HTFU - Riding in bad weather

I have just read this blog post from a guy who rode to work during hurricane Sandy - make me smile.

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/riding_in_a_hurricane

Gareth

nice, even though it only took about one minute, I really enjoyed reading that

Great read, cheers

Thanks - it is somewhat brief - I liked the understated nature of it.

Oh, it's nothing against Rik.

Bet he was smashing up those Strava segments with a hurricane tail wind.

I'm trying to cycle 1000 miles in December is my token effort at sticking two fingers up at winter. But if things keep going as they are, the ends of my legs will just be stumps as my toes will have ceased to exist as anyting other than ice cubes.

This week I've tried 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of socks with carrier bags between the socks, and today 3 pairs of socks and electrical tape covering the vents on my disco slippers, and can report that all these methods are not working. Too skint to buy any shoes covers but may now ask for some for Chrimbo.

Ditch the cycling shoes for very cold days, use flats and normal shoes. I've been using two pairs of socks all week, with approach shoes or vans, and I've been toasty on my beater to and from W6 to SE4 daily.

http://www.lfgss.com/picture.php?albumid=1381&pictureid=9685

Looks like a gimlet but as dry as a martini.

Its OK for an hour but after that the chills set in.

Only pair of flats I own are some DMR V12's that are currently on my MTB, and even though I'm now past 40 and embrace the 'being warm is better than being cool' approach, I can't bring myself to put those bear traps on my Italian stallion.

I'm currently pinning my hopes on the fact its getting warmer at the weekend and it'll be back to 20 degrees celsius next week as, after a long wait, summer finally arrives.

These are my Grenson proper leather shoes and they like dry cold better then last weeks weather.

Oh, it's nothing against Rik.

Confused by this...

I panic bought a pair of seal skin socks for a night ride I did and they are surprising me. Still toasty after a 30 min ride in Vans LPE, but it's only 30 mins.

I use these when needed in the snow (boarding). Maybe they might help?
Or is that called "softening up"?

I may well try those this year, is that link where you purchase yours from?

I got some from a ski shop.
Also those pound shops have something similar, "Heat Pads". You can get a good deal there. Just look out for the expiry date. :)

what bad weather? sits back

I panic bought a pair of seal skin socks for a night ride I did and they are surprising me. Still toasty after a 30 min ride in Vans LPE, but it's only 30 mins.

I use these when needed in the snow (boarding). Maybe they might help?
Or is that called "softening up"?

hmm got to be worth a go, cheers for that. Shame they not re-usable. My step dad uses something similar to put in his pockets when he goes fishing, they are gel ones that are re-usable and heated up in the microwave, but they were a bit too big and bulky to fit in your shoes. I'll try and find out more about them and if there are footwear versions.

Maplins had some battery powered heated insoles, which each ran on 3 AAA and lasted about 3 hours. I turn them on after about an hour just as my feet start to chill, then I can get a bout 4 hours before they start to chill again. It effectively means five hour rides are possible. There were 15 quid. Don't know if they have them this year, worth a look.

Confused by this...

https://www.lfgss.com/post909029.html

http://www.lfgss.com/post909029.html

Now I see...

I understand you can counter the effects of wind by leaning, but what's the advice when it's also icy?

Not sure, ask Ed.