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It's between 30-45 degrees and raining, you're riding 30-50 miles. How do you dress?

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It's between 30-45 degrees and raining, you're riding 30-50 miles. How do you dress?

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Old 10-27-17, 03:37 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by f4rrest
I'd avoid desolate areas without cell service in bad weather.

If you slip and crash, it could be a real problem in freezing rain.
This is a very good piece of advice. What's your contingency plan for having an accident under these circumstances - any kind where you're off the bike and unable to produce heat? To me it's really not that different from hiking in a remote area. I would want to have an extra layer that keeps me warm without requiring me to pedal and some extra food. If you're concerned with bringing too much stuff with you, ask whether it's more important for you: to get out and be safe or to go fast. Being wet (rain or sweat) and out in 30-45 degrees without a way to keep yourself warm is a recipe for disaster.
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Old 10-27-17, 03:46 PM
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Velotoze and merino wool.
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Old 10-27-17, 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rfmarotti
Is there a particular one you recommend? I've had lousy luck with shoe covers.
I do not own them but am trying to find a pair of Arctic or Racethermo hi-vis. Arctic may be overkill for North Georgia.

GripGrab is not well known in the US but are big in Europe. They user reviews are excellent and that is my basis for wanting a pair. Most people say they are excellent and I hope so given the price.

I'm willing to find out and will let everyone know if and when.


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Old 10-27-17, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
Ankles: Dry suit leg seals, trimmed to fit, and upside-down covering boot tops. These keep water running down your legs out of your boots. Essential!
Tell me more about these and where I can get some. I poured 1/2 cup of water out of my waterproof boots the other day.
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Old 10-27-17, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by datlas
Your bike should be wearing full fenders.
+1

They keep your bike much cleaner and stop alot of water getting thrown on you from the tyres.
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Old 10-27-17, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by gregf83
Tell me more about these and where I can get some. I poured 1/2 cup of water out of my waterproof boots the other day.

GripGrab has something with a similar purpose.

https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/cyclingaiters

Not sure how well they work or how the price compares to dry suit parts.
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Old 10-27-17, 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
GripGrab has something with a similar purpose.

https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/cyclingaiters

Not sure how well they work or how the price compares to dry suit parts.
Thanks! I may have to give those a try.
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Old 10-27-17, 05:50 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by gregf83
Tell me more about these and where I can get some. I poured 1/2 cup of water out of my waterproof boots the other day.
We just had a discussion about this on our local rando list. One of our rando guys either invented it or heard it from somewhere else and I got it from him, so I'm trying to pass on the knowledge as usual.

So, the simplest thing for most folks is to buy online: The ankle seals I use are like these: Dry Suit Replacement Ankle Seal - One Size | APS
Or buy at your local dive shop. Trim to fit tight but comfortably. The bell obviously goes down. No adhesive necessary .

You can also use ankle seals over the tops of booties, which works well and is a lot cheaper than winter boots, just not as warm and dry. Ankle seals must go on the bare ankle, so no tall socks. I've ridden all day in the rain and had dry feet.
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Old 10-27-17, 05:55 PM
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The best/warmest booties I've used are these: Search results for BBB HeavyDuty Overshoes
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Old 10-27-17, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
We just had a discussion about this on our local rando list. One of our rando guys either invented it or heard it from somewhere else and I got it from him, so I'm trying to pass on the knowledge as usual.

So, the simplest thing for most folks is to buy online: The ankle seals I use are like these: Dry Suit Replacement Ankle Seal - One Size | APS
Or buy at your local dive shop. Trim to fit tight but comfortably. The bell obviously goes down. No adhesive necessary .

You can also use ankle seals over the tops of booties, which works well and is a lot cheaper than winter boots, just not as warm and dry. Ankle seals must go on the bare ankle, so no tall socks. I've ridden all day in the rain and had dry feet.
Thanks. I have the Northwave boots which work OK and when it gets colder I have a pair of pants I wear that fit over top of the boots but these days I'm just wearing leg warmers and they direct the water into the boots. If I wear shoes with covers they work OK but the shoes have vents in the bottom which I haven't plugged.

I feel a little foolish not having this sorted out yet and generally just stuff newspapers into my wet shoes at work. A couple of hours after the soggy paper is removed the shoes are reasonably dry but it's a hassle.
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Old 10-27-17, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by autonomy
without a way to keep yourself warm is a recipe for disaster.
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Old 10-27-17, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
Nice.

How long did it take to start the fire?

My biggest worry about inclement conditions is the slipping and crashing part.

