Cycling through Siberia in winter - article and book

[Glow worm]

There was a nice piece in our local rag yesterday about Helen Lloyd, from Norfolk who has cycled through Siberia in temps down to minus 50.

Article here: http://www.edp24.co.uk/features/mee...ed_through_a_siberian_winter_in_40c_1_4349228

She has also written a book about it due out shortly. I remember Helen came on here once to promote another book about riding to Cape Town. I read that one and enjoyed it enormously.
Thread here

 

[Brains]

I read her Africa book, an excellent adventure

Siberia at any time of year would not be on my cycling bucket list, but I'll read the book when it's made available on the Kindle
,

 

[Sbudge]

I recall being given a choice about when to go and do a job in Siberia, "Summer or Winter - you choose". I joked and said of course the middle of a Siberian Winter but the client just heartily agreed and said it would be much easier and more pleasant! (In Summer the roads would be all swamped-in, mosquitos, heat etc).

 

[robjh]

I want gloves like that!

I'll never complain about commuting in a bit of sleet again.

 

[Glow worm]

I want gloves like that!
View attachment 112930

I'll never complain about commuting in a bit of sleet again.

I did wonder about how to change gear in those, but I guess if it's a choice between sticking to one gear and frostbite, I know which I'd choose!

 

[robjh]

I did wonder about how to change gear in those, but I guess if it's a choice between sticking to one gear and frostbite, I know which I'd choose!

I would guess that they're fur-lined handlebar muffs like you get on motorbikes, and sit over the bars so that you can operate the levers inside, then she'll have some more pretty hefty gloves inside those. I've never found any handlebar muffs for use on cycles, but have long thought they'd be a good thing for those really bitter days.

 

[andrew_s]

"pogies" is the common name
they are usually for flat bar bikes, but there is a drop bar version here
warm version for $235, good to -50

 

[Bodhbh]

That is proper hardcore.

Temperatures regularly plummeted to at least minus 50 (Helen’s thermometer did not go any lower.) “For several days the warmest it got was minus 28 degrees centrigrade,”

 

[robjh]

"pogies" is the common name
they are usually for flat bar bikes, but there is a drop bar version here
warm version for $235, good to -50

thanks for the link

 

[mmmmartin]

I found a link on the interwebs on how to make some pogies and paid three quid for a child's winter coat in a charity shop and made them from that. They're for a cross-Scandinavia winter camping trip next winter. They seem pretty warm. Not used them in anger yet, hoping for some proper cold this winter. but you don't need to pay $235 for them. (Famous last words....)
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=86989.0 is a longer explanation wiv photos and everything.

 

[jonny jeez]

There was a nice piece in our local rag yesterday about Helen Lloyd, from Norfolk who has cycled through Siberia in temps down to minus 50.

Article here: http://www.edp24.co.uk/features/mee...ed_through_a_siberian_winter_in_40c_1_4349228

She has also written a book about it due out shortly. I remember Helen came on here once to promote another book about riding to Cape Town. I read that one and enjoyed it enormously.
Thread here

nice one, thanks for the post...and link!

Looking forward to receiving my signed copy of the book, looks like a good read..

 

[robjh]

I found a link on the interwebs on how to make some pogies and paid three quid for a child's winter coat in a charity shop and made them from that. They're for a cross-Scandinavia winter camping trip next winter. They seem pretty warm. Not used them in anger yet, hoping for some proper cold this winter. but you don't need to pay $235 for them. (Famous last words....)
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=86989.0 is a longer explanation wiv photos and everything.

Impressive work! Had you done much tailoring/sewing/clothes making (or whatever word) before?
(Thinks: Mrs rjh is quite a nifty seamstress.....)
Be interesting to know how they live up to expectations on tour.

(btw won't a winter Scandinavian tour involve rather a lot of night riding? Like days of it?)

 

[jonny jeez]

I found a link on the interwebs on how to make some pogies and paid three quid for a child's winter coat in a charity shop and made them from that. They're for a cross-Scandinavia winter camping trip next winter. They seem pretty warm. Not used them in anger yet, hoping for some proper cold this winter. but you don't need to pay $235 for them. (Famous last words....)
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=86989.0 is a longer explanation wiv photos and everything.

Spoiler: Spoiler

Nice Work!

 

[mmmmartin]

Had you done much tailoring/sewing/clothes making (or whatever word) before?

A bit - done a lot of sewing reflective tape on to jackets, etc, also made some mittens for cold work. Picked it up as I went along. I'm surprised how, in an age where people prize skill and individuality, they merely buy what's on offer and make no attempt to fettle it to their personal needs. For instance, Im currently adding a rear zipped pocket and reflective tape to a cycling gilet cos that's what I want it to have and no one sells one like that.

(btw won't a winter Scandinavian tour involve rather a lot of night riding? Like days of it?)

Yes *shudders*. I'm studying Helen Lloyd's experience of a similar trip in Scandinavia. Have bought a decent tent and suitable bike. Need to buy boots. What can possibly go wrong? *rolls eyes*

 

[oldwheels]

"Cycling Home From Siberia".Got this from our local library. Cannot remember author's name at the moment. Interesting book but certainly not my idea of fun!