Polar Vortex
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 878
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Polar Vortex
Next week is to be round two for the Polar Vortex. This time it is to bring the same mind numbing cold and Snow it did the last time. How are you getting ready for this nasty weather and will it affect your commute? (Are you still planning to ride?)
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Northeast PA
Bikes: 1996 Cannondale M200Se , 1996 Trek 930, 2013 Trek 1.2, 2015 Trek 520 Disc
I drove too. It was -29 with the wind chill here. I'm not sure what I'll do this time. So far it doesn't look like it will be quite as cold. I'm sick of driving.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Lancaster, PA, USA
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
I drove too but I plan to try out riding with two pairs of socks and my ski goggles. It's only supposed to be super cold here on Wednesday before getting back up closer to normal.
#7
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
I had a jammed shifter on my studded tire commuter for the last one. So instead of pedaling and keeping warm, I was standing and freezing in a snowdrift waiting for the bus.
Hope to redeem myself for this go 'round.
Hope to redeem myself for this go 'round.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 196
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From: lebanon oregon
Bikes: trex 7500, old diamondback, older diamondback old frankenbike
another item that really helps me is a wool balcava(name?). got mine military issue off fleabay. Its warm and thin enogh to fit under my helmet with no fit issues.
actually I ordered two, cause after riding into town, it is wet, so when leaving I put on the dry one, then both are dry again by morning
actually I ordered two, cause after riding into town, it is wet, so when leaving I put on the dry one, then both are dry again by morning
#10
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,115
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I seriously considered riding when it was -8F and blowing hard. Then I realized that something could go wrong and it would be very painful. I decided against it, and I took the subway. Maybe I could have added to my macho points by making it on bike, but I don't really regret my decision. I might ride this time, but I haven't decided yet.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,633
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From: St. Louis Metro East area
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads (red)
This weather is driving me nuts. All of January has been bouncing down into the teens or single digits, then a few days of bouncing up into 50s, then down. Then up. Just yesterday, I rode 14 miles because the weather was near 60°f with sun and light wind, and today the high is 15°f with snow/ice on the ground.
Just pick a season and stay with it already!
Just pick a season and stay with it already!
#15
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 878
Likes: 139
Now I Don't Feel Bad
Glad to hear some of you are riding through this stuff. On Wed., it is down to -15F (Wind Chill) with 8"+ of drifting Snow. No way can I ride in this deep of Snow. (Never mind the bone chilling cold.) Gotta drive again.
#16
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
I ignore the wind chill numbers because
1) I make my own,
B) It all depends on the direction I'm heading, and
iii) they're designed to guide people (and are tested using people) who are just standing around, doing nothing. I also make my own heat.
5F coming home tonight, and I still have my pit zips open.
EDIT: Looked it up, -8F windchill on tonights commute. I was mainly crosswinds, but a few blocks of headwinds.
1) I make my own,
B) It all depends on the direction I'm heading, and
iii) they're designed to guide people (and are tested using people) who are just standing around, doing nothing. I also make my own heat.
5F coming home tonight, and I still have my pit zips open.
EDIT: Looked it up, -8F windchill on tonights commute. I was mainly crosswinds, but a few blocks of headwinds.






