Conference noted::bicycle

    
>>    Is this typical or individual? Are there any tricks/techniques that
>>    I can use to improve or is it a "fact of life" in cold weather riding?
      
Typical, yes, at least for me anyways. Cold weather is a sign to bicyclist to
take it easy the racing season is over, don't push to hard, your gonna get fat
when the holidays roll around anyways;^) Seriously, the law of diminishing
returns takes over at the end of the year, burn out, or worst, injurys can 
occur. No matter how good you warm up and dress, watch out for tight muscles.
A good warm up doesn't mean much after a long descent. A good rule of thumb is
to ride like you did in the spring. Stay off the big chain ring don't push
hard, spinnnnnn. Also stop thinking about what your bike computer is saying
about time(splits) and avg speed. It doesn't matter now. If you want to stay in
shape look to some other fun aerobic sports as well as the bike.

Tom_who_is_burnt_out_with_his_28_mile_commute

    Is this typical?
    
    For me, one way that I make sure there is no suffering is to start off
    pedaling easy for a longer period of time.  As I'm going I find myself
    saying "Self, it sure is taking you a long time to get going".  Then I
    try to take it easy for at least another five minutes.  After that its
    just like any other day.  I have noticed that during the fall and
    winter months (where I am) its a lot windier, and therefore it also
    takes more effort.  I find that I can't stay in high gear.  I can keep
    the pace (come close at least) in a lower gear.
    
    Remember as stated in .1 accidents happen more frequently in the
    winter.
    

    Chip,
    
    "Cold" muscles have a decreased blood supply.  Which means the
    by-products of exercise (lactic acid and carbon dioxide) have less
    of a chance to get "flushed out."  When this happens, muscular soreness
    occurs.
    
    Long warms ups, over-dressing (than stripping down later), plenty
    of stretching and SPINNING!!  Give yourself a nice cool-down in
    a warm spot (inside) to flush out all the junk in your massive muscles,
    Franzie!
    
    Jim

Just finished a week-long inn-to-inn tour with Vermont Country Cycling...

The colors were peak, the rides (around 50 miles a day) were challenging 
(especially for my wife and I on a tandem) and I'll be spending the next week
or so limping around...and not on my bike.

On one of those 42 degree mornings we started off 'uphill' for about 3 miles and
I wasn't sufficiently warmed up..pulled the tendon in my right leg between the 
calf and heel.  Even though we were bundled up and stretched out the little 
'hitch' at the top of the hill was enough to get me...Didn't feel it at the time
until I was sitting for a while later at the next inn and then got up!!!Ouch...
Fortunately this was the last day of the trip and only 15 miles to the next inn
on a 60 degree day.

Any suggestions (non-malpractice of course) to help me get back on the pedals
soon?

Mab

     My Friday's 30 miler went much better. Spun in some smaller gears
    most of the way. Thanks for all the advice (thanks Jim "Hans" Pammer).
    
     Even today, they're feeling better. Not tight. I did heat up fairly
    well, but didn't let my cement head take control. I stayed cool and
    light. I have to admit, though, I wanted to do another 30. I only
    really took off when the wind was to my back. I didn't fight into
    it like I usually do.
    
      Chip
    

    Even though I probably ride normally much slower and in smaller gears
    than a lot of you folks I've definitely noticed the longer warmup
    times.  
    
    I've been out a couple times when it was 30-40 degrees here in
    Minnesota and even though I stretch a bit it still takes me a long time
    to feel comfortable.  So, I trundle along in about a 38/20 or 38/17
    gear until I start to feel reasonably loose before I went over about 15
    mph.
    
    I've tried wearing sweats, but the cold just seems to go right through
    them.  I have been resisting buying one of the (I'm not sure what
    they're called) "long biking shorts".  You know, the ones that cover
    the whole leg.  Do they really keep you enough warmer to be worthwhile? 
    
    Dave P

        <<< Note 1341.6 by NCPROG::PEREZ "Just one of the 4 samurai!" >>>
                        -< Oh, baby its cold outside! >-

>    I've tried wearing sweats, but the cold just seems to go right through
>    them.  I have been resisting buying one of the (I'm not sure what
>    they're called) "long biking shorts".  You know, the ones that cover
>    the whole leg.  Do they really keep you enough warmer to be worthwhile? 
    
