A Cold Ride

[Veronica]

I seriously don't know how you do it. Granted I wasn't wearing my balaclava or my really warm tights and I don't have winter riding shoes... It takes some real fortitude to get out there when it's cold.

My left foot never got warm the entire ride.

My hands were toasty all day though. We stopped at REI to buy Thom new gloves. He knows what a cold weather wuss I am though, so he was okay with giving me the really warm gloves.

Veronica

[Catrin]

It is encouraging to read the accounts of cold weather riding. I've asthma, and my lungs HATE cold air - so my temperature limit is 35 if it isn't windy...AND I am fully decked out on my PI Amfibs, et.all.

[SheFly]

I seriously don't know how you do it.

Most of the time - peer pressure in all seriousness, it's about wearing the RIGHT clothes. I have learned, the hard way, to under dress - both for riding in the woods and on the road. Breathable layers are key - a warm jacket that doesn't breathe is the kiss of death. Once you've worked up a sweat, you are bound to get wet, and then clammy and cold.

Typical gear for me is a pair of bib tights - PI Amphibs below 25, or lighter Gore tights below 50, a PI Barrier wind base layer (this has become my all time favorite base layer!), a mid layer - typically a thin SmartWool sweater, and on top, a breatheable jacket (I have a new PI barrier jacket that I love). The mid layer may not happen if temps are between 30 and 50.

Granted I wasn't wearing my balaclava or my really warm tights and I don't have winter riding shoes... It takes some real fortitude to get out there when it's cold.

My left foot never got warm the entire ride.

My hands were toasty all day though. We stopped at REI to buy Thom new gloves. He knows what a cold weather wuss I am though, so he was okay with giving me the really warm gloves.

Veronica

I have a pair of PI winter shoes that are the best ever. Those plus a Smartwool sock, and my feet have been staying toasty (well, they got cold when it was 15, but it WAS 15). I can't wear a balaclava - makes me claustrophobic. I do wear a skull cap (I have a light and a heavy version) under my helmet.

Do you know what gloves you got? Mike just got me a pair of the PI Barrier gloves that are AWESOME. Warm AND windproof. They make these in a lobster version as well for those who get really cold hands (not me).

It's been LOTS of trial and error . And I would think that a 40 degree ride in CA is a bit more like a 20 degree ride here .

SheFly

[Veronica]

Other than my left foot - I was warm when we got moving, just not on that descent.

Wool jersey, wool arm and knee warmers, wool socks, a buff and a windshell. I had a jacket that I should have put on for the descent.

These are the gloves I stole from Thom. They are womens which makes me wonder if they were suppose to be mine originally.

This is what Thom replaced them with.

Veronica

[SheFly]

The replacement gloves are what I have and love (though I have the women's version). The ones you stole also look warm .

Cold is relative. And descending at 38 mph on a 40 degree day is C-O-L-D for anyone!

SheFly

[7rider]

Most of the time - peer pressure in all seriousness, it's about wearing the RIGHT clothes. I have learned, the hard way, to under dress - both for riding in the woods and on the road. Breathable layers are key - a warm jacket that doesn't breathe is the kiss of death. Once you've worked up a sweat, you are bound to get wet, and then clammy and cold.

SheFly

"No bad weather, only bad clothing" goes the saying.

[Dogmama]

Shefly, I just road in a pair of Smartwool socks today. Wow! Wonder if they make a wicking base layer?

Veronica - you rock. 'Nuff said!

[SheFly]

Shefly, I just road in a pair of Smartwool socks today. Wow! Wonder if they make a wicking base layer?

Yes they do. They are pricey, but definitely worth the $$.

SheFly

[Catrin]

Yes they do. They are pricey, but definitely worth the $$.

SheFly

I have one that I paid a small fortune for two years ago (at least it seemed so at the time). I've never regretted the purchase and while it has been used a lot, it still looks new It is also my underlayer when it is just too cold and I can't get warm in my apt. or office. Heck, sometimes I wear my Mid-Zero tights beneath my slacks for the office