Biking through the Winter in Wisconsin

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Well, if it's fun, then it's worth it Actually, I did find a wholesaler online that sells the ones I want for about $50, so I think that's pretty good. There is a lot of winter left!

[Jaclyn]

I ride all winter ... Saturday it was 20 degrees and seven of us showed up for our regular 9am breakfast ride. We reduce our miles when it gets below 30-40 but we still ride. I'm a person who hates to be cold but hates the indoor trainer more (I lasted four minutes on Friday with a Coach Troy Spinervals DVD). Here's what I wore for 20 degrees ...

- A combination polartec neck warmer / lighter weight cap (under my helmet)
- A base layer long sleeve tee, a second layer (a jersey), and a third layer (a wool jersey)
- A bike jacket or my new favorite - it's a Nike jacket for cross country skiing or something that has a thin layer of thinsulate (quilted) - not at all bulky - and even has zip off sleeves. It just doesn't have back pockets like a bike specific design. Bought on sale at a sporting good store for less than $60. It is working better than my $200+ Goretex bicycle jacket.
- Winter riding tights
- Wool socks, Toastie Toes (toe warmers), and winter riding boots (an investment but I bought mine on sale for $150)
- Cheap ski gloves that I found at an outlet for just $2.99

On New Years Day I had a fleece second layer and I got too hot trying to keep up - you don't want to sweat and get wet inside because then you'll definitely get cold.

I ride my touring bike and replace its normal road tires with fatter tires (I think they are about 1.5 inches). I do everything I can to avoid a flat tire - so I use Slime rim tape in the winter. If there is a lot of snow/ice I switch to my mountain bike. And although I am comfortable riding alone the rest of the year, I ride with at least one or two other people in the winter. Last year we had a flat on a cold winter ride on our tandem, and it was great to have extra people (one even went home and met the group back at the end with hot chocolate).

One other tip - we do use more lights and try to be more visible. The winter conditions mean it is darker, often foggy or overcast, plus cars see few cyclists so they aren't expecting you (maybe another reason to ride in a group with greater "mass"). But riding in the winter is a blast.

PS There's a big payoff come spring when you are still in shape and everyone else is struggling.

[cobalt]

I live in Neenah, WI and I haven't been able to get to the mailbox safely since Saturday. We have ice everywhere, pretty but not safe.

I see that I am not the only antsy Wisconsinite. I want to move to warmer place so I can bike more!

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Well, I have been doing some checking around, and I spoke with 5 people yesterday that commute in the winter! I also know a couple more that do it on occassion. I found my tires and hear that wool socks and lobster claw gloves are the way to go. Hopefully by this time next week I will be on the road. Wish me luck!