Bite me, Mid-Atlantic Winter.

[notrelatedtoted]

We get really cold weather but no snow. As a friend of mine put it, winter here is "all of the suck, and none of the fun."

Yes, you can ride nearly year round. But days like today, I just have a really hard time having fun. I can deal with the cold, but I really, really hate riding in the wind.

Blah.

[markie]

Suckitupcrybaby. Think yourself lucky. It was 3F here in IL this morning, it is 12F now. Too cold to ride for fun for me.

[Dirt]

This is the best riding season of the year. I don't know what you're talking about.

[brian_brox]

boo hoo

local mtb trails are open. snowshoe is open for skiing. if you make a weekend out if it, you could ride in 45 degrees in NC.

at least you're not on the web, sitting in your apartment, looking at your bike while your ankle recovers from getting scoped. :bangshead:

[DaveG]

This is the best riding season of the year. I don't know what you're talking about.

OK, that's it. You're certifiably crazy. IMO, this is BY FAR, the worst time of the year to ride. Unless you're talking about riding in another hemisphere.

[macdaid]

Its F'n COLD !!!

Max and I walked over to watch some of the Cap Classic at Lake Fairfax today, and we froze our butts. Wasn't that cold really but the wind found every crevice in my jacket...

Still, it was a gorgeous day to be outside...

[allencb]

I put in 20 miles today. If not for the wind, it might have been a decent ride. I was comfortable except for my toes and I could've avoided that with shoe covers (thought I might not need them yet).

Chris

[DownHillDan]

This is the best riding season of the year. I don't know what you're talking about.

I agree. I love the cold and the trails are less crowded. I wish it was colder:)

[Dirt]

I only did 9 miles today. Felt good though. Keeping warm was no problem. I was running instead of riding. Much easier to stay warm while running.

[kmax]

Wasn't bad on the trails in the woods. The crappy part was filling up the gas tank on the way home the gas tank door kept blowing closed, my wheel was getting blown around the back of the truck and my slightly sweaty self was frozen in the 30 seconds it took the pump to accept my credit card. Brrr...

Otherwise, I think I'm in love with frozen single track!

[pirate]

I put in 20 miles today. If not for the wind, it might have been a decent ride. I was comfortable except for my toes and I could've avoided that with shoe covers (thought I might not need them yet).

Chris

I tried out my new Pearl Izumi Amfib shoe covers today... They were worth every penny! I also couldn't live without my neoprene mask.

[tuba_transport]

Gambrill was awesome today. (http://picasaweb.google.com/sousaphoneoperator/GambrillYellow07DEC2008#)

Below freezing and windy and perfect.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WeSMev1Jr_g/STxS4tFbvzI/AAAAAAAAD3k/jvlSnqFD5gg/s640/IMG_0825.JPG

[PunkRock]

It's not too bad, all things considered. Getting started can be the hardest part. After that, you're moving enough to keep warm and soon forget about the weather.

[Jackson]

It was 3F here in IL this morning, it is 12F now. Too cold to ride for fun for me.

At least your trails are probably frozen. Sometimes people see the temp dip below 32 here and assume the trails are frozen and protected when in fact they may not be.

Cold is great once you're into the ride - it really can be brutal getting ready in the parking lot.

[werace424]

I like frozen trail. I just wish it would stay below freezing for longer stretches.

I am with Dan on the less crowded trails. Winter usually lets me sleep in an extra hour or more over the summer.

I also wish it would snow more around here. Not a lot, just about 3-4 inches at a time and then hang around for at least a week or so....

[jon_baler]

i've enjoyed our recent snow.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3091515562_d38f96b534_m.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/3090679087_7078f76cd8_m.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/3053733861_5502be2d15_m.jpg

And since Patapsco is only ridable this time of year when it's freezing, I don't mind the cold, either.

[dphelps]

This is the best riding season of the year. I don't know what you're talking about.

