How cold is too cold?

[Brandi]

We've had temps in the teens and 20's this week and I've cycled in it. Today it's 17 F/-8 C.

For the TE'ers here, I wonder......how cold is too cold to cycle?

ARE YOU NUTS!
Ok I can't say anything in this thread I guess. I mean I rode about a week ago when it was about 45 and there was wind so it was colder then that..BUT I was frozen when I got home! I had to take a hot shower to feel my ears again. I decided it had to be at least in the low 50's from here on out. All you snow birds probably think I am a whimp. But it is what you are aclamated too right? My blood is probably thinner then you girls who live in the snowy places. It has gotten to 19 here before. But the roads where icy so I wasn't going to try that!
But I live by the ocean and it is not warm water. You have to wear a full wet suit and booties or you will die! So the wind that comes off the ocean here is so cold in the winter.

[OakLeaf]

I'll set out in 38-40F if it's expected to warm up a bit during my ride.

I have woolies, but I also have a history of frostbite. My fingers and toesies are very sensitive to cold.

[sundial]

ARE YOU NUTS!

Hot flashes keep me warm.

[Brandi]

Hot flashes keep me warm.

Thanks! I needed a good giggle!

[sundial]

Whew! For a minute I thought I lost you.

[Brandi]

Nawww I am still here.
I still can't believe you ride in such cold weather. But then i am a born and raised California girl. I am not of hardy stock!

[sheracr]

You all are a hardy and apparently cold-impervious group. I recently set myself a 48 degree minimum, given low wind and sun required. Then again had I not moved to CA, I'm willing to bet I would be able to tough it out (I think!)

[crazycanuck]

Wayyyy back in Edmonton, i believe i cycled until it was -10C & that's not cold. Well, unless there's a windchill. If you're dressed the right way & your bike's set up properly, i think it's still ok to get out there and bike.

Here in Perth, i cycle in our "winter" when temps only drop to 3 or 5C. That's not cold!!!

I remember cycling home last Jan 25th when it was 39C & no wind Oh boy, was i ever glad to get home!!! I decided then that if it's over 36C and no wind, i may just take the train home.

YOu guys are getting me excited about all the weather i get to experience when i get back on my bike

[Popoki_Nui]

Here in Perth, i cycle in our "winter" when temps only drop to 3 or 5C. That's not cold!!!

It gets down to 3-5C in Perth? I didn't realize the temps went that low there; that isn't much different than here.

Around here, for me it isn't "how cold is too cold" so much as it is "how wet is too wet". Cold (winter daytime high temps around 5-8C) is quite ok, but the rain kills any enthusiasm I have to ride outdoors. Occasional showers? Fine. Light on-and-off drizzle? Acceptable. Torrential downpour (like from November to February)? Forget it.

[Zen]

ARE YOU NUTS!

Brandi,I'm sure we're not the only ones feeling that sentiment

[amy]

ARE YOU NUTS!
Ok I can't say anything in this thread I guess. I mean I rode about a week ago when it was about 45 and there was wind so it was colder then that..BUT I was frozen when I got home!

Ummm... here in southern california, I'm such a baby when it comes to the cold. I will definitely be up for a ride in 110 F but if it is below 60F, I'll complain and whine. I think it was about 58 F and windy my last long ride... I haven't been back out in a couple weeks.

I'm almost too embarrassed to post this. Oh, the shame!

[Geonz]

Yesterday somebody at work said to me, in complete seriousness, "I bet you're loving this beautiful weather!" Hey, it was 40 degrees and only cloudy! Riding in 2 degrees makes it beautiful then and it doesn't take quite as long to dress