Fall riding advice for a new commuter

I just started bike commuting this year (North Chicago to Northwestern U mostly along the Northshore Channel Trail (NCT) or a folding bike on Metra. As the weather gets colder, could anyone recommend gear or advice that'll keep me riding as long as possible into and even through winter?

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Permalink Reply by Ash L. on September 18, 2012 at 7:34pm

I can't recommend this thing enough. You can cover your whole head with it if you want. Cut eye holes though.

http://www.rei.com/product/789718/buff-wool-buff

The merino wool is super thin, fits easily underneath a helmet if wearing one is your thing, it wicks away sweat and snot and rarely if ever smells (as opposed to unnatural fibers like polyester). Mine gets washed every April whether it needs it or not.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 18, 2012 at 9:42pm

I love the merino buffs!

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Permalink Reply by pb on September 19, 2012 at 9:14am

I've been riding on Hinman the past couple winters once I reach Evanston. I cross Howard north around Damen (which turns into Custer in Evanston) and head east to Hinman at Oakton or Main. There are a fair amount of speed humps along the way, but those usually just mean that I'm cruising past what little traffic is around. There's a block or two with some rough spots, but it sure beats Asbury. You'll end up at the south end of campus at Sheridan and Hinman, with just a quick jog east on Sheridan to Campus Drive.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=custer+and+howard+evanston+il&...