bluegoatwoods
Well-Known Member
Had my first morning commute in low 40s type weather this morning. It wasn't all that bad, but chilly. I wore double pants and regular leather work boots. I don't recall my feet or legs getting very cold. Upper body in something less than full winter gear. Hands were a bit of a problem; double gloves. My hands weren't very cold, but stiffness will become a problem when I have to put on something heavier.
All in all, I'd say that low 40s is not bad. When it gets colder I'll be able to dress heavier. But then that'll be a pain in terms of carrying and putting on all of that extra gear. At a guess right now, I'm thinking I ought to be able to ride well into November. Maybe even till the end of it, with just a bit of luck.
On a pedal bike I can be happy as a clam in the low 20s and can even be not uncomfortable all the way down in the single digits. Can ride at zero and even a bit below, though it's a pain mostly.
I had had a (slim) hope that, with a bit of preparation and teeth gritting, I could keep riding a motor assisted bicycle in conditions almost as bad as I can ride a pedal bike in. But I'm beginning to think that's not going to work. I might have to put the motor away for the winter about Thanksgiving or so. It's too bad.
On the other hand, I'm not particularly cold-tolerant. Some of you might be able to do a good deal better than me.
a quick bit of clarification: when it comes right down to it, I'm a cold weather wimp. but on a pedal bike, it's a whole different story. You generate so much warmth that keepin yourself from sweating to death is more of a problem than keeping warm. I'm sure some of you already know about this. For those who don't, it's one of the great things about winter riding. So you should definitely consider keeping a pedal bike around. It can keep you outdoors and getting fresh air in all but the worst weather.
All in all, I'd say that low 40s is not bad. When it gets colder I'll be able to dress heavier. But then that'll be a pain in terms of carrying and putting on all of that extra gear. At a guess right now, I'm thinking I ought to be able to ride well into November. Maybe even till the end of it, with just a bit of luck.
On a pedal bike I can be happy as a clam in the low 20s and can even be not uncomfortable all the way down in the single digits. Can ride at zero and even a bit below, though it's a pain mostly.
I had had a (slim) hope that, with a bit of preparation and teeth gritting, I could keep riding a motor assisted bicycle in conditions almost as bad as I can ride a pedal bike in. But I'm beginning to think that's not going to work. I might have to put the motor away for the winter about Thanksgiving or so. It's too bad.
On the other hand, I'm not particularly cold-tolerant. Some of you might be able to do a good deal better than me.
a quick bit of clarification: when it comes right down to it, I'm a cold weather wimp. but on a pedal bike, it's a whole different story. You generate so much warmth that keepin yourself from sweating to death is more of a problem than keeping warm. I'm sure some of you already know about this. For those who don't, it's one of the great things about winter riding. So you should definitely consider keeping a pedal bike around. It can keep you outdoors and getting fresh air in all but the worst weather.
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