Cccccccccold?!

[BFSpin]

Where is everyone?? I know there are some cold-weather cyclists out here somewhere. . .

C'mon, jump in. What are your cold-weather "rules"? Your favorite gear . . . your layering patterns . . . how does your riding style change in the cold . . .

I'll go first.

. . . I will stay indoors if there is a combination of high wind and cold. Minus the wind, and I'm happy to be outside (til there's ice/snow on the road.)

. . . My favorite layer: my PI fleece-lined tights. Mmmmmm. Oh yeah, and my new Icewear jacket. Perfect. AND I got a great deal on it:D

. . . Riding in the cold is definitely harder. Our average speeds drop, and we tend to avoid the bigger climbs. Today our route took us around a mountain rather than over it . . . no one wanted the downhill:o

. . . the best part of a cold-weather ride to me is the hot shower and hot cup of Starbucks afterward, and the feeling that I've just made a difference in how I'll feel in the spring rides:)

Later,

Beth

[yvonne]

good job, Beth!

i'd love to contribute to this thread ... but, if i told you what the temp is here today in San Diego, you'd never "speak" to me again!

i'll check back in and add my .02 in January, might get into the 50's by then.

<:D>

[AC]

I'll report back to you on this around Memorial Day...not Thanksgiving day.

[BFSpin]

Awwww, you guys . . .

The hardest part of riding in the cold is getting up and out the door (plus packing all the right layers and getting the layering just right). Once I'm on the road, the rhythm begins and it's all good.

An interesting thing today: it was 37 at the start; 3 layers - underarmor, long-sleeved jersey, and my Icewear jacket (plus a fleece cap and gaitor). About 10 miles out, minimal climbing, I was feeling rough; my HR was hovering about 175 (normal for the top of a big climb - NOT normal for where we were). What the heck? I was overheated . . . thinking of shedding a layer. . . opening zippers . . . then the sweat broke. HR dropped 25 beats quickly, and I felt great the rest of the ride. A very distinct physiological adjustment to the temps and effort. Cool.

Beth

PS I was in Lizard's territory today - didn't see him out tho:confused:

[cfoam4me]

'll let you know around the 4th of July! ;)

[SpinBob]

I actually start running when it gets cold, rather then cycle. I heat up faster and don't have to worry about the down hills. Nice thread Beth, does your Starbucks use Hershey's for their hot chocolate?

[BFSpin]

I actually start running when it gets cold, rather then cycle. I heat up faster and don't have to worry about the down hills. Nice thread Beth, does your Starbucks use Hershey's for their hot chocolate?

Thanks, SB -
Ya know, I'm not sure. . . I'm a boring, purist kind of coffee drinker. Do I feel weird walking up to the counter and asking for a tall brew-of-the-day without room for cream? Yup. But that's just the way it is for me. One day I'll live it up and get a shot of chocolate in there just to see :D

B

[lizardbiker]

I'm just hoping to get outside a few more times this year. Doc has cleared me for turning pedals easily, which rules out 80% of my favorite routes.
I go for layers in the cold - under armor tee followed by long sleeve shirt, arm warmers if it's colder, jersey, vest if colder, wind breaker, skull cap or ear covers, leg warmers, tights, wool socks, shoe covers, full finger gloves.
At the AKD540 when it dipped to 28F the last night I had 6 long sleeve shirts, jersey, vest, fleece jacket, and a windbreaker. Felt like the kid on A Christmas Story - could barely reach the handlebars!
I tend to do more indoor cycling in the winter, so rather than invest in expensive winter clothing, I just stack on lots of layers of regular stuff when the urge to go outside hits.

[megale3]

I'm just hoping to get outside a few more times this year. Doc has cleared me for turning pedals easily, which rules out 80% of my favorite routes.
I go for layers in the cold - under armor tee followed by long sleeve shirt, arm warmers if it's colder, jersey, vest if colder, wind breaker, skull cap or ear covers, leg warmers, tights, wool socks, shoe covers, full finger gloves.
At the AKD540 when it dipped to 28F the last night I had 6 long sleeve shirts, jersey, vest, fleece jacket, and a windbreaker. Felt like the kid on A Christmas Story - could barely reach the handlebars!
I tend to do more indoor cycling in the winter, so rather than invest in expensive winter clothing, I just stack on lots of layers of regular stuff when the urge to go outside hits.
LIZ!!! Great to see you back dude. Man I though that you were dead!~ I am glad your healing and had no idea you were going under the knife. Any way great that you are back ..now on to Beth's question BOOT!S and HEAD GEAR! Also some GORE TEX!!! keep the rain off with a good water bearer on the out side not the inside with some sort of venting to allow for moister to evaporate. Stay dry and stay warm.
Mike

[lizardbiker]

Yeah - I'm alive :)
Feel more alive now that I've gotten back on the indoor bike, and even more after I did a nice 35 miler Wednesday. Didn't have to worry about cold weather gear, as it was in the 60's. Had to promise DW not to do any of my favorite climbs to prevent tearing the mesh, so I did some nice rolling hills. Still can't clear the sinuses, sneeze or cough without pain, but I'm on the right track for recovery.
Now it's back in the 30's and windy so I'll have to break out the cold gear if I want to get out this weekend!

[cfoam4me]

Keep healing Liz, glad to hear you're feeling better and err back in the saddle again!;)