Quote Originally Posted by Veronica View Post
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.

Quote Originally Posted by Veronica View Post
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