I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on January 22, 2014 at 5:04am

I agree. I was thinking the same thing as I was passing all the people lined up for the bus stops on my ride this morning. 

Adam, you might want to check out www.refrigiwear.com for some cheap gear for these bitterly cold days. They have some gloves comfort-rated to -20 degrees for only $20. 

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Still better than walking to the 'L' and filing into a packed train. It's nice to stay active though the winter.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 22, 2014 at 5:05am

Why am I riding so slow? I almost never get out of third gear in this cold weather. Is it me, my bike, cold air, breaqthing through a balaclava, the chain, heavy clothes or something else? Brrr. Grrr.

Permalink Reply by tim de la motte on January 22, 2014 at 5:09am

Yeah, it was cold out there. But @adam you're right - still beats the CTA.

Permalink Reply by Simon Phearson on January 22, 2014 at 5:20am

I don't know about you, but I find that my breathing efficiency has gone down in the cold weather. I thought it might be the balaclava, but even after pulling it down, I'm huffing at points where I really shouldn't be, given my current conditioning. I don't know why that would be; I'd speculate it's a quasi-asthmatic effect from the lungs contracting a bit from the cold. But I'm not a doctor or scientist or anything.
 
Gene Tenner said:

Why am I riding so slow? I almost never get out of third gear in this cold weather. Is it me, my bike, cold air, breaqthing through a balaclava, the chain, heavy clothes or something else? Brrr. Grrr.

Permalink Reply by Michael A on January 22, 2014 at 5:22am

the cold weather will defiantly have an effect on your breathing, It is almost impossible to get in a workout for me outdoors at this temp, so I just ride at a much slower pace only pushing harder to regulate my temp

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 22, 2014 at 5:35am

I know there is some scientific reason for it. It must have something to do with the amount of oxygen getting to muscles, because I am downshifting at the slightest incline and still feel as though I am pedaling through molasses.  And 20 degrees make me feel like a speed demon, which is pretty funny given my normal slow riding. 
 
Gene Tenner said:

Why am I riding so slow? I almost never get out of third gear in this cold weather. Is it me, my bike, cold air, breaqthing through a balaclava, the chain, heavy clothes or something else? Brrr. Grrr.

 

Permalink Reply by T.K. 3.5 mi on January 22, 2014 at 5:36am

You aren't alone, Gene! I felt it the last few days as well, especially this morning.

1. Cold weather causes muscles to constrict and starts to limit bloodflow.

Warm up and stretch before rides. A hot shower before riding works great. 

2. Dehydration is still a concern in the winter, because your body is busy moistening the air as you breath in.

Drink water.

3. All the slush is wearing off your chain lube constantly

Check and lube if necessary each morning. (I re-lube almost every day)

4. All the extra clothing is weighing you down and increasing your drag. 

No solution, just take solace in the extra exercise!

Gene Tenner said:

Why am I riding so slow? I almost never get out of third gear in this cold weather. Is it me, my bike, cold air, breaqthing through a balaclava, the chain, heavy clothes or something else? Brrr. Grrr

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on January 22, 2014 at 5:41am

After a few minutes of riding, I'm already warmed up.

I think it's that tires are more rigid and lubrication less viscous in the intense cold. There's also more "stuff" on the pavement that adds to rolling resistance. 

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on January 22, 2014 at 5:58am

I rode today. Around Belmont Harbor I realized my toes were getting cold. Looked down and realized that I had failed to put my neoprene toe covers on my shoes. Other than that, I was fine.

Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on January 22, 2014 at 6:07am

I haven't found the proper footwear combination to keep my feet warm in < -10 for the 50 min ride in. After equating my weather formula, using triangulation (weatherbug) it was -15 in my hood at 7:15.  The 1.2 mile ride to the Metra at 7:45 was an easy ride. Definitely vintage 3 speed weather!  I thought the wind would be worse, but it isn't too bad today

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on January 22, 2014 at 6:09am

Thanks! I've got these gloves and they work well down to the teens, but can get a bit cold in single digits and below. I usually pair them with a liner glove, although I'm not sure if that helps or hurts. I've also got some nice Keen insulated boots. Maybe I'll try some heat packs next time.

Kelvin Mulcky said:

Adam, you might want to check out www.refrigiwear.com for some cheap gear for these bitterly cold days. They have some gloves comfort-rated to -20 degrees for only $20. 


Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Still better than walking to the 'L' and filing into a packed train. It's nice to stay active though the winter.

Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on January 22, 2014 at 6:20am

What about switching to a heavy duty mitten? As long as you don't need to shift often they should be much warmer than keeping your fingers all separated in gloves. I have also found that if I keep my core a bit warmer than necessary my hands and feet stay warmer.

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Thanks! I've got these gloves and they work well down to the teens, but can get a bit cold in single digits and below. I usually pair them with a liner glove, although I'm not sure if that helps or hurts. I've also got some nice Keen insulated boots. Maybe I'll try some heat packs next time.

Kelvin Mulcky said:

Adam, you might want to check out www.refrigiwear.com for some cheap gear for these bitterly cold days. They have some gloves comfort-rated to -20 degrees for only $20. 


Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Still better than walking to the 'L' and filing into a packed train. It's nice to stay active though the winter.

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