Who will/has ridden when it is -13 with wind chill of -40?

How will/have you done it?  I no longer debate with myself whether to ride when it is -1 or -2 and the wind chill is *only* -10 to -15, but I have been debating with myself about Monday and Tuesday riding.  So far the "Are you crazy" side is definitely winning, and I am leaning to waiting until it warms up to -1 on Wednesday before I ride again.

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on January 5, 2014 at 5:39pm
The road Conditions are a big enough problem. The temperature and wind chills make this an easy no for me. I will bundle up and am looking forward to the walk from the train. I am anxious to ride but will pass.
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on January 5, 2014 at 6:22pm

I've been gearing up for this for awhile....when I will use said gear is another question.... :-(

Permalink Reply by bobweiser on January 5, 2014 at 8:37pm

i don't think i'll ride to/from work. but i might be up for a ride after work. is local option close for anybody else?

weather.gov said:

Statement as of 12:10 AM CST on January 06, 2014

* a prolonged period of dangerously cold and potentially life
threatening wind chills will occur through Tuesday morning.

* Wind chills... 30 below zero through midday Tuesday...
These forecast wind chills are the lowest in nearly 20 years.

* Frost bite and hypothermia will occur in a matter of minutes
with these expected wind chills. Death will also occur if
precautions are not taken when being outside.


El Dorado said:

One thing I haven't seen mentioned on the news. Drinking alcohol and/or smoking will accelerate frostbite. I learned that the hard way one winter evening walking home from the bar.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 6, 2014 at 3:48am

The possible bike breakdown issues are the scariest part.  The clothes that keep one warm while riding are almost certainly not enough to keep one warm while walking, especially if it means walking while maneuvering a bike through piles of snow on a sidewalk.

Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on January 6, 2014 at 4:12am

I was surprised, but not shocked, to see two of my colleagues ride to work today. 

Permalink Reply by David P. on January 6, 2014 at 4:20am

No. I have cold hands and just can't keep them from being really painfully cold on a bike in this weather, even for my 5-mile ride to work. That sucks, so why bother? The only thing that will do it for me in these temps are electrically heated gloves. Otherwise, I have no problem staying warm. But while I've ridden in -5F without much problem, this weather just isn't much fun and that's why I ride, so I'm happy to chug down the Kennedy to work in my car, warm and toasty.

Permalink Reply by Tom Dworzanski on January 6, 2014 at 4:54am

I rode around the block to get a quick feel for the conditions. Balaclavas are required today. Also, figuring out a way to layer your hands would probably be helpful. Huge props to anyone going any real distance, it's cold!

Permalink Reply by dan brown on January 6, 2014 at 5:18am

julie - love the line about Mars. I used to feel that way heading out for early morning training runs and rides at 4:45 am in the suburbs. in a previous life.

DB

Julie Hochstadter said:

I've done it in about -5.  I wasn't terribly cold, but it was SO quiet outside, kinda eery. No one was out.  I was a bit scared, like I was on mars or something. I really wwasn't though since all the shops and restaurants were open.

I felt pretty awesome, but I think its gonna a whole lot colder and windier monday.

Permalink Reply by David Barish on January 6, 2014 at 5:24am

I geared up to clean off our motor vehicles and push around some snow early this morning at - 15.  I felt good about myself. A little later I came up behind this guy while it was 68 inside and -4 outside. Intellectually, I was still in the right place. Emotionally, I was confused. 

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 6, 2014 at 7:34am

I feel your emotional confusion :-)  But I am still glad I did not ride my bike. 

Not really bike related, but today I have been hearing lots more sirens around the Daley Center than I usually hear.  Think warm thoughts for those emergency personnel.
 
David Barish said:

I geared up to clean off our motor vehicles and push around some snow early this morning at - 15.  I felt good about myself. A little later I came up behind this guy while it was 68 inside and -4 outside. Intellectually, I was still in the right place. Emotionally, I was confused. 

Permalink Reply by T.K. 3.5 mi on January 6, 2014 at 7:59am

I had some similar mechanical issues as you guys are talking about while riding late last night. Both derailleurs stopped functioning, so I was stuck in a middle gear.  This weather definitely requires a well tuned and sturdy bicycle. 

One pedestrian called me a "true biker". Apparently there is falseness in modern comforts, or something. 

Also, although bundling up is a new challenge, the biggest danger is still moronic behavior. I almost plowed this person last night as he walked out into the street and did a shuffle dance in the crosswalk as I yelled "WATCH IT". The fish eye lense doesn't do justice to how close I got to him. 

Permalink Reply by David Barish on January 6, 2014 at 8:29am

I am across the street from you and  heard those same sirens. When they got close there was a moment of concern.  Since  I do have the motorized behemoth I am giving rides home to four co-workers (one of whom walked in with tingly toes)  rather than having them wait, and wait, and wait for public transportation today.  Today is a rough day for CTA/Metra etc. Enough thread drift....

Lisa Curcio 4.1 mi said:

I feel your emotional confusion :-)  But I am still glad I did not ride my bike. 

Not really bike related, but today I have been hearing lots more sirens around the Daley Center than I usually hear.  Think warm thoughts for those emergency personnel.
 
David Barish said:

I geared up to clean off our motor vehicles and push around some snow early this morning at - 15.  I felt good about myself. A little later I came up behind this guy while it was 68 inside and -4 outside. Intellectually, I was still in the right place. Emotionally, I was confused. 

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