Originally Posted by
DaveLeeNC
In the past when winter comes, I just retreat to my trainer. Since I live in NC where winters are not really that bad, I have decided to ride regularly this winter (a cut-off around freezing - I'm a cold weather wimp).
I don't have much along the lines of winter riding gear. I've got a single pair of arm warmers and pair of leg warmers, a light and a heavy vest (don't like either one as they are too loose around the shoulders), some winter gloves, and that is pretty much it.
I'm sure that this will tend to be 'learn and buy as you go', and it is still 95 degrees outside. But to get started in riding between 30 and 45 degrees, what else should I be pretty confident that I will need here? I do have one 'Underarmour clone' long sleeve shirt that we purchased for other reasons, FWIW.
Thanks.
dave
I live north of Charlotte so similar climates although our winters are a little cooler. My schedule is flexible - that makes a huge difference. I'm able to ride mid-day. The reason I say this is that I'm able to ride 10-12 hrs/week (most weeks) and never head out if it's under 40 degrees. There's a few really cold weeks where I just hit the trainer for about 5-6 hours. The 40 degree method along with warm/windproof gear works well for me. Unless you just have to ride real early in the day, you should be fine.
For me, this method keeps cycling enjoyable. I also try to ride only on sunny winter days - for warmth & I just feel better riding in the sun!!