gattm99

I'm going mtn biking in the morning and am excited about it. I haven't had my mtn bike out yet in 07, there has been too much rain. Its probably still wet but the temps are getting low tonight and are going to be around 20 in the morning. I'm hoping for a strong freeze, I love riding on frozen dirt. Anyway I think I've rode in 20 degree weather before but I can't remember. I'll probably end up wearing to much and sweat alot, then take some off and freeze from all the moisture.

WannaGetGood

Watch out for ice.

FreeRidin'

Man you crazy!
We're suppose to have a HIGH of 15 tomorrow in Chi-town!!!

gattm99

Well I live in H town which is 350 miles south of Chi town, the high was supposed to be above 20, but it didn't work out that way, at 8AM it was 15 degrees with a wind chill around 4, it didn't get much better so no ride today.

Major bummer

alumrock12

mm , i went for a ride this morning.


... i think the low was around 59 degrees?

never

Riding in the cold is no big deal...biking is a high output activity so you warm up fast. Just make sure your feet and hands are warm and dress in layers. From 32F to about 14F all I wear is a shirt with my lightweight (windproof) cycling jacket, pants or tights/shorts, gloves, shoe covers, and neck and head warmer(s). Colder than that and I just add more layers...usually nothing else to the legs though.

I did a commute late last year when it was below -40F with the windchill...that required several more layers and it wasn't that fun. Well the ride to work was okay, the ride home sucked!

iamthetas

all the auto work, house repair work, honey do list work are done.
I FINALLY got to ride today. first time since 06. it was about 30f when I started and a 15f degree windchill. I also had my first crash in 07! hoo hoo!! right in the mud when I lost traction going from frozen to non frozen to frozen trail. what a blast!!
I sure have missed riding and LOVE the cold. I wish I could have gone this morning, actual temps were in the teens + windchill. I hope it stays cold so I too can ride some frozen mud. its is as fast as pavement only more fun.
cant wait to go again tomorrow

gattm99

Your quite the badass, honestly I am sick of people posting about riding in arctic temperatures like it is no big deal. Riding isn't really that much of a high output sport, unless your hauling ass, or climbing hills. My cut off for riding is around 30F, and that is at night on our rail trail, I may go around 25F on hilly singletrack. When its around 30 I wear about 4 layers top, two bottom, shoe covers, head covers, and two gloves, and alot of the time I still get cold.
So if you actualy wear two layers when its 14F which I really doubt, then you must take the cold way better then I do.

never

You can ask anyone who has ridden with me, I don't ride slow so I do build up heat...you must ride at a relaxed pace. And if you're in cold weather all of the time, you get used to it...I like cold weather. Plus riding is much more fun when you're moving!

Today it was 14F plus the windchill for my commute in the morning and all I had on was riding shirt, jacket (see my last post in the daily ride pics for an idea of the jacket...the grey one), tights, and FR shorts, cycling socks with wool socks over top, gloves, neck warmer, and a skull cap under the helmet. The ride is about an hour in the winter so I do get pretty warm the end. It all comes down to what you're used to and what your body can handle.

Terrapin Ben

yeah. i really enjoy my winter morning commutes. however, it is key to keep your bicycle inside so the derailleur does not freeze and so the seat does not frost leaving you with an embarassing wet butt. i usually just wear what i will be wearing for the rest of the day but i do double bag my hands when it is below 20 degrees. i took my rode bike out for a ride while the snow was falling today. i wish i had my goggles. it would have made it easier to see. i love riding while the snow is falling though. it's so quiet and peaceful. too good.

iamthetas

like never said, if you are used to the cold, its no big deal. I work in the cold so Im already acclimated.
the one time I said "frag this" was a day when it was 9f at start up and dropping fast with a huge wind, we were riding in an open area and I was sick with a sinus infection.
once my feet get cold Im not a happy rider though so if its below freezing I often wear a pair of shoe covers.
when I rode yesterday I was wearing 1 pair of tights a ss loose jersey and a ls loose jersey over it and a pair of full finger gloves, no booties or wool socks, just Champion C9 for wicking sweat and a neckgator to keep my ears and neck from getting cold.
I personally see the getting bone chilled cold( except for my feet) as part of the experience that I enjoy.
when I fell in the mud and my feet wet and got cold it was time to quit but I still had the 3 mile route back to the truck. I really enjoy the cold weather and the sounds are sooo much different than when its warmer but I know some whos cutoff is in the 50s and the 70s for high. I also like riding when its hotter than snot because it too challenges me more than just physically
gattm99, you may be overdressing is why you get cold. tight layers can make you feel like not wearing enough, especially wicking tight layers, due to a cut down of blood circulation and I have found that more than 1 pair of socks or gloves makes my extremities get and stay colder