balto charlie

I knew it was one of those big planets Did you get to look at them in WVa. Less city lights make for great star gazing. I have always wanted to watch a meteor shower from a WVa mnt top. One day I gotta make this happen.

'Twas a chilly commute this AM. Even wore the windstopper boxers. Low 20's I believe.

greaterbrown

Bhhrr. I didn't wear my "face saver" this morning and my cheeks were stinging going downhills.

...and damn, I can't believe my legs are still sore from last monday's ride. Not so much the major muscles, but smaller groups like along my shins and groin.

greaterbrown

BTW Charlie, did santa let you get to that FoxWear early or is he waiting till your nipples fall off?

The Human Car

I keep a small tube of Vaseline lip balm in my bag and apply that to any exposed skin when its cold. It really helps eliminate wind chill.

Pragmatik

Awesome! Thanks for doing that

angelo

Gloves!

Does anyone have recommendations for gloves that appropriate for days like today?

I have an old pair pearl izumi "lobster-claw" gloves. I had thought these would be ideal but they are only good down to the high 30's at best. I like the lobster claw concept, but on these gloves each finger is insulated from the adjacent-- doesn't that waste heat?

Anyways, what are you commuters wearing and how well does it work?

NoRacer

When I pulled up to work, the iBike showed 28F. It felt colder, though.

Weather.gov showed:

joshandlauri

I wear something similar to this, completely windproof,

https://www.gemplers.com/product/1459...in-Work-Gloves

if under 25 or so I put glove liners under them.

greaterbrown

I put these: https://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___92853
into these: https://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___88537

and I'm good for several hours of vigorous biking down to 15 degrees.

-GB

balto charlie

I haven't worn the jacket. Nipples are dropping as I write.

brandenjs

Yes we do have some clear skies out here. I live just outside of Charles Town so we still have a little light, but I'm sure it's clearer than Balt.. Meteor showers are awesome out here. I can see the rings around Saturn when it's in the sky. That is very cool. It seems as though the coldest nights of the year are the best viewing nights..Small price to pay..Our house is always open, so if you hear of a shower coming we could have a meteor party..

balto charlie

I think the key to warm hands and feet is blood circulation and stopping the wind.
I too have PI lobsters. I can get to the mid to low 30s in them. Obviously not good enough. Mine are XL so I put Black Diamond windstopper gloves inside of the PI gloves. Did ok today. BD windstopper is a thick poly glove that is windproof and tight fitting. This way I can remove my PI and leave on my BD when locking my bike. Locking a bike on a dark cold morning can really freeze your hands. BUT my newest setup is a pair of mountaineering mittens(totally water and windproof) with thick poly removable liners. I can use any liner or glove that will suit the weather for the day. I should have used them today. They are a little hard to get use to, somewhat clumsy. The mittens do well when I ride drops w/ barends; however my mnt bike is a little tougher w/ rapidfire.
Hopefully this setup will alleviate cold hands. I have also seen leather lobstergloves. These with wool gloves liners might also work.
Now feet: I think I have finally solved this problem. I tend to ride w/ toe clips or flats because I get on and off the train. I have always rode w/ a stiff(ish) flat bike shoe. This year I bought an extra wide pair of Clarks, thick soft all leather shoes. The clarks and wools socks keep my feet are toasty. Today my feet were perfect. I may not wear my 661s until spring.

HC203

You guys are HARDCORE!-no wonder I can't keep up on group rides.

GB-What time do you head out on your commute? and do you generally take Falls to Hillside to Park Heights, Garrison Forest?

NoRacer

I've used this combination down into the low 20s F:



I've ridden a portion of a century in the low 20s F with the same combination and after a couple of hours, I do start feeling a digit or two start to go numb until the day starts to warm up.

greaterbrown

The inner liner gloves I mentioned are good, but nothing special. But the outers are windproof, nearly waterproof, keep you toasty as mittens and you can flip them up to use your digits when needed.
Love 'em.

Harry, that route I ride about 50% of the time. the other is Falls, over kelly ave bridge in Mt. Wash, then Cross country, Park Heights, etc.

derath

I splurged last year big time, and got the Assos winter glove pack. It is not cheap. But the system is AMAZING. I always have had issues with varying temps, so often my gloves would either be too light, in which my hands would get cold, or too heavy, and my hands would sweat and then get cold. The glove pack comes with 3 sets. An inner glove, outer glove and lobster mitts. Mixing and matching I can easily get my hands perfect every time.

-D

greaterbrown

Off topic, but I've often wondered-

What is the red star next to derath and Barry's names?
(GB wonders whether there is a secret society that he needs to be a part of in order to feel worthy)

The Human Car

The red star means they have paid for membership, red name title means they are on-line. (I have bike forums up on a tab window.)

joshandlauri

harry I'm off friday, you up for riding then? MTB

greaterbrown

yellow jersey

NoRacer

If you right click the yellow jersey and then select "Open Link in New Window", you'll get a surprise.

HC203

Josh-I have some jobs due Friday. Let me see how tomorrow goes.

angelo

Thanks, everybody, for the tips on gloves. I am definitely going to try some combination of inner and outer gloves. I definitely agree that blocking the wind is key.

greaterbrown

hmm... Better watch it. You're <100 from B'more, so your house could easily become a ride destination.
Do you really want a group of sweaty riders camping on your front lawn looking at meteors?
Cause I'm there.

The Human Car

Or comets, so when is the next event? [Evil Grin]