The Chainlink

2013 Winter Biking: What I Learned Today

So, not trying to take over for the I Rode Today forum, but it's got a million comments, so let's start a Winter Bike thread for this season.

What I learned today, riding from Rogers Park to 5600 West on Belmont, and back, via various side-streets (and then lots of Montrose) and Hopleaf:

When rats are road-killed in this weather, they freeze into little blocks of bloody ice (2800 block of West Montrose).

When I'm cold enough, I will aim for the jets of steamy air coming up from the storm sewers--quite refreshing (1900 block of West Winona).

Biking in the city is a constant learning experience.  What'd you learn lately?

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on January 15, 2013 at 3:03pm

There are beavers in more places than you might think: Goose Island, Jackson Park lagoon (Wooded Island), and various river/canal locations.  If you see any waterside trees wrapped in chainlink fencing, nearby beavers are the reason.

Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 15, 2013 at 3:51pm

Am I the only one who resorts to the mom-tested toes in the sandwich bag thing when it gets bad?  I don't buy cycle shoes and this works for me.

H

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on January 15, 2013 at 3:58pm

For some folks, this works.  For others, it causes sweating, followed by freezing.  Your mileage may vary...

Haddon said:

Am I the only one who resorts to the mom-tested toes in the sandwich bag thing when it gets bad?  I don't buy cycle shoes and this works for me.

H

Permalink Reply by Holly on January 15, 2013 at 6:41pm

I don't really need leg gaiters. The freezie feeling is from the knee up, but thanks anyway, Anne.  I was referring to a neck/face gator neck warmer that I had last year. It was better than anything I've found which means I have to make my own or keep searching. Most are too thin and/or not wide enough. 

Lisa--thanks for the tips.

Anika--I'd like to have a route that included beaver sightings. 



Anne Alt 2-10 said:

Wrong kind of gator, perhaps?  ;)  Maybe gaiters would do the trick, but they're more effective from knees to ankles because that's what they're designed for.  Rain pants might also work if you don't work up too much heat and end up getting sweaty. 

I've often found that riding at slower speeds in rain pants during colder temps can be a good combination.  The rain pants block wind well and create an extra air insulation layer between regular pants/tights and outer shell.  Pedaling slower reduces chance of sweating and wind chill factor.

Permalink Reply by yai danche on January 16, 2013 at 12:00am

i'm surprised at all the people who say their legs are freezing.  maybe mine are just well insulated in body fat???  my fingers and toes are pretty damn cold by the end of my 20 minutes commute despite the insulated windproof gloves and hiking socks (which are insulated in the toes).   i could do with an extra layer (glove liners and sock liners), but I've managed without so far.  

Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on January 16, 2013 at 9:43am

The key to warm feet are goretex leather shoes and wool socks.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 16, 2013 at 3:46pm

Leather isn't necessary. I got some of these Bogs:

http://www.amazon.com/Bogs-Jamison-Waterproof-Hiking-Black/dp/B004K...

this year and they've been great at keeping my feet warm and dry. I'm not even using any special socks. They are a bit clunky and fill up my toe clips a bit more than is ideal, but I'd rather be warm.


Apie 10.64 said:

The key to warm feet are goretex leather shoes and wool socks.

Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 16, 2013 at 10:36pm

Learned that if you go to Aldi for food and get a Snickers and start eating it as you ride away it'll be a hard chew pretty quick.

H

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on January 16, 2013 at 10:38pm

HA! But if you buy ice cream it won't melt by the time you get home.

Haddon said:

Learned that if you go to Aldi for food and get a Snickers and start eating it as you ride away it'll be a hard chew pretty quick.

H

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on January 16, 2013 at 10:39pm

A tail wind is MUCH better than a head/cross wind.

#preachingtothechoiragain

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 18, 2013 at 8:41am

Rechargeable heated insoles like these:  http://www.verseo.com/thermosoles.html

help keep your feet warm even when standing around in the Daley Plaza for about 45 minutes.  They really work when you are moving! 

I learned this from Gene Tenner, BTW

But Julie, the small is a size 6-7.    They can be trimmed, but I am not sure they can be trimmed enough for your tiny feet!

Permalink Reply by JimmyD on January 18, 2013 at 8:48am

Today I learned I should check my personal calendar more often... because I totally forgot about the Winter Bike To Work Day Rally at Daley Plaza this morning (from 6:30am to 9:00am)!!! I'm already in the office and there's no way my boss would appreciate me leaving. Oh well.... if any of you reading this are in the area, the rally ends in 15 minutes.

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