Having second thoughts about riding today

[redrhodie]

I went and did two hours of heavy cardio intervals at the gym and then came home and cleaned house for three hours instead. I am feeling whipped and virtuous and not at all regretful about not having ridden. Low how the mighty have fallen.

You should really be ashamed of yourself.

[Catrin]

Have decided against a trainer - would rather use the money towards my new Gunnar instead. It is COLD here and I've not the slightest temptation to ride - though hoping there will be a little window to do that Saturday before the winter mix arrives - it is supposed to be 38 degrees. I don't know if I have the right clothes for that but will try it if I can....

I AM able to start doing more without repercussions from my leg, so that is good. I can start ramping things up in spinning class and used the elliptical machine last night for 10 minutes and my leg feels fine today! Yayyyy. Very different from my activity level of one year ago - but I think it can only go up from here if I can avoid re-injury.

[JennK13]

We've been having some record highs here in Denver; supposed to be almost 60 today! It's weather like this that makes me want to take a couple "wellness hours" off to go ride.
My store manager at the shop is surprised I haven't had to cancel any Saturday rides yet, though we're supposed to get some snow Friday night into Saturday.....we'll see.

[redrhodie]

I discovered my limit today. It was 20º when I headed out, with calm winds. I was okay for 20 miles, but I noticed some things that made me think that's my absolute low for that distance. One thing, my water bottle froze. There was still unfrozen water inside, but I couldn't get to it. I couldn't even unscrew the top, it was so frozen shut. Trying unsuccessfully to drink from it, my lip stuck to the ice like the kid's did to the flagpole in "A Christmas Story". That was pleasant.

The second thing was my left foot went numb. Right foot was fine. I don't know why the difference, but it was like pedaling a block of ice. I could probably work out another sock combo/shoe cover that would get me through better, but the third issue makes me think I had better not.

The third issue--I felt my reaction time slowing. Avoiding debris was a little off, and this weird "devil-may-care" attitude was starting to come up, one that tells you things like that car had better stop for me, because I'm cold, and I'm not stopping for it. That's a pretty big sign that I hit my limit. I'm not a reckless rider, but I could see where I could end up doing something stupid because of the cold.

But I rode! Yay. It was still fun.

[JennK13]

Wow, Red! I admit, I got some good giggles from your post
I can relate to the mental reaction issue - when I get THAT cold, everything slows down for me. I have a problem with my hands freezing, so the cars better stop because I physically CAN'T brake - I have frozen claws at the ends of my arms!
We'll see today - was 26 when I walked the dog an hour ago. Supposed to reach 40; at least the sun is out, and my group riders have been bundling up to ride, so out I go!

[Crankin]

Red, that sounds like hypothermia to me. It's nothing to fool around with. Find a way to stay warmer on the bike, or stay indoors to ride!

[lph]

Do add an extra layer to your core, Red! And check out my post on the commuter thread about home-made toe covers from newspaper

I gotta admit I don't ride for pleasure at temps like these, but I do have plenty of experience commuting at around 15-20 F. And I have my clothing tuned well enough now that I get to work warm and just slightly sweaty. My toes and fingers may get cold underway depending on my speed and the wind, and while that may be a little painful, I'm still warm (and alert and all that) from inside.

Last time I misjudged the temps going home (the sun went down and the temp. dropped by at least 5 C, plus there was some wind) and skipped one layer of wool on top I could feel the same thing after a while. I got sluggish, bored and just a bit apathetic. Not good.