Not a problem here. I spent an hour on the rollers this morning with nary a problem, cept' the sweat driping on me top tube.:hammertime: Spring is only three months away!:)

[mkurle]

Let's see......better views with the leaves down, trails are more open, the mud is frozen, most trails are totally empty so you can haul ass.....yeah, IMHO it IS the best time of year to ride. There were 34 of us that felt the same way at Catherine's Furnace last month. Just gotta dress right, which usually means you're cold for the first five minutes of the ride. If it is sunny, I will ride. As far as the wind, I stay away from the high ground on windy days. Just head to the local stream valleys (Difficult Run, Pohick...) and it is usually a non-factor. BUT be careful on the stream crossings and bring some chemical hand and foot warmers in case you goof and get wet. Happened to me once and that was painful. :bangshead: You also burn a LOT more calories exercising outside when its cold, which is a huge bonus 'cause I love to eat.:thumbsup:

[Dr Phil mmkay]

I tried to sneak away from studying for finals to see if I could hamfist my way around WF today. Despite there being almost no wind and it being around 35 degrees, I didn't spend as much time out there as I had planned. Would've loved to blame winter but I think it was because I'm a weakling. A frail, decrepit weakling.
:(

[atlantis]

Yah the biting cold wind the last 2 days has been "The Suck". Downtown DC yesterday was like a giant set of wind tunnels. ugh.

Today with the sun out in the mid day it was nice to ride, but once the clouds came in and the sun vanished it felt like it dropped 5 degrees easily.

The views are great though, I always forget the hidden creeks/etc that I don't see very much of in places like Cabin John during the warm/green months. Stark yet impressive. Wish I'd had a camera a couple times while out today.

[DaveG]

Just gotta dress right, which usually means you're cold for the first five minutes of the ride.

I guess that's my issue; no matter how much/little/what I wear, my hands and feet always get cold to the point of acute discomfort after a couple of hours.

[riderx]

I guess that's my issue; no matter how much/little/what I wear, my hands and feet always get cold to the point of acute discomfort after a couple of hours.
Dave - Have you tried the charcoal hand and toe warmers (http://www.littlehottieswarmers.com/?Click=2974&gclid=CNHcg8OxspcCFQpxHgodN0kMjA) in addition to your usual layering? They might be the extra boost you need.

[tuba_transport]

I guess that's my issue; no matter how much/little/what I wear, my hands and feet always get cold to the point of acute discomfort after a couple of hours.

I wear ski gloves and heavy liners added inside. Wool socks and sock liners in the boots.

For me, I have to be careful not to wear gloves or boots too tight. The constriction and lack of insulating loft cause me to start to get cold.

Have you tried a size larger boot or looser fitting gloves?

[DaveG]

Dave - Have you tried the charcoal hand and toe warmers (http://www.littlehottieswarmers.com/?Click=2974&gclid=CNHcg8OxspcCFQpxHgodN0kMjA) in addition to your usual layering? They might be the extra boost you need.

Yup. I got extra large Lakes (12.5) and I throw in a set of the toe warmers. My biggest problem is that I sweat SO much that everything (including my socks) are soaked through, and once stuff gets wet you can kiss it goodbye. As an experiment the other day I weighed myself before a 45 minute trainer ride in the basement and after. I lost three (!) pounds of sweat in 45 minutes. No one my size is supposed to sweat this much; it's unnatural.

I'm good for about two hours w/ the toe and hand warmers and lakes etc, which is a LOT better than it used to be. I need to look into some hi tech wicking fabrics, but my wool socks should be pretty good for this.

[DaveG]

I wear ski gloves and heavy liners added inside. Wool socks and sock liners in the boots.

For me, I have to be careful not to wear gloves or boots too tight. The constriction and lack of insulating loft cause me to start to get cold.

Have you tried a size larger boot or looser fitting gloves?

I haven't tried Ski gloves; I think that will be my next purchase. Thanks! As I was saying to Joe though, my biggest problem is that everything gets soaked through w/ sweat within 30-40 minutes, and then it goes downhill from there. I sweat like nobodies business.

[tuba_transport]

Yup. I got extra large Lakes (12.5) and I throw in a set of the toe warmers. My biggest problem is that I sweat SO much that everything (including my socks) are soaked through, and once stuff gets wet you can kiss it goodbye.

I have NEVER met anyone who could outsweat me. We'll have to have a contest somehow.

In the winter the key for me to control sweat has always been head temperature. I have about 6 or 7 different head coverings depending on weather, ride intensity, length of ride, other clothing layers, etc.

When I get my head covered or uncovered properly, the rest of the body usually follows. My latest purchase was been great. A very thin Smartwool Balaclava which is perfect for right below freezing.

In fact on rides I usually carry different glove liners and head cover in order to change up as needed during the ride in order to keep temps regulated. Too hot and I get drenched in no time. Too cold and I have to work hard to keep the temps up.

