Seattle Forrest

It was in the high 20s. I was out for about an hour and a half, on a scenic loop around town. Wasn't so bad once I got moving. Kind of thirsty, though.

vwchad

A shot of whiskey in with the water.

You are a better man that I am. I've been planning to ride to work all week, but in the morning, while laying in my nice warm bed, I just can't get excited about hopping on my bike in 20 degree F temps.

banerjek

In below freezing temps, it's necessary to drink more often to prevent freezing. In the high 20's, it should take longer than that to freeze up.

Seattle Forrest

It's going to be colder tonight, below 20 F. Normal Seattle weather is overcast and mid 40s. This cold is a gift from Canada. The water bottle has frozen before, but it's been years!

My ex girlfriend made me a new set of cashmere leg warmers, they went out for their first ride last night, and I loved having them. I had put a hole in the last ones. Also wore a wool buff to protect my ears, merino glove liners, and a scarf for the first couple miles.

The air is really dry, and it was a thirsty ride. Might have to try that shot of whiskey as antifreeze! I thought about stopping somewhere for water, but the idea of warming up all over again sounded too painful.

thechemist

yup, vodka,whiskey brandy all work

ThermionicScott 

Better to slug down extra water before you venture out...

karenashg

My water bottle didn't freeze--but that's because my bike ride yesterday was inside on the rollers. Going outside to get the paper was enough cold weather for me in one day... It would have been a much more interesting ride on the rollers if I had tried the whiskey trick though

Homebrew01

I have an insulated travel mug that fits a water bottle cage pretty well (not perfect).

Also, I usually carry a smaller bottle in my jersey pocket under my jacket. Body heat stops it from freezing. Drink the bike bottle first, then switch to the jersey bottle later.

banerjek

These things are all typically more than 50% water to begin with...

coasting 

You should try carrying a warm bottle of tea.

nkfrench 

I wonder if endurolytes tablets in insulated water bottles would delay the freezing.
I have a stainless steel thermos that fits into a bottle cage. I would consider using it as the 2nd bottle and put hot apple cider in it.

Seattle Forrest

Great idea! Thanks!

thechemist

Yes, so the higher the proof the better off you will be but seriously the freezing point of alcohol is so low that mixed with water and similar it will still probably keep your water from freezing

Canadian_giant

Usually when I know the temps will be under 30 I fill the bottle with hot water. By the time I need a drink it's room temp.

banerjek

This is actually not a bad application for a camelbak. If the bladder is close to your body, the water will stay warm and it provides some protection. We ski all day in temps way lower than that. Note that especially if the hose isn't insulated, you'll need to drink from time to time to keep it from freezing

BentLink

+1
I mix my powdered Gatorade with hot water in a Podium Chill insulated water bottle from Camelback. I do like the brandy idea...

fstshrk

15 degrees outside with 15mph winds from the north tonight. Brrrr.

fietsbob

..or the camelback under your coat..

Ramona_W

@coasting Don't you have to worry about the diuretic qualities of tea or apple cider?

Looigi

+1 on the camelbak under the jacket. I have a small thin one that works well.

coasting 

hmmm...interesting point. i will have to put some thinking into that.

Machka 

I put my bottles in socks for hot and cold weather. In the hot weather, I'll soak the sock so that there is an air conditioning effect which keeps the water cooler. In cold weather, the sock remains dry but offers some protection to slow the freezing process.