Minus WHAT!!!

[GrasB]

There was a moment when I felt like the bravest and coolest cyclist on earth, until an old fella on a sit up and bed bipped by me with a bored look on his face!

It's my experience that sit up & laid back bikes are incompatible terms

 

[HLaB]

It was only -1.6deg C here this morning and the threatened snow hasn't arrived yet! so I went for a wee spin before work, about 10 miles of a spin

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Threatened snow has arrived in blizzard conditions which is great news because my mother has cancelled her visit and I can consider going out for a play on the bike with winter tyres on it, but only if I put full waterproofs on because the snow is still falling exceptionally heavily and is rather wet!

 

[GrasB]

...but only if I put full waterproofs on because the snow is still falling exceptionally heavily and is rather wet!

You need waterproofs for snow/rain?... You're not cycling in appropriate clothing!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

You need waterproofs for snow/rain?... You're not cycling in appropriate clothing!

Yep - I'm a wimp. I admit it.

Prefer not to get wet & cold, especially as my bad leg does not really like it. Rain I just wear a waterproof top (with appropriate clothing underneath ...

Just back from some fun - you would not believe how many empty shots I have trying to photo myself cycling in the snow! In parts it is now deep enough for me to be leaving pedal marks in the snow and whilst it was my slowest ride in a very long time, it was enourmously good fun!

attempt 1... not great



attempt 2 - better ish


attempt 3 - bugger camera battery has now failed.


out of over a +100 shots on timer. there is now a series of fence posts, walls and seats that have a cleared spot on them!

 

[GrasB]

Only for heavy snow - prefer not to get wet & cold, especially as my bad leg does not really like it. Rain I just wear a waterproof top (with appropriate clothing underneath ...

I've found that wet isn't a problem if you're warm. But being warm doesn't require you to be dry... so you need to think that you're a cup of

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I've found that wet isn't a problem if you're warm. But being warm doesn't require you to be dry... so you need to think that you're a cup of

True - but I tend to vary how I play it depending on what bike I am on and what I am doing at the time.
I generally just wear top waterproofs, but my bad leg still plays up and having no feeling/sensation in it means I have to protect it (tophalf has to stay dry & warm, I'm a moderately severe asthmatic) so today has been the first time I have worn my waterproof trousers since the dog re-designed my leg. Luckily I did actually patch them once we got back to the UK when we anticipated carrying on, so they are around and right now I would rather stay dry & warm and play safe, so I don't get too ill... otherwise I can't go out again and play in the snow!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Great pictures@SatNav!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Great pictures@SatNav!

thanks. it was surprisingly difficult to do. need more practice so will try again tomorrow

 

[Pat "5mph"]

thanks. it was surprisingly difficult to do. need more practice so will try again tomorrow

Looking forward to see them when I get back from work tomorrow

 

[Andrew_Culture]

thanks. it was surprisingly difficult to do. need more practice so will try again tomorrow

You inspired me to try and take a couple of photos myself:

I put bigger versions and a few more photos on my blog http://lawsie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/taking-panoramic-photos-on-samsung.html

 

[r80]

How is everyone keeping their digits warm in this weather? I'm finding I have a nice body temperature everywhere but my hands and feet which are in massive pain. I ride last week I was stuck in seventh due too my hands being so numb. That was with three pairs of gloves on.

 

[HLaB]

How is everyone keeping their digits warm in this weather? I'm finding I have a nice body temperature everywhere but my hands and feet which are in massive pain. I ride last week I was stuck in seventh due too my hands being so numb. That was with three pairs of gloves on.

On the minus 8 day I was wearing a short sleeve shirt as the office is always too warm and my normal black trousers but arm warmers, fleece, buff, soft shell jacket, gilet, cycle cap, helmet, sealsinz socks (closed round the trousers with ankle clips) overtrousers, winter running gloves, track mitts and ski gloves (with built in liner). I think keeping your wrists and ankles warm with tight (but not too tight) helps the fingers and toes.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

How is everyone keeping their digits warm in this weather? I'm finding I have a nice body temperature everywhere but my hands and feet which are in massive pain. I ride last week I was stuck in seventh due too my hands being so numb. That was with three pairs of gloves on.

sounds like you were trying to wear too much on your hands to me. All I have been using in this weather is my waterproof (hence windproof) winter cycling gloves - not even with merino wool glove liners (and I do not have the best circulation in the world). I expect my hands/feet to be cooler/cold for the first 5-10 mins of a ride, same as the rest of my body is. If they are still cold after 15 mins then I have done something wrong (like force my hands into gloves that are too tight, or overtightended my boots and against every instinct need to retie my boots more slackly).

remember that you need to allow 2 things to have warm hands (and feet) and the first goes against your best instincts - and that is air in the gloves (they should not be tight) once it has warmed up your hands/feet should be warm enough. the other is too allow your blood to be able to circulate - too many sets of gloves, too tight gloves (same for socks) will actually restrict the blood flow and make your hands/feet colder.

 

[BlackPanther]

How is everyone keeping their digits warm in this weather? I'm finding I have a nice body temperature everywhere but my hands and feet which are in massive pain. I ride last week I was stuck in seventh due too my hands being so numb. That was with three pairs of gloves on.

Last winter I used the motorcycle lobster claw gloves. This year the fairing means I can get away with the £1.99 thinsulate gloves I got when I spent over £20 on petrol.