Originally Posted by
hyegeek
Eating is actually my biggest challenge. My appetite has not been keeping pace with the effort and a couple of rides have suffered from not eating enough.
Get some Clif Bars. They take less effort to eat than a normal meal, but will give enough fuel for a ride. I get boxes of 20 that cost about $22 so they're cheaper than buying them individually. I've done long day rides only eating Clif bars and I was never hungry. They're also good for recovery as well.
Originally Posted by
hyegeek
If it also hits the predicted temperature in the 30s, I might have to re-think the ride. I do OK in cold (at least down to the low 20s) and I do OK in wet, I don't know that I have the proper equipment/clothing for cold and wet.
Yeah, cold AND wet are the worst and those are the days I may skip riding as well. It's just too miserable. After couple of years of experimentation I settled for thin rain shell (breathable with underarm zippers) and several layers of wool and Pearl Izumi Amfib tights that work for me up to low 40s, then they're too warm, and sandals combined with SealSkinz waterproof socks. I just let my legs get wet above 40F, as long as my torso is dry I can take it for the duration of my commute. I wear wool socks too so even if my feet get wet I don't feel very cold in temps above 40F.
Originally Posted by
hyegeek
Doing the commute any one day is not that big of a deal and there's not a good spot to leave a car along the route. Getting acclimated to 5 days a week is probably just going to take doing some consecutive days until I build up enough strength.
It may take months so don't get discouraged. If you feel too tired, just take a break for a day or two. Be persistent and ride regularly but don't push if your body doesn't want to go ride
