Great Lakes - First subfreezing ride

Okay, so it was a balmy 29 degrees and the sun was out. But it was still a first for me. And aside from my toes almost freezing off after an hour and a half ride, it was great. Rode my fixed gear. I figured it was the only way to make sure I worked hard enough to stay warm. Definitely something I can see doing again (when the sun is shining or it's a little warmer). Nice change from the trainer.

I did a 1 hour ride in similar conditions last week - the difference being full sun. If I had started earlier, I might have rode longer, but the apparent temp dropped quickly even though the air temp only dropped 1 degree. The other three important factors are layers, layers, and layers, all of which I have to fine tune. No doubt winter riding has its own learning curve.

Duct tape over the vents and mesh on your shoes. A pair of Neoprene booties and some hand warmers. Hand warmers are not chemical, oxidizing iron is the reaction that is creating the heat. Put is in your flower garden or composter after use.
Toes usually regulate how long that you are comfortable. Don't put them in the shoes just tape them to the toes under the Neoprene.
Winter riding is great fun although dehydration can be a problem. Drink lots early in the ride as the water tends to freeze.
I am still learning the art of dressing for winter riding, most times I dress too warm. Not good imagine clothing soaked in sweat and then having a flat.
I have learned to ride for form and fitness during the winter. No hammering until just a few KM's from home.
Watch the heart rate. No sweating permitted. Drink lots of water. Let training take a back seat and enjoy the views.
This is a great time to get the base miles in.

Hot water in the bottle when you leave.

Hot water in the bottle when you leave.

Actually thought of this one. Never thought I'd enjoy a drink of warm water when riding.

The other thing I noticed is how little crap is on the roads. Very little gravel, broken glass, etc. I guess it gets cleaned off every time they need to plow. Also fewer people throwing their garbage out the windows of their cars (too cold). Just have to take it home and throw it away in the garbage can.

A little Vodka in the bottle to keep it from freezing. :innocent:

On really cold days put a drink bottle in your back pocket. Your body heat helps keep it from freezing. If it is really cold I put a bottle under my jacket against my belly, the clothing's shape and elastic holds it in place. I also wear thick wool socks with neoprene booties when the temps are below freezing and usually don't get cold toes on rides shorter than 2 hours. It also helps if your shoes have a little space in them for air to collect, too tight won't allow for any air insulation.

Winter riding is it's own skill set. You have to judge clothing in combination with temps, wind, workout length and intensity. It really does take practice. I have found the best thing I can do is to try to have an optional stopping point about an hour out. This way I can refuel, restroom, etc. and even warm up if necessary if I have missed my estimates.

And congrats. Beats the hell out of the trainer.

congrats!
1.5 hrs is about my max too without chemical toe warmers (which I am a fan off)
I did 4 hours a couple of weeks ago in the teens - 1/2 way though I had t duck into a McDonalds to warm up the feet and eat something and get hot coffee
I microwave my water (in glass) 2 minutes and add a little salt. If it's cold enough it still turns to slush and the valve gets clogged

Two Saturdays ago i did a two hour ride outside in 30 degree F temperatures. What works for me is using the old downhill ski gear I bought back in the 90's before i got married. I do not have any issues with cold feet because I double up on the wool ski socks. This approach does have its drawbacks, It takes too long to get dressed for the ride. It is much less hassle to just ride the electric bike in my basement.

I can stay reasonably warm down to about 15 degrees for up to 90 minutes or so. I wear wool socks and then cover them with saran wrap and slip my shoes on, making sure my feet have wiggle room. I also a set of double gloves - fleece gloves plus a bigger windproof pair that has big cuffs that go over the jersey. It does take a bit of time to get ready to go and usually in the first mile before you warm up you want to retreat. Balaclava is a key to keeping your face and neck warm - I also have a running hoodie from Craft that works swell - you have to adjust the width of your helmet though. If it is a sunny day, you will warm up reasonably well.

I usually put in room temperature water and occasionally it has frozen over if I don't start drinking it right away.

I bought a 20 pack of hand/toe warmers for $6 at Marshals yesterday.

That's bike schwag.

I scored an almost brand new pair of Lake winter riding boots off Ebay for $100 shipped. They are absolutely awesome. I also splurged on some Under Armour running gloves, and they are also fantastic.

I'd highly recommend both...they will keep you plenty warm down to 25 for sure for as long as you want to ride. I haven't tried them any colder than that yet.

I scored an almost brand new pair of Lake winter riding boots off Ebay for $100 shipped. They are absolutely awesome. I also splurged on some Under Armour running gloves, and they are also fantastic.

I'd highly recommend both...they will keep you plenty warm down to 25 for sure for as long as you want to ride. I haven't tried them any colder than that yet.

Wait a minute. Was this last Saturday? I was bidding on a pair, and it got too pricey for me. Were they Size 9, perhaps?

Wait a minute. Was this last Saturday? I was bidding on a pair, and it got too pricey for me. Were they Size 9, perhaps?

No, it was a few weeks ago. I was the only one who bid on them (color me surprised). I was using shoe covers, which are OK, but not nearly as warm. Plus I had to keep putting them on and off to use the trainer. I had to buy new cleats, which I put on the winter shoes, but I will swap them when my normal ones need changing.