View Poll Results: Ideal riding conditions
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 98. You may not vote on this poll
Favorite riding conditions?
11-16-10, 01:03 PM
#26
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I prefer sunny days for cycling but the temps can be anywhere above freezing. I lived on the Mississippi gulf coast for 12 years and got comfortable with high temp and humidity. In fact, day in and out the temp and humidity were 93F and 93%. It's a lot like standing in a shower but I could play tennis for hours in the midday sun. Now I'm back in New England, skiing and backpacking in temps down to -15F and comfortable also. You gotta be versatile.
11-16-10, 02:09 PM
#27
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I'm shocking myself to be saying this, but as the weather has cooled down here this year, I realize that I really prefer the 100-110 days. I've learned how to manage the hot temps, and I don't like the hassle of extra clothing. I don't event want to need long sleeves. Plus, I want to sweat when I ride. Not just a little, but pore-cleansing buckets. Above 110 is abusive, but the 100-110 range (and low humidity) works out fine. Right around 100 here is great riding weather.
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11-16-10, 02:10 PM
#28
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This morning was it. 50-55 degrees, light breeze, no clouds. Wish I could have ridden til dusk.
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I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
11-17-10, 01:50 AM
#29
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We ride in June Gloom here in SoCal, it goes into July and can start in April. So if one wants to ride we just have to ride without the sun breaking through. The rest of the time is fairly sunny or sunny with high clouds. When that stuff falls for the sky, rain i think it's called, is when the most trying time comes. Our rivers might get water in them and when we drive like on ice. The best riding conditions always end with pie.
11-17-10, 06:00 AM
#30
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I prefer 65-75 temps but I put 71-85 on the poll. I prefer sunny, dry and low humidity - go figure.
Temps where all you need are some shorts & a jersey, you aren't sucking water all the time and you seem to be able to ride forever.
Temps where all you need are some shorts & a jersey, you aren't sucking water all the time and you seem to be able to ride forever.
11-17-10, 07:43 AM
#31
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Loved all the responses. I'm happier with fair weather. I ride when it cools down but I love it more and get out more when I'm in shorts and short sleeves.
11-17-10, 08:35 AM
#32
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Light to no wind is my favorite condition. Other than that, pretty much a "three-season" outdoorsy type person.
11-17-10, 08:54 AM
#33
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For me 65F and sunny with wind around 5 MPH would be ideal. But as long as it is sunny I like to ride in temps anywhere from 50F to 80F. Wind gets to be a bit of a drag when it exceeds a 15MPH headwind.
11-17-10, 11:19 AM
#34
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Didn't answer, as choices don't really apply. Temps 20F to 100F are fine, I just dress differently. Sunny, cloudy, I don't care as I usually have to wear a summer balaclava for UV protection regardless.
Stoppers are: rain, snow, winds over 20 mph, and lightning.
Stoppers are: rain, snow, winds over 20 mph, and lightning.
11-17-10, 11:23 AM
#35
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11-18-10, 07:11 AM
#36
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I'm good at riding in a wide range of conditions, but enjoy 56 - 70f the most. Above 56f, I can wear riding shorts alone, below this level, I wear tights. Above 70f in the Midwest usually includes high humidity, so staying cool can be an issue.
This year Chicago had a warm summer. I completed two long distance rides on the two hottest days of the year. The first 94f day was a metric 100. I was training with an younger Ironman athlete. It was a midday ride and the winds were howling above 15 mph. The second windy 94f day I completed an imperial century, but I started that day at 7am.
I’ll also ride during the winter months. I’ll select sunny and dry days and will ride down to about 25f. I’ll use an alpine ski helmet and a mix of cycling and skiing clothing to stay warm.
Hot weather requires careful hydration and cold weather requires the right clothing.
This year Chicago had a warm summer. I completed two long distance rides on the two hottest days of the year. The first 94f day was a metric 100. I was training with an younger Ironman athlete. It was a midday ride and the winds were howling above 15 mph. The second windy 94f day I completed an imperial century, but I started that day at 7am.
I’ll also ride during the winter months. I’ll select sunny and dry days and will ride down to about 25f. I’ll use an alpine ski helmet and a mix of cycling and skiing clothing to stay warm.
Hot weather requires careful hydration and cold weather requires the right clothing.
My favorite riding Conditions: A summer night. Temps in the 80's, with a steamy, sultry atmosphere. Enough haze in the air to make everything look like the set from a Ridley Scott movie. Thunderstorms off in the distance.
Are you going to get caught in one? There is always that possibility.
