what I wore on a cold ride today

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And I agree, I can't imagine wearing all the layers VB wears, but she's out for a lot longer than I am.

For me, there seem to be 3 phases the body goes through when biking in cold weather. When you first start out you are cold and need all or most of your layers. Then your body warms up and you need to remove stuff or else you get too hot and sweaty. But after another hour or two or three in the cold biking wind, your body starts slowly losing the fight again and you get colder despite actively biking. Then you need all your layers again and then some. I bet VB is out there long enough for that to happen.
I remember this vivdly a couple of years ago when my DH and I went for a 3 hour ride on Christmas day at 25F degrees. Oooh, my hands and feet were hurting bigtime when I got home!!

[Geonz]

Yesterday I did just the undies baselayer and sweats... but that makes my skin get all dry and flaky. So today it was tights and floofier undies and sweats. On top it's the really warm undie layer and sweatshirt, and my vest-and-coat that I got from steepandcheap.

I have foudn that my wonderful ORANGE IN YOUR FACE shoes (which get more comments, I swear, than if my hair were orange) ... are not warm enough for the 30's I gotta wear those squall shoes. Need to find some solid sneakers...

Yesterday it was the skinny balaclava and the ear-flap hat, tho' I am really just wearing it so I know where it is, since it's not really cold enough to make exposed skin hurt (today was 32; Mon 21). Wind chill makes me warmer 'cause I end up working harder.

I have a cannondale glove on my left hand and an orange lands-end $6 glove on my right, both of 'em underneath my Liz Claiborne Christmas Elf and Reindeer Finger gloves. Must find a way to get over to Meijer for some spare pairs.

Also starting to get the decorations on the tree... I mean bicycle. Can't find my pink tree!?!? so I ordered some $4 cheap and tawdry fiber optic "centerpieces" from a party site. Dang it, they were out of the hot pink fiber optic rope light, so I had to settle for blue I also got a "base light" that is sort of like a spotlight... I'm not sure just what I'm going to do with that. Wish I had a more creative mind for decorating

[TucsonTriGirl]

I'm new to the TE forums. I just have to say...your discussion reminds me of why I love living in Arizona! When I'm too hard on myself for having a bad training ride, I say to myself, "Self, there are people freezing their butts off, so appreciate your venue and lighten up."

I did commute to work today, but the low was 50, with no wind. Just needed a light cover up over the jersey and some thin tights over the riding shorts.

There are tons of people on the road at this time of year in Tucson due to the El Tour, which is this Saturday. I'm not riding, because I just completed my first Half Ironman and have been training for a PR in the Tucson Half on Dec. 7th. However, I will be up at 4:00 a.m. sitting with my husband's bike so he can get a good start. This is his first year for the El Tour.

[indigoiis]

Heya,

I didn't ride today, but riding yesterday in RI was definitely cold. I wore less than you and did feel colder.

What about ALPACA SOCKS? Fuh. BAMBOO!

[indysteel]

This is an interesting thread. I haven't gotten out for a cold weather ride just yet this year for one reason or another. In general, I hardly ever wear more than three layers on my upper body (base layer, jersey, Gore Windstopper jacket) and two layers on my lower body (tights and knickers). I also never double on socks because it would decrease my circulation such that it would be counterproductive. Instead, I use toe or shoe covers and charcoal inserts. I also use gloves and a glove liner. I hate wearing a balaclava and instead usually just stick with a hat and a neck warmer.

I think it's important to factor in how fast of a ride you're dressing for. I don't like slower rides in the cold because I don't warm up enough otherwise. I also don't usually go longer than 25 to 30 miles in the cold. Anything over two hours and my body gives up.

[redrhodie]

What about ALPACA SOCKS? Fuh. BAMBOO!

Oh, YES, YES, YES! When's the open house this year? I want me somma them!

[indigoiis]

Oh, YES, YES, YES! When's the open house this year? I want me somma them!

next weekend!!! 11/29-30 paradisefarmalpacas.com

[redrhodie]

next weekend!!! 11/29-30 paradisefarmalpacas.com

Cool! Maybe I'll ride out!

[Velobambina]

Red - Glad you're enjoying that jacket! It's toasty. Yes, I've been wearing the wool baselayer against my skin, and it works best in below freezing temps. I'll sometimes wear an UnderArmour mock t (cold gear) as a base. They are warm, too, but nothing beats the wool.

Lisa is right. I'm an endurance rider, so I'm generally on the bike anywhere from 2 to 3+ hours (depending on whether or not it's a work day). I end up being reasonably comfortable for most of my ride, but as time goes on, the cold can't help but penetrate. If this evil January cold weather continues and/or worsens, I probably will end up shortening my rides and cross training on the rowing machine. If it snows/ices, I do NOT ride outside. Then it's time for Coach Troy.