I think summer might be over. Besides getting brain freeze, I went over a pothole and my bars rotated on me. It wasn't enough to cause a crash, but I found myself struggling to get into the drops so I could cover the brakes as I hurtled downhill. At 17 Ave. I was able to reef on them enough to get them into an approximately normal position, but they were shifting again by the time I got to work. I'll be cranking those down tight before I head home. It might be worth it to put on my old OS bar/stem...
I came through fish creek and over the river this morning just as the sun was peeking up over the ridge. very pretty. Brisk is the word of the day for me. Went to Value Village on saturday and spent $30 on a great jacket that is breathable, water/wind proof and some riding pants of the same quality. Probably about $450 retail for the both of them. I noticed all the winter gear came out this week at the store (in Midnapore). I was there just a few weeks past and there was nothing. Now there is a ton. There was plenty of solid snow board jackets that would do the trick from $15-25 each and just as many pants for boarding or riding or whatever. I will have to go back on next payday to stock up on some wicking layers as most of my stuff is cotton. Thats bad.
Managed to get some video footage of the ride in for my "1 Year of riding" montage I am going to put together next year same time. I have August and Sept footage, now only 10 more to go. Sure did notice a big difference in just the 4 weeks since my last footage. Sunny and warm and green to dim, cool and yellow. I wonder if 4 more weeks will bring the white stuff?
Loved the ride this morning, yes, it was cool and a weird north wind but still nice and an awesome sunrise again. It felt warmer outside that it did in my house so getting out was a pleasure.
Somebody parked about 8 horses just north of 37th street and Anderson in the SW. Got to remember to keep an eye out for them (and their presents) in case they are sitting on the trail at 6am this week.
Saw deer in fish creek park for the second time in a row.
You bet! Fish creek seems to be full of deer these days. I saw three while walking yesterday just east of the LRT station and two of them had an alright set of horns.
Had some appointments and had to bring in fresh clothes to the office so today was a car day. Based upon how it feels out there and what the forecast is, I think this was the day this week to do that.
Stopped by MEC this weekend to pick up some warm stuff (for cycling and for skiing). It is all in now if folks are looking. The only thing they are completely out of is cycling shorts (unless you can fit into "S"mall in which case there are 2 pair).
When I stepped out of my back door this morning, I thought for a second that I wouldn't have to wear my jacket. It was very nice compared to yesterday. Then as I headed downhill, the Briskness set in. I actually got a wee bit of a chill until I had to pedal uphill. Oh, and I have to fix my bike light. Random strobing at 900 lumen is annoying for everyone...
OK, I put on all the new fangled gear I got from MEC. The tights are great EXCEPT, they are too loose around the ankles => cold flow although not too bad. The full fingered gloves were just right, a bit cool sometimes, a bit warm others. The little wicking thin hat I bought to cover my ears doesn't work well with my glasses, the glasses create a vent for air to whip in - otherwise good though, ears were fine. The arm warmers and light jersey under a jacket worked great.
However, I did get rather chilled heading West along the river. There was a bit of a wind and it was very chilly. Then when I turned North to head up by Foothills I did manage to warm up.
We'll see how the ride home goes but there is supposed to be a SW wind which will make me cranky.
With the skies being completely overcast, this was easily the darkest ride I've done in a while. Not the coldest, though. I was able to fix my light last night - it turned out that it was the Molex connector that was the issue, not the DC plug. I am generally displeased with Molex connectors, and will be switching to Weatherpack or Dean's Ultra where appropriate.
Wimped out today, feel bad, rode in cage. BUT, got to hit snooze a few times. Hopefully better willpower to get up in the middle of the night tomorrow morning.
Minus! Legwarmers, mittens, winter bike shoes, jacket and shorts. 'Twas still a fast ride in, with limited traffic through downtown. I'm going to have to prep the winter bikes soon...