They're called 'tights' and are a great improvement.  Get heavy poly-pro 
tights without the padding in the seat, and wear them OVER your regular bike
shorts.  You can also get wind-front tights which have a wind-proof front of 
nylon, or tights with neoprene knees for extra warmth, or thermal tights for 
the really cold rides (perfect for Minnesota!).

Depending on the length of your rides and the temp range you ride in, you may 
find a pair of each quite useful, tho costly.

Kevin

re:1341.7                   
>>shorts.  You can also get wind-front tights which have a wind-proof front of 
>>nylon, or tights with neoprene knees for extra warmth, or thermal tights for 
>>the really cold rides (perfect for Minnesota!).

Kevin,
    
    	Don't forget the wind briefs.  They keep a very important
    part of your body warm and if your serious about riding in cold
    weather you should consider this item essential since frost bite
    can be very painfull in this area, among other things ;^)
    
    						_Jerry
    						

    Wind briefs?  Is there such a thing?  I could definately use something
    like that since I use nonpadded shorts/tights.  Where does one find 
    them?  In a bike shop?
    
    Thanks,
    Mark

>>    Wind briefs?  Is there such a thing?  I could definately use something
>>    like that since I use nonpadded shorts/tights.  Where does one find 
>>    them?  In a bike shop?
    
        Mark,
    
    		They are for real.  Check out page 10 of the 1989
    Performance holiday catalog.  They are $9.95.  If you don't have
    a copy of the cat you can order them over the phone 1-800-PBS-BIKE.
    Don't leave home without it ;-)
    							_Jerry
    
    BTW:  I have seen these locally (Sunshine Sports I think) so you
    	  might be able to save some time and tax (N.H. Residents)
    	  by checking your local ski shop.  
    
    PS:   Maybe Kevin will find a  pair in his stocking this Christmas 
          .....how does Santa say it.... Ho Ho Ho.
    
    
    

     <<< Note 1341.10 by GSFSWS::JSMITH "Support Bike Helmets for Kids" >>>
               -< Surely you jest....this is serious equipment >-

>    PS:   Maybe Kevin will find a  pair in his stocking this Christmas 
>          .....how does Santa say it.... Ho Ho Ho.

If its THAT cold out, I'll wear my thermal tights which are totally windproof 
and quite warm.  My feet will freeze long before that part of my anatomy.  
(Which reminds me, I've got to order some of those foot heaters from the 
Performance catalog!)

Anyway, I do have a pair of windbriefs (Lifa makes them... call'em fig lifa 
:^)  I used these back in xc-ski racing days, when I was out there in sub-20 
degrees temperatures wearing my thin lycra one-piece racing suit.  Now there's 
when you REALLY need the windbriefs!
    
    
Kevin    

re: 1341.11                  
    
>>Anyway, I do have a pair of windbriefs (Lifa makes them... call'em fig lifa 
>>:^)  I used these back in xc-ski racing days, when I was out there in sub-20 
>>degrees temperatures wearing my thin lycra one-piece racing suit.  Now there's 
  
    	Fig lifa....I like it.  Aero Seat Post, Designer Handle Bars, 
    Fig Lifa and a one-piece racing suit.  Yep, that's all I want for
    Christmas...Ho Ho Ho
    						_Jerry

Actually, I have a cheapo pair of GoreTex jogging pants with a 
sorta-flannel lining that work grand for cold-riding over my usual bike 
shorts. Legs stay toasty without building up a lot of persiration. Seems 
like for colder riding (I've ridden down to -35 degF ACTUAL, -115 F 
windchill) not much is going to keep all parts of you warm....

                                                 ken

    
    re: (I've ridden down to -35 deg F. ACTUAL, -115 F. Windchill)
    
    	Great....Ed will have someone to keep him company
    on his first IDITABIKE ride :-)
    
    						_Jerry

> (I've ridden down to -35 deg F. ACTUAL, -115 F. Windchill)

    I'll bet that very few cars start at that temp.

    I also imagine that the ice isn't as bad.  The thin layer of water
    that forms as the tire presses on it will stay solid.

    -Jeff

>    I'll bet that very few cars start at that temp.

If I had had a car then I'd've tried it.... :-)

>    I also imagine that the ice isn't as bad.  The thin layer of water
>    that forms as the tire presses on it will stay solid.

