I totally kicked butt today
 

We have a rare warm dry day today. Day started in the low 30's with commute around freezing. I had on the Nike cold gear tights and UA cold gear top, a UA thin warm gear half zip jacket, and a windbreaker.

The new bike is fantastic. Even with a slightly heavier than normal load in the backpack, I crushed my previous times by about 6 minutes (I did 26 minutes today, in comparison to about 32 as a previous best).

Why I was faster:
Part of it is understanding what gears to use on the little hills I have to deal with.
Part of it is was the lighter easier rolling, faster bike
Part of it was the engine (me) getting stronger. I took fewer breaks, and just HTFU!!!

So I'll have 10 miles in today, should be fun!

And not a trace of negativity in the post! :)

Seriously, congratulations. Ya done good. TKGN shoots, he scores! Hurrah! Now do it again on the homeward leg!

Will do, thanks Historian. It was a good ride. My balaclava made a HUGE difference! Cant imagine riding in the cold without it ever again.

But I did learn why people buy the things that go over your shoes LOL.

Are you riding clipless? If not, just wear hiking boots and two pairs of wool socks.

I definitely could get thicker socks. I wouldnt be comfortable in hiking boots, I dont think. I cant ride in jeans with any level of comfort, so I imagine boots would be similar. And Im scared to death of clipless. Cages are an option, especially when I start training for the Tri.

Boots shouldn't be similar to jeans. They are worn on differing parts of the body. ;)

I've ridden in winter with hiking boots, and found it to be a good experience. I had warm feet, a stiff sole, and traction when I needed it putting a foot down.

Excellent TKGN. I really need to get up to Perfomance tomorrow and bolster my cold weather riding gear. It's below freezing here but I have to ditch that obstacle.

+1 on Historians recommendation for hiking boots. They make great winter foot covering, I notice little difference (but prefer shoes + covers when I can get away with 'em).

These are the kind of stories that make this place fun to come!

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But only if there is enough roo for it. Remember enough space for air in the boot is just as important as wool.

I use this setup, but want to get some lighter hiking boots.

LOL. I sure worded that wrong, didn't I. I guess I meant that I seem to be only comfortable in athletic gear when on the bike. I did feel the wind in my toes, but Im guessing better socks would have made all the difference. I basically wear ankle length or the ones that hide under the top of the shoe.

Oh, and the ride home... it was freaking raining!! And I might have enjoyed the ride home more than the ride in. Yes, it was warmer out but it was colder and damper and a tiny bit slower because of the rain, but who cares! I got to ride 10 miles. Using the saddle I had on the MTB was a huge improvement over the stock Fuji saddle too.

HTFU and ride a trainer. From what I understand, they are much tougher than riding outdoors!:roflmao2:

Getting stronger everydaaaaaaayyyy DO do do do do dod doo do do dooooooo! Wow, I can't sing, supposed to be that song by Chicago!:p

Trainers are for people who live antartica or on submarines. Unless its icy all over, im not giving up the bike for the winter. It might mean I commute once a week or less, but Im still keeping it in the mix.

I have my walking/jogging/almost running races, the eliptical. the treadmill, hopefully the pool soon, so I will get plenty of exercise and not give up on riding either.

One word: WOOL.

Or get synthetic insulated socks, but two layers of wool should work.

Doesn't surprise me. Stock saddles have a reputation of being hatchets.