I don't care how cold it is. I had to haul heavy stuff to work for the past 3 days at my new job, so I had to drive (Xtracycle would cost more than my car is worth). But, today I was able to ride. I don't care that my new commute is car heavy, up-hill, and cold. It was the best one so far this year.
today is the day after the day after a big workout at the gym, ow, ow, ow, everything hurts, getting out of bed is painful, getting dressed is slow going, getting on the bike is brutal!! Oh I wish I'd worn longer pants, my legs are cold....oh look, those car windows are covered in frost, some scraping needed there, and I see cars sitting still and I'm passing them...starting to warm up and limber up....aaahhh, glad I'm riding my bike. I feel good, nana na na na na........
Got all my gear on today after wimping out yesterday. The really cool thing (pun fully intended) this morning was as I was riding by Glenmore Reservoir, it was covered in a thick mist about 20 feet tall or so. All the sailors have their boats moored there still. So you have perfectly calm water and the mist pooling around the boats, sometimes you could barely see a boat and then as the mist swirled away it would become visible and then hide a bit. Then the sole Dragon boat appeared.
Very cool, don't think I've ever seen quite a sight before, I wanted to stop and get out a large format camera and tripod and take some shots before it all disapated.
Second cool thing. The cars where they had to scrape all the windows off to see - HA HA, I didn't have to.
I'm riding in from the South, being old and fat I get passed a few times, folks are all bundled up, I see folks coming towards me all bundled up, scarves, balaclavas etc.
Then, I get on the bow river pathway heading West against most of the bicycle traffic.
First off I see "Pedal Pushers" (you young farts may call them knickers), anyway, they come down to mid calf and I think, well, OK, a bit cool but that's OK. Then, Bike Shorts - Huh, that looks way too cool. Then, running shorts riding a bike, I have no issue with that other than they are flapping in the breeze which I'm sure is causeing a full frontal wind attack in areas which are not meant to be frozen - saw one guy and one girl wearing this apparel.
But hey, to each their own, if they are OK cycling in that, all the more power to them.
Julie, I have no idea, I was busy trying to keep warm and just looking up from time to time. When I head west in the morning there is a steady stream of cyclists heading East.
But seeing as you apparently rode in with short shorts, how was it? :).
Oh you are definitly against the current going west in the morning, I know I have to wait to cut in to the bike traffic when I am starting out to go east. Then of course you will be against it again on the home stretch.
As for the shorts, I was wishing I had longer pants when I started out but after a bit didn't even notice. Now that could be due to warming up or just plain numb!
Put on different gear this morning. Removed arm warmers and added a fleece. Put thicker socks in shoes (they are a bit large so thicker socks not a problem). The only problem I had was my feet. At the end of my hour commute I couldn't feel anything forward from the balls of my feet.
I think it is the SPD connector on the inside that is sapping away heat. While the insole is between my feet and the metal plate I suspect it just isn't enough. I fear that even when I put on booties they won't do the job. Any suggestions (other than purchase winter cycling shoes which I just may do).
I have cold feet and hands [ask my wife!], and have a lot of experience with different footwear for walking around, cycling, etc. My #1 cause for cold feet is a lack of insulation around the upper. Duct tape over any mesh on the shoes helps, but proper insulation works wonders. Also, steel is a crappy conductor of heat compared to aluminum or copper, and the foam of the insole does a good job of separating you from the cleat mount.
try layering a couple layers of tinfoil under your insole. i have had some success with this in the past, specifically with bike shoes that have cleats. also, if you dont care about how it looks, Aafew layers of ducttape on the outside toe area can really cut down on wind getting into the shoe.
when i see an adult on a bicycle, i do not despair for the future of the human race.
- h.g. wells
I agree, I use winter walking boots after -15. You can buy insulated foot beds that help for bike shoes. If you buy winter bike shoes get a couple of sizes to big so they can accomodate wool socks or bring wool socks with you. I always wondered if cross country boot makers could make winter bike boots of the same materials? My XC boots are toasty even in -25?
