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 JMinHP on January 21, 2013 at 2:54am

Joe,

I sent you a message. I ride in a yellow Mountain Hardware "Mountain Tech" Jacket.  I've had it for over ten years and it still looks great.  Plus, it says something when they haven't changed the design of the coat for so long!  Check it out.

Joe Guzzardo said:

I've been sidelined since the middle of December but I hope to start riding again soon. I'm in the market for the type of jacket you described with pit and chest pocket zips, ideally something in bright orange or neon yellow that won't cost more than I paid for my bike. Can you make a specific recommendation, please?

Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on January 21, 2013 at 4:11am

Thanks!

JM 6.5 said:

Joe,

I sent you a message. I ride in a yellow Mountain Hardware "Mountain Tech" Jacket.  I've had it for over ten years and it still looks great.  Plus, it says something when they haven't changed the design of the coat for so long!  Check it out.

 

Permalink Reply by Bill Savage on January 21, 2013 at 8:32am

Today I learned that this much wind chill is too much. Walked to the corner to get the papers, was nearly blown over by the wind tearing down the side of a stupid dorm Loyola built back in its Fascist Concrete Architecture days.  When it's cold, I ride more slowly, and the thought of fighting this wind along with the cold means it's PT or walking for me today. 

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 21, 2013 at 9:17am

As opposed to previous seasons, I learned that I can keep the balaclava open from eyebrows to the chin in weather in the teens. I am not so sure about tomorrow but will give it a try.

Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on January 21, 2013 at 9:27am

I learned that all the experienced hands are correct.  So long as you keep riding almost every day as the winter develops, you'll find out what works for you, and be able to adjust to keep yourself comfortable in most conditions.

Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 21, 2013 at 9:44am

I learned today that I want to move South or to San Diego. Sorry to say, after I almost ate pavement from a wind gust I had to bike slower, slow enough to not build up enough body heat.  Sucked hard.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 29, 2013 at 5:52am

Last week I learned that numbness in my feet might not necessarily be due to cold weather. I knew my feet should be warm enough and should not be numb, so when I stopped for stoplights I rested my heels on the ground with no pressure on the balls of my feet. While riding I shifted my feet foroward with the pressure on my arch or backward with pressure on my toes. Bingo. The numbness went away. I surmised that the softer insulation in shoes for winter riding spread the pressure evenly and restricted blood flow. Summer riding in harder shoes focuses the pressure on specific points on the balls of my feet and less loss of blood flow.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 30, 2013 at 3:44am

It finally dawned on me this morning that misty rain in the face is the cyclists' version of a facial--and cheap, too! 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on January 30, 2013 at 4:00am

;)

Lisa Curcio 4.0 mi said:

It finally dawned on me this morning that misty rain in the face is the cyclists' version of a facial--and cheap, too! 

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 30, 2013 at 6:01am

Today, riding with gloves still wet from yesterday, I learned that I really should have two of any part of my kit that isn't waterproof. I guess that just boils down to gloves...

Permalink Reply by Christopher C. on January 30, 2013 at 2:41pm
I learned that a drum brake is perfect for those crappy winter days.
Permalink Reply by Tim Heckman on January 30, 2013 at 5:52pm

I learned that if you dress well enough, most of the rides that were fun in the summertime can still be fun in   January.  Sixteen miles from Bellwood to Argyle and Kedzie for Middle Eastern food and conversational Norwegian class for the win!

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