Originally Posted by
noglider
I'm already more cold- and wet-tolerant than most New Yorkers. But not nearly as good as Minnesotans. I get cold after others do, but I do get cold.
Wool clothing helps a lot. I have a rule for myself, never to wear cotton socks. I have a theory that sweaty feet in cotton socks breed fungus, and I don't want to get that again. Wool is comfy anyway, and when it's 15% nylon, it's also durable and economical.
My body definitely doesn't like the cold weather. When I would do cold commutes by motorcycle, I would often hold my non-throttle hand down by the engine to keep it warm, and then do my throttle hand when stopped at lights.
On a bike, I have to pull my hands off the bars and shake them to keep the warm blood flowing. Feet aren't as bad, but I find that cold wind really bothers my ears. Anything under 40 degrees and they start to ache within minutes, so I usually wear ear plugs (just a hat isn't enough).
Anyway, all of that is just motivation to ride harder and faster, in order to warm up.