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.
2 comments:
Wow, chilly rides! I'm thinking of riding in tomorrow, but the forecasted low is -17'f. The saving grace is that there is suppose to be no wind which will make it a bit easier.
Good ideas on all of the layering, from the look of it, it's going to be a cold winter!
Uh, yeah--cooold! Way to get out there and in the face of OMW (Old Man Winter, of course). I'll let you fight that battle on my behalf! :o)
Peace and Happy New Year!
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www.singlespeedrevolution.com
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