PatrickGSR94

Really starting to hate these cold weather swings, or more specifically, the timing of them.

I can only bike commute on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This past Tuesday, it was way below freezing all day. Yesterday was warmer, then again today way below freezing (temps falling even lower throughout the day). This weekend it will be in the 50's, then next week sure enough even down in the teens again on Tuesday and Thursday. DANG IT!

Until I can get some sort of eye protection (I'm thinking ski mask) that won't fog up, I'm really not equipped to commute 15+ miles each way when it's below about 30 degrees or so. My toes are a big problem, too. I can't really afford different SPD shoes right now, not for my huge 47-48 size feet, in a type that lends itself to cold weather riding. And I don't like the idea of going 15+ miles without being clipped in.

Not really looking for suggestions, just ranting about the crazy timing of weather we've been having. I have commuted all of ONE day this year, and it's looking like that may be the only day I get to commute this entire month.

fietsbob

thats why Arizona & Fla, has a higher population this time or year ..

g0tr00t

Ha! I too commute on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Last Tuesday it was a monsoon the whole 30 minutes to work and today it was in the mid 30's with a GUSTY northern wind. I felt at times I was going backwards....

Mon, Wed and Friday? BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!

no motor?

I haven't talked to anyone who likes it yet, I can't wait to get back to riding outside again.

alan s 

My route is pretty much impassable given that the NPS doesn't plow the MUPs. I'll might try tomorrow if it looks better when I drive home tonight. Nice thing about my drive is I can see the MUP along the GW Parkway and evaluate its condition. Will definitely need studded tires. Temp on the car thermometer was 0 F this morning.

Jim from Boston

SICK of this cold weather?

Or do you mean, "I haven't talked to anyone who likes it, yet I can't wait to get back to riding outside again."?

1+ to the latter comment. Two days ago about 10 inches of powdery snow, and pesistent temperatures from about 0 to less than 20°, yet family and work activities have made me drive. I'm not so much sick, as bummed out.

bigbenaugust 

I was in the SF Bay Area last winter, and now I'm in RDU... I am starting to wonder if this winter is some kind of a hazing ritual or something.

Jim from Boston

You may recall I replied to your thread, "Eye wear suggestions for cold riding" with my excellent, cheap solution to the fogging problem.

I also have offered elsewhere some relatively cheap suggestions for cold toes, FWIW.

PatrickGSR94

Yes I remember those. Just need to wait until I get some extra cash, like birthday or tax refund. In the meantime, I'm just ranting about my current inability to ride on the only weekdays I can, without causing myself considerable discomfort and pain.

no motor?

Yes to both in the above question, it's too cold and nasty out here for the people who like to ski, snowshoe etc... to be able to enjoy themselves outside.

I really like that picture of tsl with the closed gas station in the background too.

no motor?

It is, now htfu.

Rick@OCRR

It ws 51 Deg. F when I rode in this morning, 67 Deg.F right now, probably be down to 64 by the time I ride home. No snow of course, but we do really need some rain . . .

Yes, I hate Los Angeles area traffic but gotta love the weather, esp. after reading about what some of you are riding through!

Rick / OCRR

PatrickGSR94

FBinNY 

Send me a couple of pounds of ribs, and I'll guaranty you warmer weather.

noglider 

Patrick, this, too, shall pass.

And I love that picture of tsl. I actually think about it a lot.

KenshiBiker

+1.

He's my inspiration to HTFU. I still have no idea how he does it. I did a ride on Tuesday night that I'm guessing got down into the low 30s and I was freezing my various extremities, even with a merino wool baselayer, long sleeve jersey and PI Soft Shell Jacket up top, PI AmFib bibs below, wool socks, soft shell shoe covers . . . well, you get the picture. My wife said she's never seen me look so cold and miserable after a ride (and she was right).

tsl

A guy came into the library tonight, I asked, "How ya doin'?"

"Okay," says he. "A little cold, but I can't complain."

"I know," I responded. "No-one likes a whiner."

He burst out laughing.

I make it part of my job to send people home with a smile.

Then again, there are others, who are captured brilliantly, in today's Unshelved.

tsl

I've always maintained that acclimation is a huge part of it. I start getting ready for January in October. I wear just a little less than I want to, so that I'm on the cool side. Not cold, but a bit chilly. By being cold in the autumn, it helps me stay warm come winter.

Haven't closed my pit-zips yet.

Lou Skannon

The only fun I have these days is writing my name in the snow.

Spld cyclist

I agree with this, although I haven't been riding with open pit zips for a while. I had a rather nice ride this morning. 0-deg F, but no wind, and it was *sunny*. I'm hoping I can ride again tomorrow, but my knee is acting up a little. We'll see....

bigbenaugust 

Oh, I am. I will be out heading acrosstown at 0600 tomorrow, 10 degrees and all.

loky1179

Due to work and family commitments (and laziness and sickness!), I only have three rides in this year. But I stayed warm on all of those rides, even though during the WARMEST one it was 0°F out. When you're going to spend an hour or two or three on a bike in those temps, you think about it, and plan accordingly.

Contrast this to driving to the bus stop - this morning I didn't even check the thermometer. I guess it was -16°F, but I've got a block heater in my car and I knew my car would start. I was still much colder when I got to the bus stop than if I'd biked.

When driving a car, I think most people really under dress, because they are only outside for "a minute". Then they think that if they're cold after just getting out of a heated car, you must be REALLY cold, riding that unheated bike!

walrus1

Ugh, winter should end! Now, not tomorrow, not five minutes from now but right freaking now. More snow is forecasted. Getting around here is a huge pain. The streets have received some of the worst plowing jobs I've ever seen. I don't think my street is ridible right now. The subway might actually run faster if they just shut it down. GAH!!!!

loky1179

Dang browser back button! Double post.

TomCat_Ford

Different strokes for different folks!

I, for one, enjoy riding and running in this weather. In fact, I went for a run this evening (8:30ish) after putting in a 13 hour day; I loved every second of it, even with the single-digit temps. It's all about having the right gear.