11-18-10, 08:01 AM
#37
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Quick off-topic comment: That is a fine bike, built back when Trek was truly awesome. Congrats! Reynolds 531, right?
My favorite riding Conditions: A summer night. Temps in the 80's, with a steamy, sultry atmosphere. Enough haze in the air to make everything look like the set from a Ridley Scott movie. Thunderstorms off in the distance.
Are you going to get caught in one? There is always that possibility.
My favorite riding Conditions: A summer night. Temps in the 80's, with a steamy, sultry atmosphere. Enough haze in the air to make everything look like the set from a Ridley Scott movie. Thunderstorms off in the distance.
Are you going to get caught in one? There is always that possibility.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 11-18-10 at 09:46 AM.
11-18-10, 08:15 AM
#38
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For distance I like cooler weather, like in the 60s or 70s, but for speed I found above 80 works best. My fastest ride was just below 80F in overcast skies. My longest was in partly sunny, around high 70's or just at 80F.
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11-18-10, 12:14 PM
#40
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Like jr59 noted all down hill is good. I would only add a strong tail wind and a road closed to autos.
Oh, and fresh asphalt.
Oh, and fresh asphalt.
11-19-10, 07:18 AM
#41
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If it gets too much above 70F, I'm guaranteed to offend @ ride's end, I sweat that much. It's better for the kids, though, and they DO love to ride with me!
Personally prefer the 60's, though; humidity's irrelevant, but wind is a factor... and the breezes have been a little testy this past year! Only once has the wind stopped me from riding -- 35 gusting to 60 on a day off, when I woke up feeling less than rested to start with....
Personally prefer the 60's, though; humidity's irrelevant, but wind is a factor... and the breezes have been a little testy this past year! Only once has the wind stopped me from riding -- 35 gusting to 60 on a day off, when I woke up feeling less than rested to start with....
11-19-10, 08:17 AM
#42
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Warm enough to ride without long sleeves or full-finger gloves, smooth asphalt and a tail wind just strong enough lift my speed and cut wind noise so that the only thing I can hear is my tires on the road
11-19-10, 02:38 PM
#44
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Wow! I am surprised at all the hot weather people (which I absolutely hate! the weather that is..)! If I could pick the weather of my ride, it would be 58 - 62 degrees with a light breeze and large fluffy clouds in the sky. Perfect "arm warmer" weather. It's not cold enough that your muscles ache but just cool enough so you don't mind pushing, especially uphill. I love the clouds in the sky if for nothing else, for scenery and great photos. I also riding in and out of sunlight and shade. This is pretty much Fall riding in California. I really love Fall...
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Last edited by Pamestique; 11-19-10 at 02:45 PM.
11-20-10, 10:45 AM
#45
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I voted for 41-55, because of the sheer convenience of rushing out of the house or office, jumping on the bike and just going.
Now that colder weather has come, I'm having second thoughts. Yesterday began with frost sparkling like diamonds everywhere and ended with the ride home beneath a huge moon. It's just a minute or so to manage gloves and overcoat and the rewards are immense.
I further realized that my best cycling memory of this year was riding home as our great February blizzard began, making first tracks as the world started to resemble a well-shaken snow globe and filled with the sense of peace that comes only with the prospect of being snowed in.
Paul
Now that colder weather has come, I'm having second thoughts. Yesterday began with frost sparkling like diamonds everywhere and ended with the ride home beneath a huge moon. It's just a minute or so to manage gloves and overcoat and the rewards are immense.
I further realized that my best cycling memory of this year was riding home as our great February blizzard began, making first tracks as the world started to resemble a well-shaken snow globe and filled with the sense of peace that comes only with the prospect of being snowed in.
Paul
11-26-10, 10:49 AM
#46
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75-95 for me. 65-75 is not too bad, and I do take more care when the temp is 95-100. I dont normally ride when the temp is over 100.
11-27-10, 12:57 PM
#47
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Two of my favorites: light drizzle and frosty mornings.
11-27-10, 08:43 PM
#48
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Wow! I am surprised at all the hot weather people (which I absolutely hate! the weather that is..)! If I could pick the weather of my ride, it would be 58 - 62 degrees with a light breeze and large fluffy clouds in the sky. Perfect "arm warmer" weather. It's not cold enough that your muscles ache but just cool enough so you don't mind pushing, especially uphill. I love the clouds in the sky if for nothing else, for scenery and great photos. I also riding in and out of sunlight and shade. This is pretty much Fall riding in California. I really love Fall...
