Sir Coastalot

Tokyo had its first and likely only snowfall for the year this morning, with up to 6cm blanketing the downtown area. Not much by the standards of many areas, but enough to cause chaos on the roads. Decided to take the train in.

spyguy

First frozen water bottle commute of the season! Weather service said 5F with wind chill of -7F in STL. Thermometer at the house had 9F (NWS measures at airport which is in suburbs, my house in the city always is a few degrees warmer). Beautiful crisp and sunny with almost no wind, so ride was really pleasant.

Tundra_Man 

When I went to bed last night the weather report was saying it would be -12F this morning. My wife gets really nervous if I ride too far below 0, so I told her I would drive this morning. As a bonus, that meant I didn't have to get up as early. However when I woke up, the temps had bottomed out in the middle of the night and had already risen to -1F. I made a last second decision to go ahead and ride, so I threw on my gear and headed out.

Because I was trying to get out of the door quickly I decided to leave my work clothes on (I was already dressed) rather than change into bike specific clothes. I threw a pair of sweat pants on over my work pants, and my windbreaker over my shirt. I was hoping the cold would reduce the amount of sweat and allow me to get away with not wearing separate riding clothes. It probably would have worked had I been going to the client's office (4 miles) but because of MLK day the client's office was closed, so I had to ride to our company's office (8 miles.) When I arrived I was a sweaty mess and didn't have anything dry to change into. Oops.

The big story of the morning though, was about 1.5 miles from the office I hit some black ice in an intersection and went down hard. It was an almost imperceptible layer on top of the pavement. Even though I was running my studded tires I found myself on the ground before I even knew what had happened. Because I was in an intersection on a pretty busy road I popped right back up, grabbed my bike and ran over to the sidewalk before I stopped to assess the situation.

No damage to the bike. I came down on my left side. My left hip and forearm took the brunt of the impact, but didn't seem too bad. I got back on the bike and resumed the ride to work. At first my hip hurt worse than my arm, but by the time I arrived my hip was doing OK but my arm was on fire. After removing my jacket and rolling up my shirt sleeve I discovered a small patch of road rash on my forearm. No tears in my jacket or shirt so it's weird how that happened. Bandaged it up. It's stinging pretty good but I'll live. Probably feel the hip more tomorrow. Was more embarrassed than anything else. I'm sure the motorists who saw me go down were thinking, "See! That's why you don't ride a bicycle in the winter!"

I've been noticing lately that my studded tires are starting to slide a bit on ice. I'm wondering if they're starting to wear out. This is the 6th season I've ridden this pair. Probably have about 1500 miles on them. There's plenty of tread left on the tires and the carbide studs are still sticking up proud of the rubber, but they just don't seem to be biting into the ice like they used to. Might have to suck it up and buy a new pair after this season.

On the up-side, I got to see a guy on skis being pulled by his dog. Wouldn't have seen that if I'd driven.

ZmanKC

1°F this morning in KC breaking my record of 2°F. Rather "brisk".

wphamilton

This was an unusual one since I forgot it was a holiday. I even got up early to get a jump on the day, and wasted no time getting on my way. Traffic was light, and even the early morning school buses were not out and about yet. I was feeling good, sun coming up and shaping up to be a clear day and with a little extra time I was tempted to take a detour to check out a potential short-cut I'd spotted on the map. A new housing development that butted up against a road I knew. Then I thought, "No it's Monday, diversions are unwise with possible cascading failures" so I decided not. Yet when I reached the decision point there was an inviting break in the traffic and I was overwhelmed by the whim. Commencing a slow but short climb through the construction zone, while being careful of the large machines and the workers who were already bustling about with impressive energy, it looked promising at first. Lots of speed bumps, varied grades, I'd guess about 20-25 very large houses, it will be sedate during those sleepy mornings.

At the far reaches I spotted a paved walkway which I knew would likely lead to the corporate complex that I sometimes cut through. It was starting to become less than ideal because, sidewalk. It started out quite steep but passable without pedestrians, and then the grade increased sharply, defeating me for the first time on the fixie. But only for about 50 feet, and then I was able to continue on. But shortly thereafter right at the road entrance I was turned back by a 8 foot chain link fence, secured by a heavy chain and a serious padlock. I guess they really don't want people wandering into the neighborhood from the commercial area.

