Don't Falter--Bike Fall is Worse than Bike Winter

Bike fall seems to be creeping up sooner and sooner. This is the time of the year that cyclists start to falter. One cold downpour too many and they are back on the bus, or--worse--the highway. Yikes!

If you haven't already, now is the time to start carrying rain gear, thin gloves and a thin ear/head covering (like a bandanna) for raw fall nights. I think winter is much easier to deal with than the fall, because it's more predictable. . . and less wet.

In honor of Bike Winter's 10th anniversary season, let's aim to make this the year ALL fair-weather cyclists within our propaganda's grasp decide to stay in the saddle through the longest, coldest nights. Save the dates for the Bike Winter Kick Off Meeting (Sept 22) and Get Layered: Winter Cycling Tips and Tricks Workshop (Oct 11). More info on the Chainlink calendar.

If you want to be more involved in BW, join the email planning list at http://hafd.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/bikewinter

Good luck with your rides this morning! We're using the trailer for Miguel's commute to day care today ;-)

Gin

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joyce M. Fitzgerald on September 22, 2009 at 8:51am

Thanks for the great gear suggestions! There are definitely a few items that never occurred to me. Here's what I would add to the mix:

--Skin care stuff. My face gets really raw if I don't apply lip balm and a goopy moisturizer before my ride. One of those cheap cocoa butter sticks will work for both, and it's portable.
--A cheap shower cap. I put it over my helmet just to close off the vents when it's really freeeeeeekin' cold.
--Wool socks that I made myself with thicker than average sock yarn. If you don't knit, your knitting friends will be flattered if you ask them for a pair.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Bauer on September 22, 2009 at 9:09am

Ditto on the shower cap, I do that whenever it rains hard and especially during the winter it's a godsend, not only does it keep your hair dry but since you're essentially covering your head in plastic it keeps you warmer than any hat will.

Joyce M. Fitzgerald said:

Thanks for the great gear suggestions! There are definitely a few items that never occurred to me. Here's what I would add to the mix:

--Skin care stuff. My face gets really raw if I don't apply lip balm and a goopy moisturizer before my ride. One of those cheap cocoa butter sticks will work for both, and it's portable.
--A cheap shower cap. I put it over my helmet just to close off the vents when it's really freeeeeeekin' cold.
--Wool socks that I made myself with thicker than average sock yarn. If you don't knit, your knitting friends will be flattered if you ask them for a pair.