9 below

This morning might have been the coldest weather I have rode in yet.
Leaving the house the temps were around 9 below and wind chills close to 30 below.
I tried some new layering options and believe it or not, it wasn't that bad.
For anyone who really cares to know what it takes to ride in 10 below weather here is a list of the clothing I wore.

Head- a Mountain Hardware windstopper balaclava, goggles, and regular bike helmet
Torso- mid weight long sleeve base layer, Ibex Shak heavy wool jersey, Pearl Izumi wind and water resistant Gavia jacket, and a Craft windbreaker.
Legs- Fleece bib knicker tights under some Pearl Izumi Am Fib wind and water resistant bib tights. Over the tights I wore a regular old pair of Patagonia pants.
Feet-thin poly sock liners under some fairly heavy wool Craft socks. instead of cycling shoes and booties I wore my Salomon Winter boots and rode with platform pedals instead of clips.
Hands- Wigwam wool glove liners inside Pearl Izumi Lobster gloves.

Luckily the temp rose to a balmy 1 degree above 0 for the ride home. Any warmer and I would have over heated. Also if you are interested, my commuting light is the Light in Motion Stella 180L. This light is awesome; light weight, bright, long run time, and short charge time.

So there you have it, riding in year round in MN really is tolerable if you have the right gear.
It also goes with out saying that I woudl like to thank my sponsor and employer QBP for all the great hook ups.

X-Mas with the Finks

Wishing all of our friends and family a very merry holiday season.

Last night Katie and I attended “Christmas with the Finks”. I cant really come up with any words that truly explain the theme of the party, but if I had come up with one word it would be “Trashy”. From the light up Snoopy on the door step to the Star Wars ornaments adorning the tree. The wood burning fire inviting everyone to gather around the television the fire was illuminating from. The meat log, cheese ball, doughnut tree, and Jello mold in the kitchen. But the real high point of the party is always the attire; the knit holiday cardigans, the Santa hats, the sequins, the themed turtlenecks and finally the tree skirt-skirts. Yes, it is quite an eclectic spectacle.

Thanks Zacca for being such great hosts!

Now playing: The Nightwatchman - Union Song
via FoxyTunes