Dress for Success

In the upper Midwest, it gets cold in the winter. I mean cold as in temperatures regularly don't get above freezing from late November to March. And, here in Minnesota, we tend to get lots of snow. Last winter we accumulated 84.6 inches (that's a little more than seven feet) of snow, our fifth snowiest on record.

With this kind of weather, it can really put a damper on riding. The latest issue of Bicycling printed a guide to make it easy for those of us who don't often ride when it gets below freezing. This is it, reproduced for you:
65-70: START WITH Base layer; short-sleeve jersey; short-finger gloves; socks
60-65: ADD Arm warmers; full-finger gloves
55-60: SWAP IN Knickers or knee warmers; thicker socks
50-55: SWAP IN Leg warmers ADD Vest
45-50: SWAP IN Thicker gloves; long-sleeve jersey ADD Toe covers; a sock layer; ear-covers (comfort over style)
40-45: SWAP IN Tights; long-sleeve base layer; thin hat (you might have to loosen your helmet)
35-40: SWAP IN Shoe covers or winter cycling shoes; thick hat or balaclava
30-35: SWAP IN Heavier tights; lobster gloves or mittens
25-30: ADD Second long-sleeve jersey; mid-layer sock
25 and below: ADD Base layer short and/or knee warmers under tights

Keep in mind that this isn't the gospel and you may need to modify what you wear if it's windy or precipitating, or if you tend to run hot or cold.

There are also a few "clothing calculators" to help you figure out what to wear when the mercury dips. Check out Bicycling and Castelli's what to wear on VeloNews.com.

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

This Is November? Okay!

Yesterday's high was 64 degrees F. Today's high was 66 degrees F. Tomorrow's high is projected to be 63 degrees.

Perfect riding weather for November, don't you think?

I was late getting out of work this afternoon, so I couldn't throw my leg over my bike until four o'clock. Next time, I'm packing all my stuff in the car and leaving right from the office.

Adding to the fun was a road closure on my way home. A water-main broke and crews were finishing patching up the road where they had to dig. No cars allowed; but the worker watching the road block let me through. ^_^ Oh, boy! It was about two miles of two-lane road with absolutely no cars, bliss!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Spring Has Sprung?

The weather here has been absolutely phenominal, for Minnesota, anyway. We've had a string of 35-40 degree days that has melted most of the snow that was on the ground. All sorts of things are being revealed by the melting snow: Driveways, mailboxes, bushes, sidewalks, bike paths, brown grass, small dogs...

My boss asked me today how badly I was jonesing to ride my bike outside. I, of course, answered "Really bad." I should probably take it in for the guys to look at and make sure everything is still ship-shape-and-bristol fashion. I've heard a rumor that Monday and Tuesday may be above 50 degrees. If that's the case, I'm going for a ride!

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.

Are We There Yet?

I think Mother Nature is playing pranks on me. Outside, the sun is shining and snow is melting off the roofs. I hear birds singing. Can it be? Has spring come early to Minnesota?

Alas, no. It's only 24º F and likely to stay there for a while yet.

I often remark to co-workers that my brain doesn't really realize that it isn't summer anymore. Even with the snow on the ground, it takes me a minute to remember I can't come home from work at 5:30 in the afternoon, throw on my jersey and shorts, and go for a ride.

I'm dreaming of endless, smooth, curvy asphalt roads, the sun shining warm overhead, and temperatures in the 70's. Are we there yet?

Until next time, ride long and keep the rubber-side down.