ride outside today?

[thwart]

Thought this was funny and pretty cool… off-road pro Haley Smith’s guide to outdoor riding in the off-season.

Of note (the article is in Velo) is that she currently lives in Quebec province, but apparently has some toe numbness (maybe frostbite?) from when she lived and trained on Vancouver Island. She learned that really cold and raining is definitely worse than even colder and snowing.

[thwart]

Whoops, not enough coffee yet.

Wrong forum… maybe one of the mods can move this.

[biker72]

My parameters for riding are any temperature above 40 degrees F and a dry road.

I've got a nice indoor stationary bike to use when it's too cold or wet.

[54ny77]

that's awesome.

[NHAero]

That is both hilarious and true! Thanks very much for posting.

Below -15C (5F) I'm staying inside.
10-25F, I am riding the old Litespeed 26ers with flat pedals and Sorels, and probably not much more than the 11 mile loop around the state forest. Balaclava, maybe ski goggles, lobster mitts.
Above 25F is when I'm considering a drop bar bike ride, if it's not icy. The Habanero wears fenders year round, and in winter has track pedals with toeclips and no straps.
Above freezing, clip in pedals with booties and Castelli Estremo gloves.

I sometimes go out reluctantly, but I never come home without being glad I got my lazy butt out there!

[Jad]

My reaction to the thread title was like, "Yes, when?" Central NH happens to be hospitable right now.

As long as the roads are free of ice and there's no rain/strong wind, I'll ride into the pretty cold (20s ish). Otherwise, my decision chart in the fall/winter arrives more quickly at the 1000% "no." Once snow, freezing rain, or ice settle in, that's when running takes over for me. I'll run through anything!

Early spring is different though; I play cyclist training for the Classics. Every March, I even start looking at how to put fenders on.

[tellyho]

My decision matrix: "Do I need to go to work". If yes, riding outside.

[NHAero]

Originally Posted by tellyho

My decision matrix: "Do I need to go to work". If yes, riding outside.

Do you have a wheelset with studs? Once it gets icy I put the studded wheelset on the Litespeed so I have a grab and go bike for those conditions.

[tellyho]

Originally Posted by NHAero

Do you have a wheelset with studs? Once it gets icy I put the studded wheelset on the Litespeed so I have a grab and go bike for those conditions.

I solve that problem with multiple bikes instead of multiple wheels - one gets the studs.

[fourflys]

so living in Sonoma County, I'm sure I'm a relative wimp when it comes to riding in the cold/wet.. the problem is we are planning on moving to the Salem Oregon area in 18 months, so I think I'm going to have to change my way of thinking..

[NHAero]

Originally Posted by tellyho

I solve that problem with multiple bikes instead of multiple wheels - one gets the studs.

Exactly- for me, the Litespeed gets the wheelset with the always-mounted studded tire. But I actually have three wheelsets for that bike, because 26er wheelsets became so cheap. So one has the three season Conti Race Kings, and the other two have variations on studded tires, one with the mega Freddy's Revenge Nokians, the other with a much less aggressive set of Nokians.