Quandry??? not really.
 

Saturday morning and it is raining. On top of that the temp is about 36F and a 15mph cold wind from the North. I have to go to the LBS that is only about 10 miles away but that weather is going to make it a hard Ride. BUT tomorrow is going to be worse. Heavier rain and colder. So do I get the car out? Or go by bike?

But there are roadworks on the way to the LBS and I have been trying to negotiate the traffic all week trying to see customers. But it is going to be cold. And Saturday morning and there are going to be all those shoppers out- not knowing where to go- trying to negotiate the road works and causing problems. But it is going to be cold. And the car will need refuelling and too much month left at the end of the wages and it will cost $100 to fill up. ($100 I could spend at the LBS) But it is going to be cold. And While I am down at the LBS- I could pop into the cafe for a coffee and PIE. But it is going to be cold.

Only one thing for it- Dive into the cycle clothing drawer and dig out the tights- the Knickers and the Ski Mask. I really could do with a slice of PIE to cheer me up.

The cold is one thing, but the rain would make it a deal breaker. I would fill up the tank and drive to the LBS and still stop for pie. Many better days ahead. Let us know if you rode.

30's, wind and rain.

To me that's about the worst possible riding conditions. I'd much rather ride in colder weather and snow. Snow doesn't seem to find it's way into your clothes quite so much.

This year I've resolved to not let cold and rain keep me from riding. Thus far I've been pretty successful with getting out despite the cold and rain. I can be miserable during the ride, but somehow I always feel much better later in the day.

So, Stapfam, what did you do?

I rode.

Snug and warm but bit restricted with the number of layers I had on. Got to the LBS and bought a pair of overshoes, as the feet were just a bit cold. Even got them fitted to the shoes so I knew I was getting the right size. And I bought another Base layer vest. Not certain about this one though as it is made of Coolmax. May not be the ideal winter warmer but providing it wicks the moisture away quicker than a cotton vest- it will work.

And ready for next years possible Holiday in the mountains- Ordered a new Crankset for Boreas. Triple but with 48/36/24 rings. Wanted to get a Shimano LX version but none available at present in the UK. So went up market and ordered a Middleburn one. Then if it doesn't work in the mountains- It will replace the old LX I have on the Bianchi Mountain bike.

But The object of the ride- Big Black coffee at Fusciardi's- and a big slice of Coffee and walnut cake. No pics I am afraid as I know my camera and rain do not mix.

And The traffic????--- Reckon people I passed in the jam at 10.30 may have got to the Arcade by now. (It is now 1.45PM) Those jams were horrendous.

It would not be a quandry for me. Cold rain and 15 mph winds, no question being a newbee, would not have ventured out on the bike. not even the crosstrail. But that could just be the wimp and uncertainty of my riding abilities. In a year I may give it a shot but them, you can all call me a whimp.

60 litres at £1.11 a litre. This has come down from the £1.35 a litre we were paying.

glad to hear you took the ride. I don't like the rain, though. My ride this morning was only little below 40... and now this afternoon it is almost 80... I did enjoy the cool air. I need to ride more.

After the ride-I just put the bike in the shed and left it. Just been down there to check the bike over for Tomorrrows ride if the weather has any sense to it. It is filthy. The chain grease is all over the rear of the frame- just where the white bits are. The chain was lubricated last week and wiped clear of excess before the ride. I have just found out that dry lube gets washed off very easily with rain and the chain is just as dirty as the bike----And it is dry. Time to change over to the "Wet" lube for the chain.

And wiped the tyres over with a cloth and plenty of small --Or large if I can see it-- bits of grit embedded in the rubber. Luckily no thorns or cuts in the tyres but I had changed over to the winter wheels last week. The "NEW" Mavic Aksiums I got with the bike when I bought it. Also corrected the slight out of synch gear changing I was getting on the ride. Only an adjustment on the rear derailler was required but now done.

The bike will be cleaned tomorrow. After the ride if I can get out- or in the morning if I decide I do not want to get my new overshoes dirty. And I did not believe how effective they are. On the trip to the LBS- the feet were just getting cold. Rode back from the shop with them on and the feet did not cause a problem. Will just have to dry out the gloves I used today- but they did cause a problem. Trek Mountain biking Mittens with no padding. The hands still have a sore spot but it was either the Mittens or cold hands. Can't ride with cold hands for long.