My winter bike shoes with good ol' steel SPD cleats keep me going to at least -25C. I can get past -35C with the addition of a wind-blocking cover of some kind. As a comparison, if I stand around barefoot at anything less than +15C ambient, my toes go cold and white[!] in about 15 minutes. As a further comparison, my wife rides in her regular summer SPD shoes down to -25C with no covers or additional protection other than some mid-weight wool socks...
Seriously, she is way tougher than I am. I have spent so much money on ways to keep my toes from falling off, but she just stays warm all the time. It's not fair!
I used to use my spds on cold days, but I found after about 30 minutes at -15C they were getting very cold and after 45 minutes I could no longer feel anything. My feet were blocks of ice. Probably not the best situation for the long term health of my feet.
was at the hockey game so had a late night, hard to roll out this morning, funny how I feel so much more envigorated and energized after the morning ride in fresh air.....not a bad morning at all.
Well, this morning (warmer than yesterday), I put on the heavy wool socks, my shoes (with SPD) and a pair of MEC booties (neoprene). Felt really nice and warm as I started out. But, after about 1/2 an hour I could feel a cold spot under the ball of my foot, right where the cleat plate is. By the time I got into the office after a total of just over an hour, my feet were indeed cold. But, this time I could at least feel all my toes so that's better than yesterday.
I think I may be looking for winter boots this weekend. Failing that, some additional insulation over the cleat BUT, I have very little room otherwise it'll just be a big lump.
I suspect that the heavy wool socks jammed into your biking shoes are cutting your circulation around your toes, which means they will get colder faster. Just a little bit of lost circulation can mean really cold feet. It also helps to have little space in front of your toes where warm air can collect.
I would try just wearing your booties with a thinner sock and see how it works.
Another trick I use when its really cold (-20ish) is to leave my shoes on the vent over night and I put them on just as I head out the door. That little extra bit of heat gets the blood flowing at the beginning of the ride and buys me another 10 minutes or so before my toes start going numb.
My shoes are are a size 43, I normally take a 42. I bought them larger for the room and when I have the heavy socks on I can wiggle my toes still and move them about a bit.
My plan now is:
1) See if I can find some waterproof winter riding cycling boots with a decent tread so when I have to walk on ice (or in the building) I can. This means the MEC ones won't work from what I've heard.
2) Failing that, experiment with a different footbed or make some kind of footbed out of ensolite that offers much more insulation. I still think the solid metal cleat holder on the inside is sapping away heat from the bottom of my foot (based upon then fact that is where I first feel it getting cool). With an additional footbed I'd likely be wearing lighter socks as well.
On the ride home Friday afternoon, I came past Shouldice park just as the crowd from a highschool football game was leaving. Navigating through a gridlock of dozens of vehicles piloted by testosterone pumped teenagers made for a bit of anxiety! Thank goodness the season is relatively short.
C-c-c-c-c-cold!
Submitted by pinkrobe on
I think summer might be over. Besides getting brain freeze, I went over a pothole and my bars rotated on me. It wasn't enough to cause a crash, but I found myself struggling to get into the drops so I could cover the brakes as I hurtled downhill. At 17 Ave. I was able to reef on them enough to get them into an approximately normal position, but they were shifting again by the time I got to work. I'll be cranking those down tight before I head home. It might be worth it to put on my old OS bar/stem...
Arrr, ye be right on that ccccccold bit
Submitted by Scott on
I came through fish creek and over the river this morning just as the sun was peeking up over the ridge. very pretty. Brisk is the word of the day for me. Went to Value Village on saturday and spent $30 on a great jacket that is breathable, water/wind proof and some riding pants of the same quality. Probably about $450 retail for the both of them. I noticed all the winter gear came out this week at the store (in Midnapore). I was there just a few weeks past and there was nothing. Now there is a ton. There was plenty of solid snow board jackets that would do the trick from $15-25 each and just as many pants for boarding or riding or whatever. I will have to go back on next payday to stock up on some wicking layers as most of my stuff is cotton. Thats bad.
