December New England Rides
12-04-12, 03:04 PM
#1
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December New England Rides
Didn't think I would be riding in December here in New England. I am not much for cold weather riding anyway and November is usually my last riding month. But I was just 21 miles from hitting 1800 miles for the season and yesterday was in the mid 50's. So I got 24 miles in and got to 1803. Well this morning looked to be more of the same so I got in another 21.That will probably be it for outdoor rides for this year but I was psyched to be able to get those rides in. Just nice to be outdoors on two wheels and not freezing.
12-04-12, 03:45 PM
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You need a cyclocross bike and some rail/trails. I was a dedicated road guy until several months ago. I bought a Raleigh cross bike and it is more fun than I ever imagined. Love this bike and this type of riding. I'm in northeast CT btw.
12-04-12, 04:34 PM
#3
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Why would a cyclocross bike and rail trails make any difference in the cold weather?
12-04-12, 05:54 PM
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'Cause there's not a lot of black ice on trails and the cold winds are broken by trees (even without leaves) and you are not going up or down hills (rail/trails are minimal grades) so no 25-35 mph speeds in cold weather. And since you're not working up a lather on the up hills you don't face body temps going up and down....heating and cooling in cold air. Just a few things.
12-04-12, 07:34 PM
#5
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Last winter was pretty kind to us northeasterners. Cold weather riding is just a matter of preparing yourself with layers, and avoiding ice. I don't mind looking like a Fred, especially in the winter. My key to keeping warm is to wrap an acrylic scarf round my chest and across my face so nose and cheeks stay warm.
Anyway, it's good that you met your goal for the year.
Anyway, it's good that you met your goal for the year.
12-04-12, 07:41 PM
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Didn't think I would be riding in December here in New England. I am not much for cold weather riding anyway and November is usually my last riding month. But I was just 21 miles from hitting 1800 miles for the season and yesterday was in the mid 50's. So I got 24 miles in and got to 1803. Well this morning looked to be more of the same so I got in another 21.That will probably be it for outdoor rides for this year but I was psyched to be able to get those rides in. Just nice to be outdoors on two wheels and not freezing.
And, just keeping the wind off with a few layers underneath can do wonders to keep you warm on cool days...
12-04-12, 10:23 PM
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Last winter was pretty kind to us northeasterners. Cold weather riding is just a matter of preparing yourself with layers, and avoiding ice. I don't mind looking like a Fred, especially in the winter. My key to keeping warm is to wrap an acrylic scarf round my chest and across my face so nose and cheeks stay warm.
Anyway, it's good that you met your goal for the year.
Anyway, it's good that you met your goal for the year.
Balaclavas help, too.
12-05-12, 07:37 AM
#8
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I also like trails more than roads in the winter. Less ice, no salt to damage the bike. The snow is clean. Just dress well and have good tires. I using a knobby cyclocross tire when ice is minimal, studs when hardpack snow and ice are more common.
I carry extra gloves and use multiple boot covers. Enjoy!
I carry extra gloves and use multiple boot covers. Enjoy!
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
12-05-12, 08:20 AM
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I'm not quite in New England, but I did get in a 30 mile breakfast ride this past Sunday. The temperature was a balmy 48F and it only rained the last 10 miles or so.
Looking foreward to another, cooler ride next Sunday.
Looking foreward to another, cooler ride next Sunday.
12-05-12, 03:39 PM
#10
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Hey Tim. It's not that bad riding around here. Brandon and I are out quite a bit with others very often. On Thanksgiving weekend we spent two days riding in Maine. Dress up a little and use you bike for getting around town. Things like the coffee shop, grocery shopping or just going for a short ride.
12-05-12, 04:44 PM
#11
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Hey Tim. It's not that bad riding around here. Brandon and I are out quite a bit with others very often. On Thanksgiving weekend we spent two days riding in Maine. Dress up a little and use you bike for getting around town. Things like the coffee shop, grocery shopping or just going for a short ride.
Hey John, nice to hear from you again. Your point about using the bike around town is on point. I've been thinking about using the bike for local marketing and errands, banking, post office etc. see you around the canal some time.
12-06-12, 08:52 AM
#12
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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TimT, my sweetie and I spent a lot of time and miles last year on the CCRT and OCRT. Maybe we'll do some more this year, and perhaps you'd like to join us. Of course, the trick is to dress like you're x-c skiing.
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12-06-12, 02:04 PM
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I just got home from a very nice 37 mile ride on a gorgeous blue bird day in the Tiverton and Westport area. Temps was 28F when I left the house about 8:30 AM and then rose to mid 30s F by mid afternoon. Mostly I'm riding shorter distances around town for shopping, post office, etc.
