Winter 2015- who's still riding?

Traffic 'round these parts dropped off pretty dramatically a few weeks ago... hard to tell from the "I rode today" thread who's still riding, as one would have to conclude that Gene is the only one out there most days by reading it....

Who's sticking it out and plans to continue to ride pretty much every day regardless of weather?

(Was winter 2013;   2014 starts on p. 36;   2015 starts on p. 61)

 

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on January 17, 2013 at 6:25am

I hear bibs keep the gut tucked in nicely though.

That depends on the size of the gut.  ;)

Permalink Reply by Dan Allison on January 17, 2013 at 6:26am

when it's below 25 degrees or so, i slip a pair of chemical hand warmers in my shoes, as that's the only thing that i've found that will keep my toes warm over my 14.5 mile commute. if i had a shorter commute, it wouldn't be necessary, but my commute is so long that no amount of insulation can guard against the cold eventually seeping in.

a nice trick about chemical warmers is that you can prolong their life by sticking them in a zip lock baggie when you're not using them since the chemical reaction that creates the heat needs air to occur. for a pair of 10-hour warmers, i can usually get 3 days of commuting out of them. it makes their use more affordable.

Dave Grossman said:

I need a good solution for keeping my feet warm while still using my MKS toe clips.  I cant fit in insulated boots with the clips, and heavy socks and my usual Sambas just don't do it.  It takes a good 30 minutes at work for my feet to thaw.  Any suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Radfahrer on January 17, 2013 at 6:26am

Glorious cycling weather, cold but the streets are clear.  My favorite kind of riding conditions!  Nothing like a ride through the side streets of Ravenswood on a winter day.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 17, 2013 at 6:38am

Get a set of BMX flats, I ride those all year and I don't have any issues with feet sliding off of the pedals.  Pedals that are good with clips on them usually are not good without them.

Dave Grossman said:

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on January 17, 2013 at 6:44am

Thanks Doug.  I will pick up a pair at the swap on Saturday.

notoriousDUG said:

Get a set of BMX flats, I ride those all year and I don't have any issues with feet sliding off of the pedals.  Pedals that are good with clips on them usually are not good without them.

Dave Grossman said:

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 17, 2013 at 7:36am

Ha! When we are in a hurry, can we just call you "Special"?    :)

Chi Lowe 12.5+ mi said:

This describes me, entirely.  I've been thinking of legally changing my name to Spandex Clownsuit and requiring my friends to call me "Specialshoes".  Now I have a reason. ;-p

Tony Adams 6.6 mi said:

spandex clown suits, no special shoes, so stupid looking helmets etc.

Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 17, 2013 at 7:55am

Only if we're riding our short bikes :)

 

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 24, 2013 at 4:59am

So to revive a more straightforward thread--I have managed the cold, hated--but managed--the wind, but if it really snows I am leaving my bike at work tonight.  Although the main route home was okay, the cars at the side street intersections scared the heck out of me.  And I don't think my bike is going to like real snow, either.

Permalink Reply by Beans on January 24, 2013 at 5:18am

Not bad today...

Still gotta solve the cold feet thing.

Permalink Reply by blair on January 24, 2013 at 5:23am

Hate to say it, but I gave in and rode the CTA into work this morning.  I've been fighting a sinus infection all week, and trying to breathe in the cold yesterday was no fun.  And somehow my toes were frozen even with two pairs of SmartWool socks and boots.

Took the train so I wouldn't get frustrated watching bikes pass my bus over and over again.  

Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 24, 2013 at 5:27am

Silk sock liners, under smart wool socks, in Sidi boots, with booties worked for me.  Wiggling my toes helped a lot, too. 

My biggest problems so far have been overlayering and fogging/frosting glasses. 

Beans ~ 15 mi. said:

Not bad today...

Still gotta solve the cold feet thing.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 24, 2013 at 5:32am

Yes - I overlayered today also. Instead of the thin mostly polyester REI base layer I wore a heavier REI mostly polyester turtleneck with thumbholes layer. I think it is the turtleneck and perhaps the effect of the thumbholes that keep in too much heat?

My feets have been fine with the Bogs, smart wool socks and non-silk sock liners. 

Rich Evans said:

Silk sock liners, under smart wool socks, in Sidi boots, with booties worked for me.  Wiggling my toes helped a lot, too. 

My biggest problems so far have been overlayering and fogging/frosting glasses. 

Beans ~ 15 mi. said:

Not bad today...

Still gotta solve the cold feet thing.

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