Managed to get some video footage of the ride in for my "1 Year of riding" montage I am going to put together next year same time. I have August and Sept footage, now only 10 more to go. Sure did notice a big difference in just the 4 weeks since my last footage. Sunny and warm and green to dim, cool and yellow. I wonder if 4 more weeks will bring the white stuff?
http://scottewing.wordpress.com/ My Bohemia Blog
Loved the ride this morning,
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
Loved the ride this morning, yes, it was cool and a weird north wind but still nice and an awesome sunrise again. It felt warmer outside that it did in my house so getting out was a pleasure.
broke down and wore gloves...
Submitted by seanyyc on
Just can't give up my old thinsulate-assisted rag wool gloves. Makes for a wonderful, brisk morning ride.
Horses
Submitted by Halcyon on
Somebody parked about 8 horses just north of 37th street and Anderson in the SW. Got to remember to keep an eye out for them (and their presents) in case they are sitting on the trail at 6am this week.
Saw deer in fish creek park for the second time in a row.
I'm jealous, you had a nice
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
I'm jealous, you had a nice morning for sure!
You bet! Fish creek seems
Submitted by Halcyon on
You bet! Fish creek seems to be full of deer these days. I saw three while walking yesterday just east of the LRT station and two of them had an alright set of horns.
Many guys still in shorts!
Submitted by majchers on
Many guys still in shorts! Geeeee...rrrrr...
that's me
Submitted by seanyyc on
Some of us generate a lot of heat :D
I'm just so damn hawt!
Submitted by pinkrobe on
I'm just so damn hawt! Sssst!
hhhmmm
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
depends what you consider shorts...I've seen what you guys call shorts, the inseam on mine is 4 inches....yours?
hahha, hope you can take some teasing!
Fortunately? today was car day.
Submitted by BCDon on
Had some appointments and had to bring in fresh clothes to the office so today was a car day. Based upon how it feels out there and what the forecast is, I think this was the day this week to do that.
Stopped by MEC this weekend to pick up some warm stuff (for cycling and for skiing). It is all in now if folks are looking. The only thing they are completely out of is cycling shorts (unless you can fit into "S"mall in which case there are 2 pair).
Hot air rises
Submitted by pinkrobe on
When I stepped out of my back door this morning, I thought for a second that I wouldn't have to wear my jacket. It was very nice compared to yesterday. Then as I headed downhill, the Briskness set in. I actually got a wee bit of a chill until I had to pedal uphill. Oh, and I have to fix my bike light. Random strobing at 900 lumen is annoying for everyone...
Tuesday - Wind Cold.
Submitted by BCDon on
OK, I put on all the new fangled gear I got from MEC. The tights are great EXCEPT, they are too loose around the ankles => cold flow although not too bad. The full fingered gloves were just right, a bit cool sometimes, a bit warm others. The little wicking thin hat I bought to cover my ears doesn't work well with my glasses, the glasses create a vent for air to whip in - otherwise good though, ears were fine. The arm warmers and light jersey under a jacket worked great.
However, I did get rather chilled heading West along the river. There was a bit of a wind and it was very chilly. Then when I turned North to head up by Foothills I did manage to warm up.
We'll see how the ride home goes but there is supposed to be a SW wind which will make me cranky.
not too bad
Submitted by pinkrobe on
With the skies being completely overcast, this was easily the darkest ride I've done in a while. Not the coldest, though. I was able to fix my light last night - it turned out that it was the Molex connector that was the issue, not the DC plug. I am generally displeased with Molex connectors, and will be switching to Weatherpack or Dean's Ultra where appropriate.
Wimped out.
Submitted by BCDon on
Wimped out today, feel bad, rode in cage. BUT, got to hit snooze a few times. Hopefully better willpower to get up in the middle of the night tomorrow morning.
Oh baby it's cold outside...
Submitted by pinkrobe on
Minus! Legwarmers, mittens, winter bike shoes, jacket and shorts. 'Twas still a fast ride in, with limited traffic through downtown. I'm going to have to prep the winter bikes soon...
Started to ride to the new job!
