I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 2, 2012 at 9:06am

Here are some tips – some expensive - on keeping your feet warm.

Rechargeable Insoles: http://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/Rechargeable-Heated-Ins... You can search for comparable items at less cost. I ride all winter and these are wonderful, so I do not mind the cost.

Re-usable hand/foot warmers: http://www.pristech.com/ezheat.htm Put them in a big gore-tex-type glove or under your arch. This is a more moderate cost, are re-usable and they work, but only for an hour or so.

Oversized furry slippers. Very un-cool, but they are warm AND light.

Wool is the best sock, but any moisture-management or wicking fabric will work. I use a pair of gore-tex socks as my outer layer. Expensive, but well worth it if you are out all winter. They retain heat, release perspiration and are waterproof.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reddog (Cliff) on January 2, 2012 at 11:40am

Today was interesting. I had to re-learn how to ride in the snow. But Overall no problems.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Davo on January 2, 2012 at 11:52am

same here. The first days with snow are always a bit slower than the rest of the season.

Reddog said:

Today was interesting. I had to re-learn how to ride in the snow. But Overall no problems.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 2, 2012 at 12:28pm

I totally wimped out today and put off the things I had to do; I'm blaming it on a sprained ankle but I rode on it the last two days so yeah...

As for the cold feat good socks as suggested are a good idea but even more than that is keeping them dry and wind proof.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Holly on January 2, 2012 at 1:31pm

Short ride today from Logan Square to Damen & Division--pretty cold. The ride home (westward) was unbelievably windy. I didn't really have issues with the snow and found my jaunt through Humboldt Park to be really fun. I wouldn't have wanted to spend long periods of time out there today. It's winter!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on January 2, 2012 at 2:46pm

I'm a little bit nervous for tomorrow morning. Overnight low is 13F, and should be around 14-15F when I leave the house around 6:15A.

Oh boy.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gerry G on January 2, 2012 at 3:17pm

P.M. commute was breezy. 21F with 15-20 MPH head winds at times. Traffic was light which was nice. Saw a man on bike with no helmet or hat, wow!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 2, 2012 at 3:57pm

I rode from 7:00 to 8:30 last night and from 3:00 to 4:30 this afternoon along the lakefront. Last night I saw light orange clouds lit by the city lights zooming along and with the wind at my back small snowflakes that looked like meandering fireflies. Today I saw explosive waves heaving 30 feet skyward and a flock of gulls weaving a pattern over my head. Both were beautiful, but the night rides are always more endearing. I am alone with the beauty and my thoughts.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Joel on January 2, 2012 at 3:58pm

Cold today, but it looks like warm weather is headed back soon. This has been a weird winter.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on January 3, 2012 at 2:37am

Loved today. Ice in the water bottle and ice crystals on my eyelashes.

Good times!

Streets were much nicer than yesterday.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lee on January 3, 2012 at 3:19am

First time my thighs got a little cold today, never had that happen before (sub-zero tights and basketball shorts). As far as the toes go, they are always cold after 20 minutes, do those experts out there think wool is enough or it has to be combo'd with a windproofing element as well?

The balaclava I got for xmas worked great!