Finally commuting again...
 

I haven't been in this sub-forum much lately, mainly because I haven't been commuting. Something happened a few months ago and my back went out of whack. I've been off the bike for 6 weeks now and in Physical Therapy. In my time off, I've been doing physical therapy twice a week, and even saw a fit expert to make some mods to the commuter.

I finally got all the parts and have the bike fixed up (worked it over weekend). I took a few short rides over the weekend and all seemed well. I still can't do long rides yet, as I can DEFINITELY feel the pain after a few minutes of riding, but its slight enough I can pick my short (3.5 miles each way) commute up again.

FINALLY able to ride to work for the first time in over 6 weeks today. :) That makes me feel much better, even though my back does hurt a little.

Yah baby, do it up.

Welcome back KT! I too haven't been on the bike much lately, most notably the last three weeks, but now that life has returned to normal.. woohoo.

Just in time for winter, right? :)

Yup....and this is my 1st winter in the cold, wet Pacific North West. If I were still in FL, I'd yet be waiting another month or more for the 1st cold front, likely. ;)

Hahahah, well good luck! The only suggestion I can offer is to focus the most on stopping the wind/air from getting to your body rather than getting "warm looking" layers on. Focus on those "wind stop" layers, and you'll be good. Oh, and keep dry :).

As I've been led to believe, the whole "keeping dry" thing is pretty much impossible. But it'll be fine....the winters here are wet, but not horribly cold (little ice or snow). My commute is only 3.5 miles, so I can bear most anything for a measly 3.5 miles. :)

Also, 'Man Up Nancy' is a key thing to remeber on those days when there is a blizzard outside. Cause once you start pedaling in it, it's like a fantastic winter wonderland of joy. But this guy is spot on on the wind/water layer. My outer layer for the winter is rain pants and waterproof jacket with fleece liner, once you've stopped the wind it's so much easier.

That is also a key requirement :). I found out this specific thing last winter, when I finally got over my silly aversion to riding in the snow. It was just like the first time I "manned up" and went hiking in the snow, after that I was almost an addict. I have yet to ride in my winter boots, a wonderful pair of Columbia things that I've trudged through snow in sub zero temps in, but I'm going to break 'em out this winter.

But yes, stopping the wind is by far the key. I have a cheapo windproof golf pullover that I actually wear over my fleece layer when hiking in the winter wind. It keeps the wind off, and the fleece insulates. It was cheaper than a "fancy" windproof layer, but I think this winter it's high time for an upgrade :).