Road Cycling - Minnesota temperature extremes = strange rides

I began road biking in the spring. I wasn't very good then and didn't know how my body was reacting to the new ride. After over 1000 miles I am more aware of what is happening with me on the bike and how I am able to ride in different conditions. During the summer when it was SUPER HOT and HUMID the rides were killer, I was tired after about 20 miles, and I drank 2 bottles of watter. As the air dried out I found myself not quite so tired but still drinking as much water. Now that is has gone from being 80 degrees one week to now being 50 degrees, I find that I can ride forever! I can go 20 miles and I realize I haven't even cracked open my water bottle. I guess everybody has experienced this to some degree, I am just wondering now how I am going to keep warm enough to keep riding for a couple more months.

Arm warmers or a long sleeved jersey and leg warmers or tights along with a light jacket should keep ya going to mid-november.

Remember, if you're comfortable the first 5 minutes of your ride, you're overdressed.

You're going to need to invest in some cold weather clothing or you'll be freezing soon.

Some must have items (but not limited to) for fall/winter riding in MN

Insulated Shoe Covers - PI AmFibs work well

Wool Socks - REI sells some good ones

Arm & Leg/Knee Warmers - The make different weight warmers. I have both mid weight and heavy weight/wind proof stuff. It all gets used. Wind proof bibs are even better but their use is limited. Arm warmers are great for cool mornings when it warms up later in the ride. Just take'm off and stick them in a jersey pocket.

Full Finger Gloves - Again REI, the house brand cycling gloves are great.

Insulated Cap - Castelli makes a killer winter cap that fits nicely under a helmet. It's spendy but the best I've ever used.

Wind Proof Jersey - Either a jacket, jersey or undershirt.
Something wind proof for days like yesterday when the wind is howling at 40mph and the temp is hovering around 53.

Flashers - You will inevitably end up riding after dusk if you ride in MN this time of year. A LED Flasher will keep you visible to cars and may save your a$$. A white flasher or headlight for the front is nice but not something I use on a regular basis.

Fall/Winter riding in MN is the best as long as you're prepared.

Enjoy!!

Thanks BikeInMN
I'm in northern michigan and I know how that cold feels. I just have a long sleeved, thin cycling shirt and my shorts. The wind chill is 40 degrees right now. i think ill stay inside!
I did have a very beautiful ride a few days ago though, when it was in the low 50s and foggy/misty/sprinkling. I may have made a mistake in not dressing properly. I think it helped bring on a sinus infection.

princebaal make sure you get your water. Its a natural habit of mine to regularily take drinks (on and off the bike) and I think its important because it seems like de-hydration can begin to happen well before you really feel thirsty.

All Good stuff.

Must add kleenex to list as once it hits 50deg and below the nose often starts running (although there ARE alternative methods of ridding yourself of snot I wont mention them here).

:beer:

One more thing to remember is try to ride at least every couple of days.So your body gets acclimated to the cold weather. By the time december rolls around you will be ready for january.:)

Originally posted by spexy
All Good stuff.

Must add kleenex to list as once it hits 50deg and below the nose often starts running (although there ARE alternative methods of ridding yourself of snot I wont mention them here).


Heh I have no pockets so I always put a few in my sock for the ride. I think I may be less likely to need them in the cold though, since the airborne allergies will be less of a problem.

I would probably ride with a regular jean-jacket at times. Extra, heavy clothing isn't a bother for my upper body. I'm just really picky about wearing comfortable shorts and having comfortable legs/seat.

Man, my winter riding clothing looks similiar to my summer riding clothes. Ok, maybe I'll pick up some leg warmers, but those are only for those ridiculously cold days :D

Andrew
Not fondly remembering MN winters

Well geeze,,just when I thought I had spent enough money on clothing, now it gets cold and WHOOPS!, time to spend more on warmer stuff. Oh well.

Yep down here in Iowa its starting to get cold... but I love it! went on a 40 mile ride the other day and it was nice. I cant wait for the leaves to change as a trail that I take over looks some beautiful sites!

As for the kleenex.. dang I knew I forgot something :D :D

Prince,
I ordered a set of arm, leg and knee warmers from Performance Bike for $45. it kind of covered the bases. I figured I could use my own jackets, etc when it got real cold. I've already used the warmers a few times (I ride to work in the morning), esp on the knees since you need to be real careful there (I've heard you should wear them anytime it dips under 65). They work well and aren't too bulky. Pearl Izumi makes some fleece lined warmers that are SUPER warm (I have an unopened pair that I'm trying to decide if I want to keep or return (got them for $25 instead of $40 and I might not ever need anything more if I hold on to them)

I have found that if you keep your head hands and feet warm everything else is usually OK.

Arm and leg warmers are a must. I use my bib tights more than the leg warmers (more comfy). I also like an insulated wind proof vest. These keep the wind off your chest but let your arms breath. These are small enough to roll up and tuck away if you get too warm.

I also got a pair of the spandex booties this year. These are nice for greater than 50° F (10°C) range. I have a pair of neoprene ones but I like these for less than 50°F (10°C).

Headbands are also a must. These are thin, keep the wind off, keep your ears warm and let the sweat out. A good one doesn't cost that much but will make your ride alot more comfortable.

For this time of the year I use a pair of thin liner gloves. I put these under my regular gloves.