Arriving at the offices, the almost empty parking lot finally clued me in that this is a holiday. I was a little chilled since I tend to dress light and 25° is cold by our standards so I went in anyway to thaw out, and talked with the security guard who I've known there for years. After 15 minutes or so I was ready for the return, and the extra morning ride, with the sun now shining and the winds finally settled, was an unexpected pleasure.

arsprod 

Yup, that qualifies as badassery! No ride for me today, office closed for MLK and I'm glad - 2F, -12 windchill

PatrickGSR94

Well at least you have the day off. Not so for me. Tomorrow morning is supposed to be right around 20F, which is right at my lower temp limit for commuting. I REALLY don't want to break my commuting streak that I've had going since September. Winds shouldn't be too bad, so we'll see.

wphamilton

Streaks are insidious, goading us to do something that we'd otherwise choose not to. Don't let yourself be influenced by them; your own reason, preferences and instincts are far superior to what is ultimately just an arbitrary number.

That said, just an extra layer torso hands and feet, additional to mid-upper 20's wear, is enough for 20°. Plus a balaclava in that range. IME.

PatrickGSR94

Well I also want to continue my January streak, since I hardly commuted at all in January of last year. This year I'm 4 for 4 so far. I've mentioned it before but my problem is being out sub-freezing temperatures for 80+ minutes at a time (15.5 miles) and my toes going numb. I've tried all manner of combinations of materials and setups on my feet but toes still freeze.

wphamilton

Constricted blood flow can obliterate the effectiveness of layers if it makes them tighter, which is why extra or thicker socks never worked for me. We need the blood flow to keep extremities warm. Best for me have been the thicker neoprene shoe covers, and I can put something between those and the shoe as well.

Also, I mention because people sometimes dispute me on this so I think it's not generally known, keeping the lower legs warmer (to keep the blood warm) helps with the feet. Ditto wrists and forearms.

KCBikeCommuter

Way to go ZmanKC. With the low temps and ice still on the streets... I decided to drive b

PatrickGSR94

I have done as many as 3 layers on my legs, with SPD shoes with aerogel thermal insoles, wool socks, AND full neoprene shoe covers extending up my lower legs. Toes still freeze after about 45 minutes. I'm pretty certain that either chemical or battery-powered warmers are all that's going to work for me.

KCBikeCommuter

Hmmm... my new company blocks the Bike Forums website at work!

mr geeker

cold, but not as cold as yesterday.

dcb23

Frigid: 15F/-10C with a fairly strong headwind knocking temps down further. Interesting convo ^ about layer, I thought a lot about that on the way in as, of all places, my crotch was freezing!

Big surprise for me as how many bikes were out, runners too. I counted five going inbound to DC along with me and then one coming the opposite direction. I thought the cold would have kept people in.re

Regarding streaks, I'm a slave to a 5+ year streak for commuting to work. I know it'll have to end sometime this winter when the MUP is uncleared, my commute is longer than it used to be and I was lucky to be on city streets that whole time.

mgw4jc

January got off to a good start for me, but I've had to drive more than normal last week and will this week too. We are a one car family and I bike so my wife can use the car. But she hasn't been feeling well and I've been taking the car so I can get home more quickly and take kids to various activities.

It worked out well on Friday though as it was chilly an rainy from about 11am to 8pm. Yesterday the office was closed for MLK day. This morning it was below 15F, but clear. I could of ridden in that but am not resenting the warm car.

Good job to all y'all riding in those cold temps!

arsprod 

4F, -16C - I'm going to report winter temps in Celsius from now on, much more dramatic

tarwheel 

Coldest commute of the winter so far with temperature dropping to 18 F, appropriately on my birthday. We almost always have some of the coldest weather of winter right around my birthday and often snow and ice. My water bottle was frozen solid by the time I got to work, and my fingers and toes were starting to feel the nip. Fortunately, they finally fixed the broken hot-water heater at work, so I was able to take a nice hot shower.

Ironically, temperatures were the warmest ever for my annual birthday miles ride over the weekend. That was fortunate because it was a long ride (62 miles) and took more than 4 hours. Some friends and I rode on local greenways to a diner for brunch, and the trails were covered with mud, sand, leaves and branches as well as flooded in several spots -- which made for slow going.

snow_echo_NY

the wind this AM was as bad as last Mon and Wed. i decided to wear my Baffin snow boots. no playing around. not in the mood to be cold esp. after a cold day on the hill (skiing) yesterday

however, i should have layered an extra glove (work gloves) and skull cap liner. i wore wool glove liner plus tactile medium weight glove and a double lined fleece skull cap.

