Fall/ Winter 2011 Commuters

[eofelis]

My job is 4.5 miles away and I'm basically a year round bike commuter with 2 dedicated commuting bikes. Both are Novara Randonee frames from the 1990s. They made XS size ones back then that took 26" wheels. One is set up with flat bars and thumb shifters, and the other has drop bars and 9sp STIs.

Both have front/rear racks and fenders. The flat bar bike is mainly the winter rider, thumb shifters easy to use with heavy gloves. I rode the drop bar bike all summer.

I've had my winter gear out for the past month. Today was my coldest morning, 21F. I bundled up and was cold at first, but at my 2 mile mark I was pretty warmed up. By the time I got to work it was feeling balmy out. My route is "flat" but there are slight uphills that are only noticeable on a bike. Those warm me up.

My ride route home is slightly longer so I can ride up a 1/2 mile long hill. Then I ride through a few rolling subdivisions. Some houses have their xmas lights up. One subdv I ride through decorates heavily for xmas. In the past week there have been a few more lights up every evening.

Last year I rode most of the winter, except for about 4 weeks total when it was too cold (<15F) or snowy/icy. It's generally fairly dry here, not much snow.

[Crankin]

Tri Girl, you can get frostbite in just a few minutes at those temperatures. Your feet (and other extremities) should be toasty warm. Wool socks and chemical warmers, even if you don't wear cycling shoes, hiking boots, etc.

[Melalvai]

I am fondly remembering that 107F bike ride in Phoenix back in September. Frost on the ground today. It seems too early in the year for long johns and the wool undershirt already, but it's probably about the same as last year.

I keep telling myself I should just walk, it's close enough and I'd be more comfortable. But I just don't want to take the time. At some point I guess it'll take as long to suit up for biking as it does to walk, and then I'll walk!