Submitted by sheik yerbouti on
I don't care how cold it is. I had to haul heavy stuff to work for the past 3 days at my new job, so I had to drive (Xtracycle would cost more than my car is worth). But, today I was able to ride. I don't care that my new commute is car heavy, up-hill, and cold. It was the best one so far this year.
hurtin'
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
today is the day after the day after a big workout at the gym, ow, ow, ow, everything hurts, getting out of bed is painful, getting dressed is slow going, getting on the bike is brutal!! Oh I wish I'd worn longer pants, my legs are cold....oh look, those car windows are covered in frost, some scraping needed there, and I see cars sitting still and I'm passing them...starting to warm up and limber up....aaahhh, glad I'm riding my bike. I feel good, nana na na na na........
October 1st the GREAT.
Submitted by BCDon on
Got all my gear on today after wimping out yesterday. The really cool thing (pun fully intended) this morning was as I was riding by Glenmore Reservoir, it was covered in a thick mist about 20 feet tall or so. All the sailors have their boats moored there still. So you have perfectly calm water and the mist pooling around the boats, sometimes you could barely see a boat and then as the mist swirled away it would become visible and then hide a bit. Then the sole Dragon boat appeared.
Very cool, don't think I've ever seen quite a sight before, I wanted to stop and get out a large format camera and tripod and take some shots before it all disapated.
Second cool thing. The cars where they had to scrape all the windows off to see - HA HA, I didn't have to.
October 1st the "Huh"
Submitted by BCDon on
I'm riding in from the South, being old and fat I get passed a few times, folks are all bundled up, I see folks coming towards me all bundled up, scarves, balaclavas etc.
Then, I get on the bow river pathway heading West against most of the bicycle traffic.
First off I see "Pedal Pushers" (you young farts may call them knickers), anyway, they come down to mid calf and I think, well, OK, a bit cool but that's OK. Then, Bike Shorts - Huh, that looks way too cool. Then, running shorts riding a bike, I have no issue with that other than they are flapping in the breeze which I'm sure is causeing a full frontal wind attack in areas which are not meant to be frozen - saw one guy and one girl wearing this apparel.
But hey, to each their own, if they are OK cycling in that, all the more power to them.
LOL
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
did the girl have on winter ski mitts? Could have been me.........
Don't know.
Submitted by BCDon on
Julie, I have no idea, I was busy trying to keep warm and just looking up from time to time. When I head west in the morning there is a steady stream of cyclists heading East.
But seeing as you apparently rode in with short shorts, how was it? :).
Oh you are definitly against
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
Oh you are definitly against the current going west in the morning, I know I have to wait to cut in to the bike traffic when I am starting out to go east. Then of course you will be against it again on the home stretch.
As for the shorts, I was wishing I had longer pants when I started out but after a bit didn't even notice. Now that could be due to warming up or just plain numb!
October 1st the "Not so Great".
Submitted by BCDon on
Put on different gear this morning. Removed arm warmers and added a fleece. Put thicker socks in shoes (they are a bit large so thicker socks not a problem). The only problem I had was my feet. At the end of my hour commute I couldn't feel anything forward from the balls of my feet.
I think it is the SPD connector on the inside that is sapping away heat. While the insole is between my feet and the metal plate I suspect it just isn't enough. I fear that even when I put on booties they won't do the job. Any suggestions (other than purchase winter cycling shoes which I just may do).
Probably not the cleat
Submitted by pinkrobe on
I have cold feet and hands [ask my wife!], and have a lot of experience with different footwear for walking around, cycling, etc. My #1 cause for cold feet is a lack of insulation around the upper. Duct tape over any mesh on the shoes helps, but proper insulation works wonders. Also, steel is a crappy conductor of heat compared to aluminum or copper, and the foam of the insole does a good job of separating you from the cleat mount.
warm feet
Submitted by 2wheeler on
flat pedals and boots does the trick. I use Sorels below -15C. SPDs are for above zero weather riding.
tinfoil?
Submitted by critninja on
try layering a couple layers of tinfoil under your insole. i have had some success with this in the past, specifically with bike shoes that have cleats. also, if you dont care about how it looks, Aafew layers of ducttape on the outside toe area can really cut down on wind getting into the shoe.
when i see an adult on a bicycle, i do not despair for the future of the human race.
