Cold

[ChainsOflove]

hi all
I'm in Boston area. I want to try cold weather riding, because I can hardly stand being inside on the trainer all the time.

Tried once when it was 25 out and lasted about 30 seconds. Just ordered a paid of amphibs tights and gloves, hoping to make it better.

Please can you give me advice. I am a weather weenie, but i want to face these fears. Also what to do about feet and shoes, those bootie things seem pretty funky.

thanks!

[ziavelo]

I'm in New Mexico, but it can get pretty nippy in the mornings. I like to wear polypro sock liners and smartwool or similar bike socks over them. Booties are what save me - my feet get cold in the summer! they do seem a little funky, but well worth getting them on over your shoes. I also llike to wear glove liners under my big gloves. Amfib stuff works well. My biggest piece of advice - bet you already know this- is to wear synthetics. they'll wick away the moisture, keeping you dryer and warmer. I've heard of people putting cayenne pepper and ginger powder in their gloves and socks. I've never tried that particular trick. Seems like it might ultimately not be such a good idea in that you would be "falsely" warm - make sense? I'd love to hear what others think or know about it.

A balaclava would also be a good idea, as would a windbreaker.

The last piece of advice - don't stop frequently or for long!!

Oh, and find the biggest person you can to draft behind!

[annie]

One thing to add to Ziavelo's excellent advice - make sure the shoes you are wearing under your booties are NOT tight. Layering a couple pairs of socks is good, unless it makes the fit of the shoes tight. That cuts off circulation and will make your feet much colder than one pair of socks and booties and movement of the foot inside your shoes.

Riding outside in the winter can be fun! You feel like you are doing something not too many others are willing to do. You feel like a tough rider, you know, "I can do this even if I am the only one!" type of feeling.

[jobob]

You guys make me feel like such a wuss. This morning I waited until the frost melted off the lawn before I set out.
- Jo.

[elevenpointfive]

Good advice from everyone. I dress in layers, make sure to windproof (helmet cover too) and sometimes I'll warm up on the trainer before I go out, if I'm feeling particularly resistant to the idea of getting going in the cold.

I do loathe stopping for a flat when it's below 30 F, though. Usually won't ride outdoors if it's under 15 F on a calm day or 30 on a windy day. Though one year I didn't have any good options so I rode 6 miles to work all winter, down to -10 F. Now that's too cold for me to ride. Snowshoe, ski, hike, I'm fine. But below zero on a bike is a unique kind of cold.

That said, y'all know this site?

http://users.rcn.com/icebike/

Hard. Core.

[ChainsOflove]

Thanks all for your reply. I am finding what works for me trial and error. I bought some expensive stuff; the amphib tights are great, I had absolutely no leg coldness, nor was I all scrunched up in them.

Still can't seem to get it right even with winstopper base jersey and fleece vest, still am freezing in the arms. Hands okay, even sweating but good in Swix lobster gloves. Also head's fine in fleece hat.

I seem to have better feet situation with heavy wool socks, I have some MTB shoes that can accomodate, but I saw in Nashbar catalog that they have WindPro socks. Might try these.

I'm starting to dig it tho, seems like you're being a naughty bad-***, riding WHEN ITS SO SO COLD! Very liberating.

Joan

[RdDezert]

Heck yeah, riding when its really cold is naughty bad ***! On the rare ocassions in Tx when we do get a bit of snow (mostly ice) I've bundled up and rode (veeeeery cautiously and on the froz grass), it definitely makes me feel like "kiss my *SS, i'm out here digging it and you're not!" Learned that 'yes, virginia your deraillur will freeze up' and the slip 'n slide bike is really a *trip*!
I also will do a bit of running and the complete silence surrounding me & my dog when we have icy weather is really peaceful. Along with being the only 'crazy' outside in the cold too!

[ChainsOflove]

RDDezert
You are braver than me, I'm not riding the ice! But we have wicked scary traffice here, I'm facing that down too!

[RdDezert]

he he he, I don't always think I'm being very brave for the ocassional cautious spin (no pun!) on ice...me thinks more desperate to get outta th' house!
Good for you in facing down traffic. I think that is the hardest thing daily to ride against (or with...)