1st ride for 7 weeks.......I chose a really cold day :)

[I like Skol]

It has been magically frosty at 7am for the last couple of mornings, beautiful for the ride home from work. Wouldn't miss a ride in those conditions for anything. One more last cycle commute tonight then have to drive for the final work day(night) of the year due to family commitments.
Haven't even opened the curtains yet to see what tonight's ride has in store, has it warmed up today?

 

[Biff600]

My last time out on the road was on the 18th December when I broke my 40 mile duck. However, I exercise every day by doing 30 minutes/12 miles on the TT and the quick nip to town/football on the s/s.

Although I quite enjoy using the TT, I much prefer being out on the road. Just not in this cold !!

 

[greekonabike]

For a number of reasons I got out of the habit......rain/golf/hospital visits etc.
So today I thought..........Dave, if you don't get out it is going to get harder" and guess what.......I actually listened to my own good advice
Just did 11 miles but 'by the 'eck' it was cold. I will try a 15 at the week end........must keep it up so as to enjoy the Spring (if it ever comes).

I decided to buy my bike in November and cycle through winter so I'd be super appreciative when summer rolls round. I've been out on rides yesterday and today. Yesterday wasn't too shabby, a tiny bit of frost on the coastal trails but the roads were ok. I did 30 miles today and the majority of it was over a very slippery layer or frost/ice.

The weather has been ok but the temperature has dropped pretty much instantly at about 3:30pm on both days. I end up going out with thermals, one layer and a jacket and then going home with thermals, two layers, a jacket, a snood, and gloves. They come out of the pannier, I don't just accumulate extra layers as I go. Tis' a bit nippy like.

GOAB

 

[rossw46]

I've had a good cycling year, I've done the most riding I ever have, same for this December, I've been out a fair bit. Went out at lunchtime today, I discovered something that's changed my winter cycling life - heat pads. I was out for 1 h 30 mins, and it was honestly a very enjoyable ride, and I pushed a pretty decent pace too. My toes normally suffer badly, even with double layers of thermal socks, but those heat pads are amazing. The mrs and I just got home from a meal, they're still hot !! I opened the pads up at about 13:00, it's witchcraft / magic I tell you !

 

[Dave7]

I've had a good cycling year, I've done the most riding I ever have, same for this December, I've been out a fair bit. Went out at lunchtime today, I discovered something that's changed my winter cycling life - heat pads. I was out for 1 h 30 mins, and it was honestly a very enjoyable ride, and I pushed a pretty decent pace too. My toes normally suffer badly, even with double layers of thermal socks, but those heat pads are amazing. The mrs and I just got home from a meal, they're still hot !! I opened the pads up at about 13:00, it's witchcraft / magic I tell you !

I use heat pads when playing golf but TBH never thought of them for cycling.
Daft question.......where do you put them ? I'm not sure they will fit in my cycling shoes.

 

[rossw46]

There are excellent ! I had to try something, as I say, my toes eventually end up in pain. I cycle with Shimano shoes, with SPDs, I think they may be more for MTB, they have velcro straps so can accomodate a lot, I put them in between two pairs of socks, bottom centre of my feet. Not too great walking in the shoes like that, but then I didn't have much walking to do.