1.08.2014

A New Record

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.

6 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Speaking of change in temps, we were at 57 degrees just two days before!

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  2. Nice 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.

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    1. I'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.

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  3. Way 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.

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    1. -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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