This week has been a test for year-round bike commuters in NC -- the coldest weather I can remember in October for many years. Although it's mild for Northerners, we don't usually get freezing temperatures here until November. So far, I'm handling the cold just fine and have avoided the mistake of dressing too warmly. The hardest part has been the wind. When it's really blowing it seems to swirl from every direction and you never feel like you've got a tailwind.