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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

SoCal boy terrified of 34 degree morning ride


I'm one of those cyclist that has chronically frozen feet at pretty much any temperature below 64 degrees and sunny. So I'm basically [doomed]. Because I'm going to Solvang for a cold all day ride this weekend (why is it so cold up there?). Now, to be honest, it's just the low that's forecast at 34 but we are planning a very early start and the first 30 miles or so appear to be mostly downhill. So my idea is to dress warmly (good thinking!). And just suck up carrying the extra layers all day as it warms up to low sixties. Does humidity help or hurt me in a situation like this? It's going to be pretty wet/coastal and windy most of the day. So like I said… Here's my secret voodoo. Let me know if you approve. A liner sock with an inside out wool sock over it. Why inside out? Hmm, well, because I figure all those nice little nooks and crannies for air pockets will be better as insulation just off the skin. And I figure inside-out-ed-ness must attract some sympathy from the gods. My backup plan is a few shots of something warm in my jersey pocket… 


9 comments:

JustinM said...

Here's what I do when I go hiking in cold weather. Colder than 34 degrees, though.

mindful mule said...

JustinM:
Oooo, mylar blanket - good idea! Wrap around feet and secure with copious duct tape. The carbon cycling crowd will love it...

Kristina said...

Not sure if this is helpful but: http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/Cold-weather_riding__Tips_to_stay_warm_on_the_bike

What I like about the article (not that I'm riding in the cold!) is that it's not all high-tech solutions.

If you decide to not go with the mylar blanket, that is.

mindful mule said...

Kristina;
Thanks for the link. I've heard of the plastic bag thing before but I'm just not sure I can carry it out, you know - it's a plastic bag on your foot! One of my friends is planning to try the plastic-bag-on-foot thing but he's also planning on wearing shorts so obviously crazy and untrustwiothy…

JustinM said...

If it's 34 when I visit next week I'll be wearing shorts and a tank top. I'm that guy now.

mindful mule said...

Justin:
That might work as my base layer...

amidnightrider said...

You haven't posted since that cold ride last week. Did you survive? Did you ride? I really hope both are yes answers. Either way, let us know.

mindful mule said...

Midnight:
I lived! With mostly happy feet.

Kristina said...

Yay! Hope to hear about it soon!