- h.g. wells
feet
Submitted by umgray on
I agree, I use winter walking boots after -15. You can buy insulated foot beds that help for bike shoes. If you buy winter bike shoes get a couple of sizes to big so they can accomodate wool socks or bring wool socks with you. I always wondered if cross country boot makers could make winter bike boots of the same materials? My XC boots are toasty even in -25?
My winter bike shoes with
Submitted by pinkrobe on
My winter bike shoes with good ol' steel SPD cleats keep me going to at least -25C. I can get past -35C with the addition of a wind-blocking cover of some kind. As a comparison, if I stand around barefoot at anything less than +15C ambient, my toes go cold and white[!] in about 15 minutes. As a further comparison, my wife rides in her regular summer SPD shoes down to -25C with no covers or additional protection other than some mid-weight wool socks...
you the man
Submitted by umgray on
Pinkrobe, you win the toughest feet contest. I am glad your wife is just as tough! Ever try fire walking!
My wife kicks my ass
Submitted by pinkrobe on
Seriously, she is way tougher than I am. I have spent so much money on ways to keep my toes from falling off, but she just stays warm all the time. It's not fair!
cold feet
Submitted by 2wheeler on
I used to use my spds on cold days, but I found after about 30 minutes at -15C they were getting very cold and after 45 minutes I could no longer feel anything. My feet were blocks of ice. Probably not the best situation for the long term health of my feet.
tired
Submitted by Julie Gregg on
was at the hockey game so had a late night, hard to roll out this morning, funny how I feel so much more envigorated and energized after the morning ride in fresh air.....not a bad morning at all.
Booties helped --- a bit.
Submitted by BCDon on
Well, this morning (warmer than yesterday), I put on the heavy wool socks, my shoes (with SPD) and a pair of MEC booties (neoprene). Felt really nice and warm as I started out. But, after about 1/2 an hour I could feel a cold spot under the ball of my foot, right where the cleat plate is. By the time I got into the office after a total of just over an hour, my feet were indeed cold. But, this time I could at least feel all my toes so that's better than yesterday.
I think I may be looking for winter boots this weekend. Failing that, some additional insulation over the cleat BUT, I have very little room otherwise it'll just be a big lump.
thick socks sometimes not good
Submitted by ggdub on
I suspect that the heavy wool socks jammed into your biking shoes are cutting your circulation around your toes, which means they will get colder faster. Just a little bit of lost circulation can mean really cold feet. It also helps to have little space in front of your toes where warm air can collect.
I would try just wearing your booties with a thinner sock and see how it works.
Another trick I use when its really cold (-20ish) is to leave my shoes on the vent over night and I put them on just as I head out the door. That little extra bit of heat gets the blood flowing at the beginning of the ride and buys me another 10 minutes or so before my toes start going numb.
Shoes are larger.
Submitted by BCDon on
My shoes are are a size 43, I normally take a 42. I bought them larger for the room and when I have the heavy socks on I can wiggle my toes still and move them about a bit.
My plan now is:
1) See if I can find some waterproof winter riding cycling boots with a decent tread so when I have to walk on ice (or in the building) I can. This means the MEC ones won't work from what I've heard.
2) Failing that, experiment with a different footbed or make some kind of footbed out of ensolite that offers much more insulation. I still think the solid metal cleat holder on the inside is sapping away heat from the bottom of my foot (based upon then fact that is where I first feel it getting cool). With an additional footbed I'd likely be wearing lighter socks as well.
Cold but enjoying the fact
Submitted by Springbank Dave on
Cold but enjoying the fact that there are few cyclists.
Football traffic
Submitted by mercator on
On the ride home Friday afternoon, I came past Shouldice park just as the crowd from a highschool football game was leaving. Navigating through a gridlock of dozens of vehicles piloted by testosterone pumped teenagers made for a bit of anxiety! Thank goodness the season is relatively short.