Commuting in the rain as a Freddie...
09-27-07 | 07:36 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 1
From: Syracuse, NY
Commuting in the rain as a Freddie...
Hey Guys,
So I need to bring my car in to the shop today. No big deal, the shop is 1.3 miles away from work. I put the bike rack on it and toss the commuter on the rack. I drop the car off at the mechanics and ride in to work. As its only 1.3 miles I'm wearing regular cloths, jeans and a t-shirt, though I am wearing my SPD shoes with regular shoes waiting for me at the office. Needless to say, no padded shorts or anything, but yes to helmet and gloves of course.
Anyhow I found out car wasn't going to be finished which wasn't a big deal either. A one way trip from my house to work or work to my house for that matter is 15 miles. Unfortunately for me it started to really rain when I was getting ready to leave work. Now mind you my Trek 520 commuting rig has Planet Bike Freddie Fenders which helps but I'm in cotton from head to toe.
So here I am riding home from work in jeans and a cotton t-shirt. I get home very wet of course. However, here is the kicker, I didn't melt? All this time I thought my fancy cycling cloths were keeping me from melting as if I were made of sugar or something. I love my fancy cycling gear, especially when it gets colder. However it was nice to have a ride in the rain dressed like I used to back when I was a kid. It has been years since I've ridden in the rain in non-cycling apparel.
Just thought I'd share, fancy gear is nice but apparently there is something to this whole Freddie thing.
So I need to bring my car in to the shop today. No big deal, the shop is 1.3 miles away from work. I put the bike rack on it and toss the commuter on the rack. I drop the car off at the mechanics and ride in to work. As its only 1.3 miles I'm wearing regular cloths, jeans and a t-shirt, though I am wearing my SPD shoes with regular shoes waiting for me at the office. Needless to say, no padded shorts or anything, but yes to helmet and gloves of course.
Anyhow I found out car wasn't going to be finished which wasn't a big deal either. A one way trip from my house to work or work to my house for that matter is 15 miles. Unfortunately for me it started to really rain when I was getting ready to leave work. Now mind you my Trek 520 commuting rig has Planet Bike Freddie Fenders which helps but I'm in cotton from head to toe.
So here I am riding home from work in jeans and a cotton t-shirt. I get home very wet of course. However, here is the kicker, I didn't melt? All this time I thought my fancy cycling cloths were keeping me from melting as if I were made of sugar or something. I love my fancy cycling gear, especially when it gets colder. However it was nice to have a ride in the rain dressed like I used to back when I was a kid. It has been years since I've ridden in the rain in non-cycling apparel.
Just thought I'd share, fancy gear is nice but apparently there is something to this whole Freddie thing.
09-28-07 | 05:11 AM
#3
Plays in Traffic
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
^^ looks like the earth is taking a good shot back at people.
I think the americans will have to hit it with a preemptive strike before the earth gets any other great ideas again
(oh yeah, they already HAVE been hitting it with pollution for decades)
On topic - cycle clothing is nice to have, but you're right - you won't melt. At most you'll be cold and miserable, but melting is definitely out.
I think the americans will have to hit it with a preemptive strike before the earth gets any other great ideas again
(oh yeah, they already HAVE been hitting it with pollution for decades)
On topic - cycle clothing is nice to have, but you're right - you won't melt. At most you'll be cold and miserable, but melting is definitely out.
09-28-07 | 05:55 AM
#4
Life is good
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Originally Posted by Podolak
...I'm wearing regular cloths, jeans and a t-shirt, though I am wearing my SPD shoes with regular shoes waiting for me at the office. Needless to say, no padded shorts or anything, but yes to helmet and gloves of course.
A one way trip from my house to work or work to my house for that matter is 15 miles. Unfortunately for me it started to really rain when I was getting ready to leave work. Now mind you my Trek 520 commuting rig has Planet Bike Freddie Fenders which helps but I'm in cotton from head to toe.
A one way trip from my house to work or work to my house for that matter is 15 miles. Unfortunately for me it started to really rain when I was getting ready to leave work. Now mind you my Trek 520 commuting rig has Planet Bike Freddie Fenders which helps but I'm in cotton from head to toe.
You must have one tough arse.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
09-28-07 | 06:12 AM
#5
Blasted Weeds
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 2
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Trek 1200C, Specialized Rockhopper, Giant Yukon FX, Giant Acapulco
I've had to do that a couple of times where I had to get one of my bikes to the LBS and I for some reason wasn't riding, etc etc. Feels kinda funny too ... something just isn't right ...
I have a LBS right down the street from my workplace and have been known to walk my bike down the street in dress or short skirt --- and always in high heels. And of course my walk takes me by an industrial shop with workers in hard hats outside taking a break.
That's a Ms.Freddie day.
I have a LBS right down the street from my workplace and have been known to walk my bike down the street in dress or short skirt --- and always in high heels. And of course my walk takes me by an industrial shop with workers in hard hats outside taking a break.
That's a Ms.Freddie day.
09-28-07 | 08:01 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 593
Likes: 1
From: Syracuse, NY
09-28-07 | 08:58 AM
#7
Raving looney
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)
Awesome!
I got caught out in the middle of Niagara Region when a rainstorm hit one afternoon - my ride buddy and I just donned plastic garbage bags we got at a convenience store and carried on. In fact, my buddy went as far as making a whole suit from them (A box of 20 garbage bags is PLENTY) - I just used one for a shirt and covers for my shoes, worked out nicely and kept us drier than otherwise... We had a blast and the photos made it even more fun Word of warning, careful of dehydration using the above method - it can smother your body in hot/warmer weather.
I don't have much cycling specific clothing right now as it is, my rain jacket is my old army goretex (which isn't so breathable) and my harsher weather clothing just means either wearing thermal leggings or just fleece pants with base layer and t-shirt.
I got caught out in the middle of Niagara Region when a rainstorm hit one afternoon - my ride buddy and I just donned plastic garbage bags we got at a convenience store and carried on. In fact, my buddy went as far as making a whole suit from them (A box of 20 garbage bags is PLENTY
) - I just used one for a shirt and covers for my shoes, worked out nicely and kept us drier than otherwise... We had a blast and the photos made it even more fun Word of warning, careful of dehydration using the above method - it can smother your body in hot/warmer weather.I don't have much cycling specific clothing right now as it is, my rain jacket is my old army goretex (which isn't so breathable) and my harsher weather clothing just means either wearing thermal leggings or just fleece pants with base layer and t-shirt.
09-28-07 | 08:59 AM
#8
Raving looney
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)
I've had to do that a couple of times where I had to get one of my bikes to the LBS and I for some reason wasn't riding, etc etc. Feels kinda funny too ... something just isn't right ...
I have a LBS right down the street from my workplace and have been known to walk my bike down the street in dress or short skirt --- and always in high heels. And of course my walk takes me by an industrial shop with workers in hard hats outside taking a break.
That's a Ms.Freddie day.
I have a LBS right down the street from my workplace and have been known to walk my bike down the street in dress or short skirt --- and always in high heels. And of course my walk takes me by an industrial shop with workers in hard hats outside taking a break.
That's a Ms.Freddie day.
Good for you though, keep on trucking (err, biking?) regardless!