Yep, that's how they make 'dry ice'! :-) Actually at those temps, the thin 
layer of water on your eyeballs starts to get solid too, with amusing 
results. :-)

As for state (p/m) - North Dakota/eager to get INSIDE again!

                                         ken

Anyone tried col weather touring? I was reminded of that the other day, 
and thought back to a tour we planned when I was in college - ride home
for Christmas, with camping gear & all. As (good or bad) luck would have
it we couldn't afford the trip (would've required a fair amount of $$ for 
outfitting), but we had a late-December 350-mile camping tour planned across
the great state of North Dakota. Anyone ever attempt such an event? Have
any good ideas for keeping track of all your appendages?

Any experiences and speculations on the subject most welcome....

                                    ken

    Riding in the winter is lots of fun.  Few to none people on the trails.
    The more wicked the weather, the better.  I guess it's a macho thing,
    or maybe frozen brain cells lead to more of the same.
    
    I cover my layers of clothing with a gortex jacket.  It's light, warm,
    and breathes - without turning you into a sweaty mess.  It came with a 
    gortex hood that is fine for temps above 15 degrees F and speeds under 
    25 mph.  Just pop the helmet on top of it.  
    
    That wind chill really cuts through clothing.  For colder conditions, any 
    ideas on how to protect the face, knees, feet ?

    A neoprene mask will keep your face warm.  Nashbar has toghts that have
    a neoprene front that will keep your knees warm.  I also saw a set of
    neoprene booties that fit over your shoes to keep your toes warm. 
    Barrin that, a set of goretex pants with a pile layer under might do
    the trick on the legs.  

    
    >That wind chill really cuts through clothing.  For colder conditions, any 
    >ideas on how to protect the face, knees, feet ?
    
    	I rely on the windshield and firewall of my Supra to do that.
    
    	8^)
    

    -1 coward! :-)

    My face mask (neoprene sp?) covers my ears, nose, throat.  I take the
    fit pads out of my helmet, and wear a wool watch cap.  It covers the
    lower part of forhead, around temples and a little extra on the ears if
    its really cold.  Even though its only wool (not impressively wind
    resistant) I have used this setup in sub-0 temps with no problems.
    
    One thing about neoprene is it doesnt 'breathe' well.  I put on my
    glasses first, then the mask.  That way I cna take the mask up and down
    when I go up hills etc and need more air than easily comes through
    the mask.
    
    FWIW, I use Lobster Mits from Pearl.  I have been told you could also
    find good winter gloves in a motor cycle shop.
    
    --roger
    

    Wearing a balaclava will also help with the head.  Snowmobile shops may
    also have something that might help but I think you want to stay away
    from a lot of bulk, yes? :-).  

    
    I use a balaclava in winter/early spring.  It provides flexibility 
    without being too bulky.  It's easy to store if the weather warms up.
    You can find them made of material from poly to polartec.  It depends
    on your needs.  Try EMS or a ski shop.
    
    Jim

    This morning (10 F) I replaced the Gortex hood with a balaclava and my
    helmet on top.  It works fine.  I tried wool socks and still experienced 
    some cold toes, warmer than cotton socks.  As previously mentioned, it's 
    the wind that gets you.  Maybe some Saran Wrap around the toes will help.  
    
    I tried some mitten covers - no insulation from them, but good wind 
    resistance.  They worked fine over my gloves, no cold fingers.  The knees 
    are the only area lacking enough warmth.  Leg warmers made of polyproplene 
    seem to be a good solution.

    I really love the cycling shirts with hoods. 
    
    Chip

    For cold feet, you might want to try electric soles (Early Winters,
    about $75) with electric socks (EMS, Campmor, Spag's,..., about
    $25) and neoprene booties.  And cold legs don't make for warm feet;
    use a pair of sweatpants and/or polypro under a regular pair of
    tights.  Anyhow, this should take you down to 0 degrees without too
    much problem.  Drawbacks: the batteries ain't cheap and the stuff
    on the legs is like pedalling with a bodycast.
    
    I hate hoods too (I think/hope Chip was being facetious!).  Kratz 

    -1 nope. it's a regular long sleeve cycling shirt with a hood.
    
       i really like it.
    
       Chip