To Ride or Not To Ride?

[Crankin]

If anyone can do it, you can. But, I don't ride below 25 and rarely below 30. The wind chill factor you get from riding, even with no real wind around is not pleasant for me. Plus, there's the constant freezing and refreezing of the water/ice/snow by the side of the road, which, for a recreational rider, it's just not worth it to deal with. On the other hand, I do go out and do winter sports or hike when it's -10. I use this time to take a break from cycling, do other sports, or ride inside. I do usually get in at least one ride each winter month, when I ride my Jamis outside, instead of my road bike.

[smilingcat]

I'm irresponsible so I voted yes.

but do becareful about exposed skin and wear a ski goggle to protect your eyes.

smilingcat

[RoadRaven]

I be irresponsible too... sidles alongside Cat...
(Hi Cat )

If the road is safe (not icey), and its not driving sleet, and if you have plenty of warm stuff on, then yes... I would ride too...

But of course, I have never ridden anytime/where THAT cold.

My coldest ride was prob about 2'C with snow falling but not settling! And I raced without a jacket cause the weather closed in and I only had my shortsleeved jersey and shorts! I did put a plastic back down my front to cut down the windchill (and plastic backs over my socks. My knees were very cold at the end of it!

[Aggie_Ama]

I live in Texas and have all my life, I determined you are crazy. I believe this is a case where those instant warmers are necessary. Also don't forget your charged cell phone and maybe a flare or something. I am interested to see your ride report if you go for it.

[lph]

Well??

[kfergos]

My mom, who lives in Seattle, called me up last night. She said "Consider this your verbal slap in the face: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! Why would you do something like this? What's the point? Is it worth having a lifetime of nerve damage just to ride?"

...So no. I didn't do it. It was 6°F this morning. Call me a cold-weather riding wuss (I was second-guessing my decision even the morning of!), but I'm thinking maybe I'll just stick with my 10°F boundary.

Also I'd rather not risk it until I get the Gore face warmer. My current face-covering option fogs up my glasses, gets condensation in the inside and on my chin and throat, and then it freezes solid. I'm hoping the Gore one will be a lot better.

[Biciclista]

i hear it's supposed to warm up this weekend. to 30 degrees in many places!