Clothing is optional.
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Old 10-27-17, 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
The best/warmest booties I've used are these: Search results for BBB HeavyDuty Overshoes
I was just looking at those on Wiggle. Seems like too good of a deal. Any complaints about quality?

Originally Posted by rumrunn6
Fantastic. Looks like we're heading towards an "essential survival skills needed while winter cycling in remote areas" list
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Old 10-27-17, 08:10 PM
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Tee shirt, gym shorts, my kindle, in front of the fireplace.
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Old 10-27-17, 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by autonomy
I was just looking at those on Wiggle. Seems like too good of a deal. Any complaints about quality?



Fantastic. Looks like we're heading towards an "essential survival skills needed while winter cycling in remote areas" list
Best I've ever used. I captain a tandem, which always involves a little toe dabbing during stopping. I have to reinforce the toe bottom of one of them with Shoe Goo from time to time. Had them 2 winters so far.
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Old 10-28-17, 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by SHBR
Nice.
How long did it take to start the fire?
that was last winter during a blizzard, or near blizzard. governor didn't ban driving, but by rides's end it was pretty dicey driving home. from what I remember, it didn't take long at all. found a spot under cover from the falling snow, cleared a patch down to dirt, fuel & kindling was everywhere. cleared up the frozen fog on the goggles pretty easily. don't worry the little stuff burned up & I was able to knock it down & I doused it with snow & a little water. I also raked the area w my feet so it wouldn't be unsightly. after that, I started carrying some fire starting sticks on the remote trails but never made another fire
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Old 10-28-17, 06:51 AM
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Originally Posted by autonomy
"essential survival skills needed while winter cycling in remote areas"
frustrated boyscout I guess. my 2 older brother & Dad were scouts. by time I came along they were all over it. Dad's 90 & still just sent me a compass. there's a tri-state marker cpl miles thru the woods on a side foot trail, from that spot. I should try finding it again
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Old 10-28-17, 06:54 AM
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Long sleeve merino baselayer, short sleeve jersey, Rapha rain or softshell jacket, specialized rain gloves, regular bibs with some specialized legwarmers, and shoe covers. Oh, and a cycling cap, but I always wear one of those. That will get my down to about 28 degrees no problem.
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Old 10-28-17, 11:20 AM
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Merlin emailed me about Spatz.



Not sure what to think. I'd probably stay home if it came to this.

https://www.merlincycles.com/spatz-p...es-104357.html


-Tim-
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Old 10-28-17, 12:35 PM
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Riding hard? I've done jersey + bibshorts in that weather before.
Riding casually? I've done wool long sleeve + rain jacket + bibshorts + leg warmers + rain shoecovers in the same temps and rain.

All depends on the ride really. Like nutrition.
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Old 10-28-17, 01:51 PM
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I'd wear jeans, a tee shirt, sweater, and light jacket. Then I'd head to the pub.
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Old 10-28-17, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
that was last winter during a blizzard, or near blizzard. governor didn't ban driving, but by rides's end it was pretty dicey driving home. from what I remember, it didn't take long at all. found a spot under cover from the falling snow, cleared a patch down to dirt, fuel & kindling was everywhere. cleared up the frozen fog on the goggles pretty easily. don't worry the little stuff burned up & I was able to knock it down & I doused it with snow & a little water. I also raked the area w my feet so it wouldn't be unsightly. after that, I started carrying some fire starting sticks on the remote trails but never made another fire
I like it. I havent seen snow like that in years, not sure I am excited about it anymore.

Originally Posted by rumrunn6
frustrated boyscout I guess. my 2 older brother & Dad were scouts. by time I came along they were all over it. Dad's 90 & still just sent me a compass. there's a tri-state marker cpl miles thru the woods on a side foot trail, from that spot. I should try finding it again
I can relate, all too well. The stories I could tell about boy scout adventures, and the YMCA's offering, boys club.

However I believe I'm still bound to secrecy, fight club rules.

Fire is one of the most basic elements of human existence that almost everyone should understand.

Yet, I've seen far too many people who fail miserably while attempting to light a BBQ grill.

Last edited by SHBR; 10-28-17 at 07:11 PM.
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Old 10-28-17, 07:50 PM
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I've had good results w/ neoprene booties.

Like a wetsuit, don't keep your feet totally dry, but warm & protect shoes & socks from road grit.
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Old 10-28-17, 07:53 PM
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just tried a pair of straight bar mitts & gotta say, I'm a fan

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Old 10-28-17, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by superdex
I'd wear jeans, a tee shirt, sweater, and light jacket. Then I'd head to the pub.
+1, and likely by car so type of attire would be irrelevant.
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