First commute for me in 2016 as well. Damn cold: -17C with a windchill. Made a bad call this morning not using the chemical hand warmers. Fingers and toes were in bad shape after 25 minutes. I got to use a neoprene balaclava with ski-like goggles. The goggles worked okay, and I was surprised that they did not fog up with the balaclava. I had this problem with glasses and balaclava when I run with them in extreme cold.

Also, after a two-week break with no riding at all, I didn't feel quite as strong, but that could be the cold, or the 35mm studded tires. Either way, it didn't matter. I got here safely and on time. Mission accomplished.