I have been told multiple times these last few days that I am brave for cycling in this cold. It has been just short of -40°C the last few days. However, I wish people knew how not awful it is to winter cycle (even with the current temperatures). I am assuredly warmer than most when I arrive at my destination. This morning I was so warm when I got to work that I had to pull the summer fan out to cool down. Cool down.... This probably means that I am wearing one too many layers and may need to adjust my wardrobe in the coming days. I do not feel brave though.... Even though people perceive me as this crazy bad-ass (emphasis on the crazy), I mostly just feel happy and energized!
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Today I took my first winter cycling fall and I am a-okay. Most people in my life know that I winter cycle at this point, it is such a huge part of my everyday that it is hard not to bring it up all too frequently. People are always so shocked when I say it is pretty crappy cycling weather right now. I find myself wishing for a different kind of winter on two wheels. When you are winter cycling there is really no difference between -10 and -20°C (-30°C is when it starts to get different). Your body is producing heat and as long as you dress properly, you stay warm. This past month has been warmer than average, rarely getting colder than -10°C. In my limited experience with winter cycling I have found that the worst conditions are when it is not quite cold enough to keep all the snow and ice firm, but not quite warm enough for it all to melt (this is the current condition). Today I was victim to that awful, thick, sludgy, sand-filled snow that forms on the roads in this type of weather. In this type of weather it does not matter if you have studded tires, you will slip and slide. On a normal day I can assess the conditions far enough ahead of time, react accordingly and find that safe route. As a result of a generally 'off' day I got into a sludgy nightmare and did not have the physical or mental power/energy to get myself out of it. I am a little shaken (and will be hurting tomorrow), but I have definitely learned from this experience. Everyday I am testing myself and I am continuously growing as a winter cyclist. Also, some people may curse me, but it would be nice if it went back to the -25 to 30°C range.
Me and My Azor has a new Winter Cycling board on Pinterest, check it out!
For two weeks I tried to live with the saddle that came on my Trek, but alas I could not resist getting a Brooks.
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AuthorMe is a "lifestyle cyclist" and a lover of all things bicycle! Archives
January 2016
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