BK Bridge report:
it's a bit slippery in spots, some parts due to ice but most parts due to the enormous amt of loose salt left on the bridge. with the wooden slats it's not as bad as the salt has fallen thru but the entrances/exits are full of salt.

definitely need a covering for your face (mouth especially) on the bridge - since there's salt everywhere, with 40 mph gusts it blows right into your mouth. it's beyond nasty.

i'd much prefer dirt.

bmthom.gis

Cold. very, very cold. Woke up this morning to 19 American, with it feeling like 12 when I took the dogs for a walk (I spared the wife this one). When I left, it was still 19 but supposedly felt like 19. I don't normally ride when it is this cold out, but dang it I wanted to do it at least once! I bundled up. Glad I kept some of my old Coast Guard gear, because I sure used it! Doubled up on gloves and shirts and had toe covers on my shoes. The only thing I wish I thought about was some sort of wind pants. Sounds silly, but some chaps made for breaking wind would be all ya need. My thighs were the only part that felt cold. All in all, sure, I would do it again!



Also was the first time riding my Miyata. I love the rack I got (Iberia IB-RA4). The cheapie I had at home and had planned to use did not offer anywhere near enough heel clearance, and really I had a hard time fitting it on. This one has a ton of adjustment each and every way imaginable. I had inches of clearance, so I might bring my bags forward a little when I ride home. It has half step + granny gearing, which I am liking but I think it will take several rides to get used to. If I end up keeping this bike, I'll get some wider tires. Right now I have some 23s on, and I really missed my 32s once I got close to/in the city. But I had these hanging around, and they are really nice, plus this is my only current bike where the blue will work and not clash.

volvostephen

-14c so I just went straight to work. Snowy slushy roads meant that I was more in the way of traffic than usual but it all worked out OK. That was until I went into a parking lot and was immediately honked at repeatedly. The lady within 30 feet of going into a lane expected me to move over to allow her to drive fast through a hotel parking lot so she could exit the other side and take a short cut to her work. I couldn't believe it. I had honestly inconvenienced many other drivers on the road and they did not show any aggression towards me - than this lady comes along and illegally cuts though a hotel parking lot, honking at me. I wish I was a better person - but I stayed in her way and went slower. Then I blocked the exit to yell at her. I feel like an idiot now having done so, but honestly, she should have left home a bit earlier to avoid being such a rude ignorant driver. To make matters worse, I saw her car at her work and I yelled at her there too. I think she was afraid of me (I am 6'5") so she immediately apologized and me being the kind-hearted soul I am, I yelled at her again (I was still in a rage). I have worked hard to not get mad and not act this way but this lady really set me off today. Tomorrow I will use the MUP.... That is my happy place .

Tundra_Man 

Temp back up in the positives this morning at 6F. Pretty easy ride to work, as I went to the clients office that's only 4 miles from home. Snow is now falling and we're supposed to get about an inch today so I'll have a slower ride home. Two things of note:

• As expected, I'm still sore from yesterday's tumble. Not terrible, but some bruises and aches.
• I paid extra attention to the icy spots, and the studded tires are definitely sliding around more than they used to. Going to have to ride extra careful the rest of this winter and budget for replacements before next season.

Sir Coastalot

Don't we all...but I enjoyed reading that, and venting spleen vicariously.

wphamilton

I was thinking about the layers also since it was 18° as I'd mentioned, and I didn't really add a layer from 25° wear as I'd advised. I replaced the wicking short-sleeve base with long sleeve, so I only sort-of followed my own advice. I like to ride cooler since it's under 40 minutes at the longest and I don't have many stops.

@PatrickGSR94 got me worried about toes. I didn't think about them while riding, not really aware of the feet as cold or otherwise, but after stopping and walking in I did notice that they felt cold. Not painful but colder. Maybe we just block it off.

PatrickGSR94

Woohoo 5 for 5 so far this month/year! This time last year I only had 3 commutes in by this point. Doing good!

When I woke up at 5 AM it was 19F outside. By the time I left the house at 6 it was about 22 or so. The bike computer showed 24F most of the way in (and it's pretty accurate to TWC's temperature reporting in my experience). Traffic seemed light, no issues at all with motorists.

Toes still froze, as usual. I even tried some plastic bag pieces over my wool socks, inside my shoes, to no avail. My torso also got to feeling really cold/numb, despite having on 4 layers up top, bib shorts, and 2 pairs of tights. Arms were fine, so I guess I need some sort of thicker vest layer that won't add any more material to my arms.

It was a little too cold for my normal full finger lined cycling gloves, so I used the ski gloves I have. Those things make my hands sweat like crazy even when below freezing. The insides of them are still wet now even 3.5 hours after arriving at work. I brought my regular gloves so I can wear those on the way home and not have to worry about wet gloves. Yuck.