Comments on: You know it’s winter when…

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:23:11 +0000

Yay, the snot rocket (also known as “the gym teacher’s hankie”). It takes a bit of practice, sure…but can be very rewarding.

@Cafn8 — your hankie idea is a good one. I can imagine your coworkers might be dismayed to see you roll in with a frozen booger in your beard!

By: Noah

Noah — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:16:01 +0000

It took a couple months of solid practice, but I can honestly say I have mastered the art of the snot rocket. First off, I usually do it only when stopped: and I can land one on top of the other. If I have to do it on the roll, blow with the wind, not into it.

Oh, the joys of information overshare.

By: cafn8

cafn8 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:12:31 +0000

There’s a lot of discussion about clothing, and keeping warm here. Lots of good suggestions. I’d like to suggest something else: Hankies. Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m out in the cold exerting myself, my nose just runs (especially when leaning forward on a bike.) I have experimented with free-blowing, but too often end up with a mess on my clothing or beard. Paper products tend to blow out or not be porous enough to let the air through while catching the fluids. A nice cloth hankie can be a great thing on a cold ride.

By: Apertome

Apertome — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:11:18 +0000

Noah,

Thanks for the throwback. I was just thinking about that sticker the other day when I came in from a brief ride and water condensed on the frame immediately.

I haven’t done the whole clothing log thing, but I usually have a pretty good idea what will work. Like some other posters here, I try to err on the cool side. I can always ride more vigorously to warm up, but if I’m too hot it’s hard to do much about it.

I still think it’d be cool to have a copy of the sticker, even if it was just a normal Cafepress sticker.

We had a bit of snow overnight and my coworkers were stunned when I came in in my biking gear (I have a new job and they haven’t realized the extent of my commuting just yet).

By: Marrock

Marrock — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:38:59 +0000

Way back when someone offered up a bit of advice that seems to work rather well.

Dress for how you’ll feel after five minutes of riding.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:24:51 +0000

@Steven — thanks…you’re right, of course. Living in the heat is a challenge in itself, especially when summer lasts 9 months!

By: Steven Soto

Steven Soto — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:53:26 +0000

@Jack – Don’t worry about it. No one from up north thinks about you in August when it’s 95°, you’re leaving work, and it just rained.

Every commuter has their own challenges, and it’s what binds us together.

By: Bill Baker

Bill Baker — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:09:45 +0000

the cold i can deal with here in Michigan. its the dark when i ride to work and dark when i get out that gets me. days with out any sun is not good.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:05:50 +0000

@dukie…I can’t help rubbing it in at this time of year, but rest assured that I have the UTMOST respect for our winter warriors out there.

It’s funny…when it DOES get cold here (and, of course, that’s relative — cold for us is around 40 degrees), we all bundle up in a bunch of layers, balaclavas, shoe covers, ear flaps, etc. like we’re about to tackle the Arrowhead 135. Folks in “true” winter conditions would simply shake their heads at us, I’m sure.

By: jamesmallon

jamesmallon — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:00:26 +0000

I ride down to -20C in Toronto. Feet are a real issue on clipless pedals. Neoprene over-boots and thick merino socks are the start. I also use double insoles. On the coldest days toe-warmers rule. On the other hand, I gave up clipless on the icy days: can’t get my feet out fast enough falling. And yet, crashing hurts less bundled up for winter.