Thanks for your thorough description, Denise. I "hung up" my bike in November, thinking that was what all Northeastern cyclists did....but then I've noticed some gals and guys heading off to Newton through Brookline for rides, or riding out in my bf's area (Bedford), and the itch to be on the bike is back! I'm still a little intimidated by road safety (with all that extra dirt/sand), and even though I grew up cross country skiing, I'm struggling to wrap my head abour "cold weather bike gear". Your message was perfect!

I've got shoe covers and cold weather jackets on some website wish lists, waiting to move into my shopping cart. Now I'll add the toe thingies you mentioned. Does anyone out there use a balaclava, or am I better with the skullcap and earwarmers? I also welcome any recommendations or links to other threads on bike maintenance and riding in the winter.

I guess I'll dust off the bike now, rather than in March!
S