Disadvantage of Car Ownership

[BSRU]

Went to my garage this morning to get bike ready and almost blown over by a gust of wind, combined with the cold and the heavy rain I decided to wimp out and use the car. I could have cycled in, would not have been a very pleasant experience and I have done it the past just not today.

If I did not have the car I would have had to cycle in, but need the car for carting around the family and as a large shopping basket. Hopefully when the misses passes her driving test and takes ownership of the car I will have no alternative by get on that bicycle. Come hell or high water I will be back on the bike tomorrow as I feel guilty with my lack of willpower today and do not like missing two days in a row.

 

[zimzum42]

Don't feel bad! I took one look out the window this morning an took the tube. Almost an hour longer, but was just not feeling the bike this morning!

 

[noelmg]

I cycled in this morning and regretted it completely! Horrendous weather, with windchill it was -4C here, 40mph headwind and biting, icy rain. I arrived at work soaked to the skin through my vest top and shorts, with the onsets of hypothermia (shaking, skin was blue). After 2 cups of coffee and a hot sausage roll to help warm up I am still cold and shaking a little.

I still have to ride home yet In hindsight I was stupid to cycle in, especially wearing nothing other than vest and shorts. Doubt they'll be dry in time for going home either!

Think I'll drive tomorrow if its like this!

 

[DrSquirrel]

I drove today, it wasn't that bad out either. 3rd time since Feb(ish)... although I have errands to run this week so will do them all today and cycle the rest.

 

[the reluctant cyclist]

I cycled in.

I wore my waterpoof coat, a cashmere scarf, waterproof trousers and waterproof socks. Just for added benefit I tucked a carrier bag inside my helmet.

When I got to work I was a bit cold and my face was a bit wet but not too bad!

I have to say though - had I cycled in in anything other than the above gear I would have froze solid!!!!

Why did you travel in summer clothes?

 

[BSRU]

Now there is no rain and a light breeze, although lots and lots of wet leaves everywhere.
According to MetCheck it will be worse tomorrow.

 

[fossyant]

Barka barka bark......cluck cluck cluck............. chickens

Flaming cold and wet getting bike out of garage, even walked past our two cars without a flinch. Bit breezy on the road - at one point I was blown within a couple of inches of a curb (botty clenching moment) but TBH, was fine.

Managed to go through a few deep puddles just before getting into work to clear the black sludge off the wheels so it didin't drip all over the carpet....

Even caught up another guy with a magicshine rear light - stood out like a sore thumb from miles away. He also had a Hope 1 like me...snap !!! Although I've been greedy and have two of each.

Noelmg - pick the correct kit for the conditions...... shorts and vest top ?????? - Crikey ?

Me, normal kit, with added waterproof top and trousers and overshoes - warm and dry all the way to work - easy.

 

[ianrauk]

I cycled in this morning and regretted it completely! Horrendous weather, with windchill it was -4C here, 40mph headwind and biting, icy rain. I arrived at work soaked to the skin through my vest top and shorts, with the onsets of hypothermia (shaking, skin was blue). After 2 cups of coffee and a hot sausage roll to help warm up I am still cold and shaking a little.

I still have to ride home yet In hindsight I was stupid to cycle in, especially wearing nothing other than vest and shorts. Doubt they'll be dry in time for going home either!

Think I'll drive tomorrow if its like this!

Well that was completely mad if you don't mind me saying so.

 

[ianrauk]

Horrible in SE London. Vert cold, very wet, very windy.
But wore clothing for the conditions (Sealskinz Socks are worth every penny) and it wasn't too bad out there on the road. Wore a baseball cap to help keep the rain off the cycling glasses.. which seemed to work quite well

 

[Ste T.]

It's only seven miles each way and we have showers and a drying room here so as bad as it was this morning, I loved the challenge and the look of disbelief from my collegues as I walked in dripping with a big grin on my stupid face. It also helps that I am starting my day buzzing when most of them have that pasty, centrally heated house into centrally heated car into centrally heated work look.
Moaning that winter is here, when the nearest they have come to the weather is the few steps to the car.
Most BSOs disappear off the streets and when you are at the lights and another cyclist pulls up alongside you, that unspoken sense of mutual respect passes between you. Something shared with a stranger. That is until the lights change and the ba$tard burns you off.
I'm even looking forward to tonight in the hope that it stays foul. A fast run home through the dark, into a hot shower then downstairs tingling ( ooer missus )to sit infront of a roaring fire with your tea on you lap. Loverly!
Go on. You know you wanna do it!

 

[magnatom]

It was certainly cold with a cold wind, but not too bad up my way. It was dry and thewind was mostly behind me, so I quite enjoyed the cycle in.

It was definitely a bib longs, and three upper layers type of day!

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

I didn't bother with my boil-in-the-bag top (though Aldi's waterproof trousers performed excellently) but wished I had - just had a paper-thin packaway jacket and though it stopped me getting DRENCHED, moisture soon permeated and it didn't stop me feeling the icy cold of every drop that hit, especially downhill

 

[potsy]

Just been out in the car to get a flat tyre fixed and it's not as bad as I was expecting tbh,certainly not thinking about driving to work later.
Right clothes for the job and all that...shorts and vest??? Madness!!

 

[redjedi]

Well that was completely mad if you don't mind me saying so.

Agreed. You've got to dress for the conditions.

I enjoy commuting in the rain just as much than when it's dry and sunny. I love stopping at lights and watching people huddle under bus stops or struggle with umbrella while I have water dripping from my helmet.

Longs, L/S base, S/S jersey, Montane featherlite and autumn gloves today. Although if it's the same tomorrow I'll be putting the winter gloves (not waterproof but warmer) and seal skin socks on.

 

[noelmg]

Yeah I think the weather is getting a little nippy for summer attire now My theory is that I can keep cool when I'm riding and the wind dries my skin quicker than it would dry long trousers, but that does have its down side

I freely admit I was absolutely stupid to bike in wearing shorts and vest today, but I certainly won't be doing that again.

Starting to warm up a bit now after a few hot drinks, think I might have to invest in some waterproof trousers and coat for the winter months though.

The plus side is I'll have a helpful 40mph tailwind on my way home tonight, thats if my wife doesn't come down and pick me up this afternoon