vrhlinks

Hi guys, just started reading the posts and thought that I would introduce myself. I live in Norman, OK, a college town (University of Oklahoma). I am a long-time runner and decided about a year ago that I didn't need any more pounding on my joints. I started riding my old steel-framed Marukin on the hilly country roads in my area, with the goal to use the bike as an aerobic conditioner. Other than weight, the old bike has held up really well, but I am desperate for a new bike. I am purchasing a Trek 2300 with full ultegra components, hopefully as a positive reinforcement to keep me riding and training, which I have enjoyed immensely. I have enjoyed the riding much more than I anticipated, I love the fact that you can cover large distances with something interesting to look at. One question, what the heck do you guys do in the winter? I can ride in very hot temperatures because of the movement of the bike, but once it gets down in the 40's or below, it is like sticking your head out of a moving vehicle. Have a great New Year's. Van

dirtbikedude

Thermal tights, booties (for the feet), a good water resistant jacket, winter gloves, and cover your ears.

Or you could just move out here to CA where you can ride all year in the same riding gear you use in the summer. Unless you are one of those temp winnies that gets cold at anything below 65f.

MikeOk is from OK also. If you have snow like he does then I would suggest a mtb rather then road.

By the way, welcome to the forum.

Slainte

nemo

or you could do what most of us who ride during the winter do layer on the clothes with a windproof outer layer. You might think it insane to go out riding in the cold, but really all u need worry about is your face and hands, the rest will warm up as u ride. heres my formula: when its above 40 jeans sweats or something comparable and wind pants. if it is between 30 and 40 one layer of thermal botoms and a long sleeve shirt pants of sonme sort and the wind shell. from really 10 - 30 degrees two layer thermal bottoms pants 1 thermal shirt and a long sleeved shirt and the wind shell. and so on and so forth. thing to remember is you do warm up as you ride so you should start out cold. if you step outside an are slightly cold then you are dressed warm enough. if you step out and are very comfortable then you have on to many layers take one off. if you step out and you toes are instantly cold and your shiver then you need more. pretty simple really and remember to drink when your out.

vrhlinks

Thanks for the welcome, guys. Wearing something on my head other than just a helmet will be a must. I always liked running in the cold as opposed to the heat, but this is just the opposite. I'll layer and adjust.

1oldRoadie

Welcomes from Tulsa!!

vrhlinks

Thanks for the welcome. 1 old Roadie, Tulsa is a nice area, plenty of hills also. I rode Saturday and Sunday, trying to take advantage of a couple of warm days before lousy weather sets in again. I also had an incentive trying to get rid of some of the excess food and booze I consumed at Christmas with all the relatives.

outashape

What a small world. I work for the Post Office and our Technical Training Center is in Norman, Oklahoma. I was just in your neck of the woods during the first week of December. A local bike club put together some routes & laminated them so visitors (from all over the US) can ride in your area. The Marriott lets you rent bicycles. It was dark by 5:00 when I got out of class, so I just used a stationary bike in the workout area. Next time I'm scheduled for a class, I'll e-mail you and perhaps we can ride together. Welcome to BikeForums

webist

Welcome to the forums.

vrhlinks

Outofshape, please do contact me next time you're in Norman. Heading east from the Postal Center, there are many good places to ride, other than having to watch out for dogs and pickup trucks. Thanks for the welcome.