Very cold winter cycling: small victories

[shootingstar]

Every bike ride from now, with snow /ice off and on, melting and freezing with some dry patches, feels like a small victory.

Just cycled into work..only 4 kms. folks in -17 degrees C (or 1 degree F) in the dark. By the time, I got into work which was only 20 min. (I was going slow and I had to walk 3 metres over ice near my front door.), my bag of clothing inside my pannier, felt cool when I changed into my business clothing.

Calgary is 51 degrees latitude. (But, yes Norway is further north.. ). We are 170 km. south of Banff /Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The Canada-U.S. border is 49 degrees latitude. (Well, generally speaking. It varies all over the place across the continent.)

Today I wore:
Lobster claw gloves (though I carried a lighter pair when I ride back home in afternoon when it is warmer).
Lycra (with cotton) tights...No chamois
Long sleeved cycling jersey
Clear glasses (always, the cold seems to protect them slightly. My eyes tear abit in such cold.)
Heavy close-fitting fleecy jacket
Outdoor spring cycling jacket (with some water resistance)
Light headband over ears
Helmet
Mountain bike cycling shoes
Socks


There were a few people jogging in the dark. (Now I think they are tougher than me..)
This is the type of cycling I do in winter, short functional rides..but believe me, it does help keep minimal fitness. YOu will notice it in the spring.

But last 2 days I didn't cycle because of snow piles and freezing sheets of ice. I really need to cycle now 'cause I will be flying to Ontario and will not be cycling.