January rides -- outdoors!!

[SheFly]

Thorn - that's impressive!

DH is on a determined streak to NOT ride his bike indoors (he is also continuing a 2 year streak of riding his bike every day). Last night when I finished work, it was dark, and 9 degrees. We suited up, and went out on the fat bikes for what turned out to be a VERY fun spin in the woods. There was definitely some ice we had to beware of (on Monday, we had temps as high as 56 that went down below 20 later in the day, and a significant amount of rain), but there was also some excellent riding to be found. By the time we got home, it was 5. And the wind was definitely blowing, though in the woods, we were pretty sheltered.

So, what exactly does one wear riding in these cold conditions?

Head: fleece neck gaitor (from downhill skiing days), wool beanie and helmet
Top: wicking yoga tank top, Craft zip neck base layer, Pearl Izumi Elite jacket, down hooded jacket (which I managed to snag on a tree and tear )
Bottom: Smartwool knee socks, knee warmers, Champion fleece-lined bib shorts, Pearl Izumi Elite bib tights
Feet: Louis Garneau winter shoes
Hands: Ibex wool glove liners, REI heavy duty mittens (from downhill skiing days)

We were out for an hour and 50 minutes (1:38 moving time) and I was never cold. Towards the end of the ride, my feet started to get a bit chilly, but I managed to get home before it got to the painful point. Yes, we are crazy, but apparently at my house, the streak must continue!

SheFly

[Crankin]

That wind late yesterday even got to me, SheFly. And I was only going to my car... appropriately dressed. 15 degrees with sun during the day seems like nothing to me, but wind and darkness sort of put me to the tipping point. Although, if I had been up north and nordic skiing, of course, I would have gone! I've skied in colder/worse conditions. I just can't get myself to ride, though. I went on a super short ride in December, at around 30 degrees/cloudy. I have the right clothes, but I was extremely chilled for awhile afterward. It seems like I had more trouble adjusting to the cold this year. My hands are the main issue, as I don't feel comfortable shifting in my AmFib gloves. I do it, but often end up wearing my next level up, with liners/heaters. I couldn't use lobster gloves (tried that) and bar mitts, no way. It's like I get a feeling of claustrophobia and then I get nervous about not being able to shift. I had no issues with lobster gloves and trigger shifters, though, when I mountain biked or on my old hybrid.
Well, I will live vicariously through you. My friends already think I am nuts for skiing/snow shoeing in the past week.