Originally Posted by groovestew

First cycle-commute in a week. Can the BF commuters forgive me for wussing out the past few days? It's been cold, -28C/-18F with wind chills pushing the perceived temperature down to -35C.

I rode today, and when I left home, it was -27C/-17F. The reason I rode today and not the past couple of days is because the forecast is for temperatures to climb all day, up to about -14C/7F this afternoon, and keep climbing into the evening. I figured I would brave the arctic weather on the way in and enjoy the much balmier temperatures on the way home.

Anyway, -27C is fargin' cold. I was mostly warm enough except the digits. It's very painful when frozen fingers and toes start warming up! My 15km commute took about 55 minutes today, whereas in summer, I can make it in about 35. The bike worked well except that somehow, the front shift lever's friction adjuster was loose, and suddenly I found myself spinning in the granny ring. I had to pull over and tighten that up. I also had to trudge through a big snow bank because some construction workers parked their truck right on the access point to a trail. And I had to stop a few times to rub the ice off my cycling glasses. I guess I should have worn ski goggles.

This is by far the coldest weather I've ever ridden in. While I feel a sense of accomplishment, I can't say I enjoyed it. I've done it once now, and won't be in a hurry to do it again. I've seen other die-hards out there, and I don't know how they do it.

-27C is fargin' cold.