HolyBaGeeBas...thank you so much! SkierChickie you are too funny, about the paragraphs to get out what you want to say...that it SO me as well!

No, unfortunately I don't have a lot of winter cycling gear--just new to the sport as well, but am starting to get a few pieces, and now will think about the cross training with xc skii. For example, I do have two grades of tights, and I did not get them with the chamois, and now I am glad because I assume I can use them for part of my ski layers it sounds. Also, I can't do anything implactive exercise, like run, thus cycling and xc skiing are good choices for me.

Alas, wool makes me itch and break out in hives. I know it's a great natural fabric. I can't even wear a nice cashmere sweater in winter for fashion fun, whaaa . So, I will have to consider some of the other choices listed. Also, on the getting cold part in general, I am sorta a big baby there . I lost a lot of weigh in the last couple of years, and as one of my GFs said, "it's cold being skinny". None on my upper body, just all the weight I carry is in my good ole bootie--which I could transfer it North to stay warm.

Lastly, I think I do remember reading about the different types of strides for xc skiing on a gear website in the info section. Gotta do a bit more research, and learn of course.

Snow won't be long for sure...shhh, don't tell my bike! Thanks!