It’s Cold Out There!

Wow … I love my 5:00 am rides. Except when the time change to set the clock back happens. You would think that having an extra hour is good, and the extra daylight is even better. Right… except when that temperature starts to drop. What do you do in this situation? What is a starting cyclist, or an avid extreme rider, to do? You guessed it — Cold Weather Gear!

Now, you may be thinking that you don’t need it. Then that one morning, or even a chilly afternoon with a beautiful sun shining down, you feel a brisk 50 degrees. That is standing still! Wait until you start pedaling. That breeze is going to make you chillier (or dare I say.. cold).

Well, I had some great advice given to me by an experienced cyclist, way before fall. And yes, I did exactly what I was told. I got cold weather gear. What kinds of things do you need? Here is what I found most helpful to start with:

• Gloves – Mine fit over my bicycle gloves and are specific to biking. These help protect my fingers from that cold wind.
• Balaclava (no, it is not Baklava) – This protects my head, face, and allows me to breath warm air.
• Base Layer – This is my first layer, and helps keep wind off my chest and arms.
• Second Layer – I add a long-sleeve bicycle jersey. If it is really chilly (55 degrees and less)
• Outer Layer – A light wind breaker to stop the wind from penetrating the second layer but not too heavy so my skin can breath. (40 – 50 degrees)
• Tights – These I wore under my bicycle shorts. Later I found fleece lined bicycle pants. The tights are still great, though, so I can use them when I need 2 layers of pants.
• Toe Covers – I didn’t have these at first. My toes got chilly. I found some, though, before too long at an affordable price and added them to my winter gear. Helps so much!

If you need more protection from the elements on the frigid mornings here are a few more items …

• Thermal Layer(s) – Tops or bottom can be layered according to your preference and tolerance to the elements.
  • 1 layer: 45 – 52 degrees with light to moderate winds.
  • 2 Layers: below 48 degrees with medium to heavy winds.
• Cycling Coats/Heavy Jackets – These are very specifically designed to allow your body to breath while retaining the heat within the barrier.  They are made of wicking/breathable material around the underarms, side panels and other strategic areas so the moisture can be removed without allowing all the heat to dissipate.  The back of the garment will be longer to protect your lower back while riding.
• Shoe Covers – Covers the ankles and entire foot from water and the cold. Could be used below 48 degrees with medium to heavy winds.  Keeps the area very warm.

Photos