cold, which happens very easily?

Do you take out your road bikes, or do you ride something that can handle sand on the road?
Trekin, on the real cold days I rode shorter distances. I saved the longer rides for when the temps went over 40 and without the heavy rain. Depending on what I think the temperature will be, I wear layers of clothing. If the temp is going to be under 45, I start with a thermal base layer and several socks, then I add shorts or knickers, then winter tights, then maybe winter pants over the tights. There are special socks to keep the feet dry, but if you wear them you might not be able to get the cycling shoes on - just a warning. The upper body is easier to keep warm with various layers of long-sleeve jerseys ending with a high quality water/wind proof jacket. For the gloves, I used the Pearl Izumi winter gloves, but when the temp goes over 50 I am back to wearing regular cycling gloves.

I ride the road bike. I didn't count the miles from the hybrid, which I ride when I do hills with gravel roads. The sand you mentioned, what the road crews put out for ice and snow, it mostly litters the shoulder of the road where the cyclists go. If the sand is thick I go around it, but mostly I go over it. Where I cycle, on the rural farm roads, the sand isn't so much a concern as the piles of manure in the roads from the farmers fertilizing their fields, or the large clumps of mud the tractors leave on the roads, or the brand new pot holes that develop overnight.

Here is to the next three months, and may we all reach our cycling goals. I love riding with just one layer of clothing. It is so free and exhilerating, so I am looking forward to the warmer months.

Darcy