How Will You Get Through Winter?

[five one]

I marked #2 on the poll, but in reality, I do a combination of several options. Trainer in the garage several mornings a week. We have a weight machine in the garage that I used 2-3 times a week. I/we ride on the road on the weekends when weather permits. During DST, DH and I meet one day a week after work for a flat fast utility sort of ride. Now that we are back to standard time, we're doing a power walk on the track of a local community center instead. Boring, but it's well lit and safe after dark.

I'm a bit skittish about riding in the rain. I ride mainly country roads with little or no shoulder. The white line is slippery when wet, which puts me farther out into the lane of traffic. After a big rain there is a lot of debris on the roads to dodge around. That said, I'm thinking of getting fenders for my old Bianchi (beater/trainer bike) and giving it a try more often.

Those of you that ride in all sorts of weather in harsher climates have my undying admiration. I am a California weather weenie .

[lph]

I enjoy buying lots of winter gear

[Geonz]

Me2

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

None of the poll options fit me completely.

I won't ride in the rain or on icy roads, but I'll ride all winter when the roads are dry, even if it's 20F degrees out.

I too work at home, so I have the advantage of being able to schedule midday rides during the daylight and then work partly in the evening to make up for it. I really feel for those of you who can't get out in the daylight on weekdays. That must be hard.

If the roads are snowy or icey, I do 5 mile fitness walks that loop through all the pretty streets in my town. I also go snowshoeing on nature conservancy lands nearby if we get 8" of snow or more.
I also just bought a jump rope, which I am currently having fun with in the basement.
If all else fails I can always go to the rink and roller skate!

There's LOTS to do in the winter.

[7rider]

B, C, and a little bit of D.

[Mr. SR500]

Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot.

I like riding my bike in the winter with these on, and lots of yummy wool socks:
my boots

[ginny]

So, I just moved to a new town, new job... new house... etc. I am a few blocks from work and my goal is to commute all winter long on my bike. I have been riding it around town every day and I love it (I used to live 35 miles from town). I won't ride my good road bike in wet or icy conditions, but I bought my Surly to do just that. If I take good care of her, I feel like it's okay to ride in crappy conditions, that's her job. I am close enough to cross country skiing to go at lunch if I choose, but my biggest goal is to actually ride my horse through the winter this year... lofty ambition, I know

[Mr. SR500]

I like riding my bike in the winter with these on, and lots of yummy wool socks:
my boots

I don't think I can attach cleats to those...

[andtckrtoo]

I'm in the Bay area and while we do get weather, it's usually just really windy rainy days like today. I will ride on my trainer indoors, but I usually ride indoors even in the summer in the morning as I like an hour workout at 5AM. The rest of the time I'll ride outside.

I also like to use the winter to cross train - especially with weights - so I do more concentrate weight work. And this year I absolutely have to drop 20 pounds. So, I'll use this time to do that, too. Hopefully.

[Kimmyt]

skiing, indoor climbing and trail running/road running throughout the winter. Also Masters swim started in September and doesn't end until June so that takes up a few days, and I just started doing that 100 pushup plan.


Pretty much everything but biking and outside climbing still happens!

[Triskeliongirl]

You need more choices. I ride all winter, but NOT in rain, snow or sleet!

Our climate is mild enough that the weather doesn't stop us. Yeh, we need warmer layers, but one can ride year round here. But with early darkness and more rain, outdoor riding hours are reduced. So, I supplement with Coach Troy.

Its funny though, I am still looking forward for it being cold enough to ride in my shebeest windpro jacket and pants! Right now we are in knee and arm warmer mode..........which tend to be pulled off by the end of the ride.

[Susan126]

You're right I do need more choices Triskeliongirl! After reading all the posts I agree. And I should have put another choice in the poll that also says all the above! You gals are hard core in shape athletes! Woooo Hoooooo!

[kfergos]

I enjoy buying lots of winter gear

Hi, my name's Katie, and I also enjoy buying winter clothing...

Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot.

Could you give us a review (perhaps on a new thread) on these when you've gotten to try them in serious conditions? I heard the previous version wasn't that good, but that they totally revamped the shoe and I'm interested in how it performs.

[Mr. SR500]

Hi, my name's Katie, and I also enjoy buying winter clothing...

Could you give us a review (perhaps on a new thread) on these when you've gotten to try them in serious conditions? I heard the previous version wasn't that good, but that they totally revamped the shoe and I'm interested in how it performs.

They came Sat, the fit is good, I normally wear a Sidi mega, and the boots are slightly oversized to allow thicker socks. I think I can get some nice wool socks without any problem. The insulation is thin, but typical Gore-Tex you might see in a hiking boot. I'll happily to a follow-up, but it was 72 degrees today, so hopefully awhile until I really test them.

If you are interested, www.probikekit.com has them for $205 delivered.