A new record is on the table for me as of yesterday. The temps were at -3 with a windchill of -20 when I pedaled my way into work. Before that, my coldest commute was 7 degrees. So I'm pleased that I made it work on such a cold day. I'm guessing I might not have that opportunity again any time soon!
I think I dressed perfectly for the ride. If anything, I could've added a down vest under my jacket. There were a couple times that the wind bit me on the back a bit. But it never became a deep cold that even caused a shiver. Everything else was great. I was able to ditch small outer layers like ear covering and an extra buff on my face. But, by doing so, never overheated either. I was pleased with my choices (albeit a bit worried going into it since I had never ridden anything
that cold before). One highlight worth sharing; hand and toe warmers. No shame in sticking these in each glove and boot. I think that's what made it work for me. I don't have gear that will take me to sub-zero temps on their own. But those little bad boys kept me cozy in what I did have.
We'll see if I get any rides as cold this week. But let's hope this is all over.
Get out there.
Stoneagefamily here, 3 degrees is my coldest ride. You got me beat by 6 degrees, but I think its a bigger change than a twenty degree shift from 80 to 60.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of change in temps, we were at 57 degrees just two days before!
DeleteNice stuff. I commuted to work a lot of winters in the past and can say that usually my toes were the only cold part of me. Not too bad, but enough to notice. Then again I never rode on a day when the temp had a negative sign before the degree.
ReplyDeleteI've always worn my bulky hiking books when I ride in the winter. They've been burly enough to keep the wind at bay and my toes warm.
DeleteWay to go. That kind of cold is very scary when you're not used to it. It was only 12 years ago that I did my first below zero ride. I was scared silly and thought I was going to die. I learned to dress for it since then. Heck, I must have 15 days of below zero this winter alone. January 6 I came close to my record of -28. But it came up short at -26. I may have broke my windchill record that day. It was -52. I've got the clothing down. I arrived at work with all my parts still warm and cozy.
ReplyDelete-52!!! Holy cow. I can't imagine. I think dressing for this kind of weather is just as much sixth sense than anything. We had a community ride that night (that I wasn't able to attend) but I heard lots of complaining. I had dressed near perfectly, though. Although I had never done that temp, I think I have a good read on what it takes anymore.
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