Almost winter
 

We don't get true winter here in NW Oregon, but it was 25 degrees F when I rode in this morning. I have a newfound appreciation for those of you who ride in actual winter conditions. It doesn't often get mcuh below 40 around here.

By luck, mostly, I think I nailed the layering -- a long sleeve wool base layer, standard short sleeve jersey, semi-thick cycling jacket, backpack, bike shorts, tights, wool socks, warm shoes, shoe covers, ear covers, helmet cover. I did sweat a bit (but just a bit), and I arrived at work with a nice collection of beardcicles. The biggest challenge was that it took me about 30 minutes to realize that changing hand positions more often rather than warmer gloves was what I needed to relieve the pain in my finger tips.

Then I got to work and discovered that my lock, which I leave on the rack here, was frozen shut. I tried spitting in it, which got the key to turn half way, but I couldn't get the thing to open. Happily, I keep a spare lock in my cubicle. Any tips on opening a frozen lock?

Heh, I lived in Portland for 15 years and remember the day when I felt absolutely proud to commute to work by bike when it was a "super cold" 26 degrees. :) I miss those days. However, what Portland lacks in cold, it more than makes up for with rain.

hot water. if its just cold.. may be lacking oil in the lock, did it work OK friday?

I haven't been at work since the 23rd, but it worked then. I'm sure hot water would work (in fact, today I expect just waiting until afternoon will work), but I was hoping for a trick that would work with what I'd have with me on the bike.

I made the mistake of keeping a lock de-icer in the car.

The mistake was it does no good if you can't get into the car to begin with because the locks were frozen. I learned carrying it on me with something I usually carry around to begin with (book bag) was the smarter choice.

<I wonder if I can sue because I don't remember reading that bit of information on the instructions> ;-)

24 F on my ride home this morning. Not as cold as it was before the holidays.

We get below freezing just a few times a year. I've found that just throwing on an old merino wool sweater over my regular l/s sweater is just fine. I have to resist the inclination to dress for a K2 expedition. It's just a few degrees cooler than usual.

It was 23 F when I biked to Gas Works Park and watched the fireworks show. I bundled up like I was trying to cross the antarctic, because I spent about ten minutes standing there with my bike, not moving.

Cashmere is a wonderful fabric for cyclists, by the way.