In general I prefer to be slightly cold. It helps me save water and I don't get really cold on stops from all the built up sweat starting to chill.

Final word: Buy Windstopper when possible

[DaveG]

I have NEVER met anyone who could outsweat me. We'll have to have a contest somehow.

In the winter the key for me to control sweat has always been head temperature. I have about 6 or 7 different head coverings depending on weather, ride intensity, length of ride, other clothing layers, etc.

When I get my head covered or uncovered properly, the rest of the body usually follows. My latest purchase was been great. A very thin Smartwool Balaclava which is perfect for right below freezing.

In fact on rides I usually carry different glove liners and head cover in order to change up as needed during the ride in order to keep temps regulated. Too hot and I get drenched in no time. Too cold and I have to work hard to keep the temps up.

In general I prefer to be slightly cold. It helps me save water and I don't get really cold on stops from all the built up sweat starting to chill.

Final word: Buy Windstopper when possible

A contest. A very disgusting contest. I'm in ;) Thanks for the detailed advice. Man, you certainly are dedicated w/ the gear. Sounds like it's working for you though.

[DKEG]

One secret Dan Hudson told me a few years ago (which may or may not work for you Dave) is to change your socks before you ride. Let those puppies dry before you put on your riding socks. Driving up to the ride with the heat on causes your feet to sweat. Having sweaty feet is no way to a ride. :thumbsup:

[notrelatedtoted]

A contest. A very disgusting contest. I'm in ;)

A sweat-off! Be sure to post pics!

[notrelatedtoted]

I have NEVER met anyone who could outsweat me. We'll have to have a contest somehow.

In the winter the key for me to control sweat has always been head temperature. I have about 6 or 7 different head coverings depending on weather, ride intensity, length of ride, other clothing layers, etc.

When I get my head covered or uncovered properly, the rest of the body usually follows. My latest purchase was been great. A very thin Smartwool Balaclava which is perfect for right below freezing.

In fact on rides I usually carry different glove liners and head cover in order to change up as needed during the ride in order to keep temps regulated. Too hot and I get drenched in no time. Too cold and I have to work hard to keep the temps up.

In general I prefer to be slightly cold. It helps me save water and I don't get really cold on stops from all the built up sweat starting to chill.

Final word: Buy Windstopper when possible

It takes me about 45 minutes to put all the crap on.

I'm thinking of inventing a skin suit with lots and lots of zippers. It will be fashionable AND functional.

\\Obligatory red skinsuit guy attached.

[bunky]

Sunday was a lot of fun in the Shed--right up until I snapped my chain.:bangshead:

[Dirt]

I have NEVER met anyone who could outsweat me. We'll have to have a contest somehow.
Sean wins. Just give him the trophy now. I built a Tuba Transport drafting simulator for my fixie (later removed because it was deemed a threat to homeland security). Basically it involved gluing a squirt gun behind the seatpost and attaching the brake cable for the rear brake to the trigger. It worked flawlessly.

[DKEG]

Sweaty People tend to smell

[tuba_transport]

A contest. A very disgusting contest. I'm in ;) Thanks for the detailed advice. Man, you certainly are dedicated w/ the gear. Sounds like it's working for you though.

Dedicated gear? Maybe. More like trial and error. Of the 6 or 7 head coverings I have, I frequently use about 3 or 4. Most were pretty cheap caught on sale.

[punga]

One secret Dan Hudson told me a few years ago (which may or may not work for you Dave) is to change your socks before you ride. Let those puppies dry before you put on your riding socks. Driving up to the ride with the heat on causes your feet to sweat. Having sweaty feet is no way to a ride. :thumbsup:

Adding to that: If sweat is a problem, throw an extra pair or 2 of socks in your camel back and change them mid ride or whenever your toes feel cold. I thought I would need to wear extra layers of socks in my Lake boots, but I've found that one pair of smart wool is good down to the high 20s. 2 layers if I expect to get wet or even colder.

p!

[Dirt]

I found some great socks for really cold days. They're a little bulky, but if you got your winter shoes big, they'll be perfect.

Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=129855&cat=4&brand=1138).

They're quite inexpensive too.

Pete

[punga]

I found some great socks for really cold days. They're a little bulky, but if you got your winter shoes big, they'll be perfect.

Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks (http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp?part=129855&cat=4&brand=1138).

They're quite inexpensive too.

Pete
REI sells a similar sock for about the same or less. Between my wife and I, we have about 10 pair. Works very well.

p!