I hemmed and hawed at home deciding on my commute, it was raining and windy, and I figured what the heck ride.
So I did. It was a pretty cool ride as the front passed over me with a lot of head wind. The temps kept dropping, but I wasn't prepared for the kind of drop they did take.
It's now 11:30, and in an hour I'll be heading for home, problem is, I'm not ready for it. The temp dropped from 48F at 3p to 37F right now.
I wore cheap tights, and a fleece lined, water resistant jacket, nothing that keeps body heat, or offers a layer from the elements. I wanted an early start to the cold weather commuting, but this is ridiculous!
Of course tomorrow it is suppose to be back to the 50s with 40s for lows.
That I can handle.

So, you don't want to hear that
it got up to 25C, or 80F around here today? In Canada?!

I've ridden in snow often enough though. If it get's too deep, I usually just walk. Fortunately I can do it in under half an hour.

Is it possible to keep a heavier top or jacket at work for emergencies? That's what I do.

Well, it's a day later, how did you make out on the ride home? I hope you don't catch a cold or anything like that.

I was really glad that I bought gloves with fingers on them yesterday - I rode back from my friend's shop at 2am and it was pretty chilly. But I was wearing jeans and a fleece jacket, so it wasn't too bad. The saturday night ride here should be pretty chilly, too. I wonder if that will effect the turnout?

I usually get pretty worked up on my commute, at 50 degrees, I can be in shorts and t-shirt and sweating profusely. When the temp dips below 35 and I'm at a stop light, if I don't have a windproof layer on, you can see steam coming off my body, it's actually a pretty cool effect.

You shouldn't be afraid of cold weather, I can ride up to 0 degrees celsius (32 F) in shorts and a t-shirt. This is actually my way of preparing for this winter, by exposing myself to cold temps early. Of course, I bring a jacket along in case the temps suddenly go sub-zero, so a little precaution is still advised.

Hope you're at least wearing some knee-warmers. Riding bare-legged in the cold is really hard on the knees...

-Trevor

Yeah, I'm amazed at how much heat I build up riding.

I have been caught by a sudden drop in temp - from 35F to 15F. I got over it by putting newspaper down the front of my overpants and my jacket. It was a bit awkward at first but certainly kept the wind out.

You don't really need to wear anything that keeps body heat. Your body makes plenty of waste heat because it's only about 25% efficient. What you do need is to cover as much exposed skin as possible with something windproof. Don't wear cotton or anything that retains moisture. It will start to get wet and make you colder. Look for polyester under many trade names like microfiber, coolmax, ultrasensor, etc. When it's in the mid to high 30's F, I wear an undershirt, jersey and windbreaker, long fingered gloves and leg warmers or cheap tights, and a thin headband that covers my ears. I get a little cold when decsending at 30+ mph, but most of the time I'm fine.
Tom

I made it home with the help of a friend and today being my friday it is time to take clothing home for a wash so I drove. I also had a gift for my cat, a six foot kitty condo a co-worker gave me, so I have that to cart home.
I am used to riding in the cold, I love riding, when I'm prepared for it. Last night the tights weren't that effective against the wind, even though it wasn't wet. My torso would have faired well, but the legs get cold, and I wasn't to hip to that situation, besides my co-worker was willing to give me a ride. "A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes." (don't look a gift horse in the mouth)

I pack rain gear most days, a cheap $30 US set joggers use. I works ok against rain, but its super good againt wind and cold. JavaMan is right about wind proofing-- it makes all the difference

I keep a Cheap Plastic rain suit in MY bottom desk drawer, had to use it once for the exact scenerio you described. wasn't real comfortable, but it kept me warm.

NAISME! Did you buy another car? Or did you you fix the old one? Man, your getting soft dude!

Actually I got a deal on a van. Through work one of the vans they transport patients in went on the block, starting bids were 500.00. I bid a little over that, and got this van that blue books at 4-5 grand! Such a deal. I am riding though, I'm closer to work now, so driving isn't an option, I've got too much at stake to drive(my health: physical and mental, my budget: a van guzzles gas like you wouldn't believe! Every try to park a boat?). I am awaiting the next hint of winter to blow through, I wasn't ready, I am now!

LOL. Cool on the van. I have a 1976 Ford 3/4 ton. I know about gas guzzler! I only drive it about once or twice a month when I have to! I feel the same way about riding. I can't imagine driving like I used to. I'd be in the looney bin for sure!