I've taken the training outside for the next couple of weeks leading up to the race. I feel like I better get some experience riding in cold, wet weather, on cold, wet, muddy roads. I think I commuted a couple of times in March in 2009, but that was last-decade (and more importantly, optional and only 5 miles, on the sidewalk)! My goal is to sort out the following:
- Clothing for extended cold rides.
- Tires for muddy, sandy gravel roads
- Tweaks to the bike
Wind / Rain Jacket:
I have a Marmot rain jacket that's a few years old, but it's a pretty "roomy" jacket. It has pit vents, but the configuration of the pockets really make it catch a lot of head-wind. It always ends dripping wet inside - that happens when fat guys wear spandex... I hunted around for something cycling specific, reasonably priced, and in my size, and found this (that's not me, just the pic from the jacket site - nice bike though):
Ordered this one for $79. Zip off sleeves, vented back, big pocket in back (to stuff sleeves, gloves, snacks, small road-kill in). Sarah Palin would be proud!
Shorts:
I have a couple pairs of cycling shorts, and for casual rides, commuting, or riding on the trainer they're fine. After a while they need a little adjusting. In a focused ride, where I'm trying to compete that's not optimal - I'm trying to run a F1 operation not NASCAR. Making adjustments on the bike means, at a minimum, sitting up, slowing down, and taking the hands off the bars. So I've ordered a set of bibs from Aerotech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bibshort.htm#1058156) - these will also be awesome to wear while gardening (don't worry, no pics of me or other guys in spandex only).
Arm / Leg Warmers:
I've been using a set of Novara arm-warmers and leg-warmers from REI. I love the leg warmers - I can add them to whichever pair of shorts I like best, and they keep my legs toasty. The arm warmers are tight on my massive biceps (and tend to slip down). Both are a spandex / lycra type material (thinner than bike shorts) on the outside to block wind, and resist water, with a thin fleece-like material on the inside. I initially thought I'd feel hot & sweaty after a while, but they're perfect at keeping me warm, but dry. So, I love the material, but a whole shirt made from that would be better, at least until it's a little warmer... So, I ordered a "fitted" Under Armor ColdGear (R) shirt made out of a similar material.
I have a couple pairs of cycling shorts, and for casual rides, commuting, or riding on the trainer they're fine. After a while they need a little adjusting. In a focused ride, where I'm trying to compete that's not optimal - I'm trying to run a F1 operation not NASCAR. Making adjustments on the bike means, at a minimum, sitting up, slowing down, and taking the hands off the bars. So I've ordered a set of bibs from Aerotech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bibshort.htm#1058156) - these will also be awesome to wear while gardening (don't worry, no pics of me or other guys in spandex only).
Arm / Leg Warmers:
I've been using a set of Novara arm-warmers and leg-warmers from REI. I love the leg warmers - I can add them to whichever pair of shorts I like best, and they keep my legs toasty. The arm warmers are tight on my massive biceps (and tend to slip down). Both are a spandex / lycra type material (thinner than bike shorts) on the outside to block wind, and resist water, with a thin fleece-like material on the inside. I initially thought I'd feel hot & sweaty after a while, but they're perfect at keeping me warm, but dry. So, I love the material, but a whole shirt made from that would be better, at least until it's a little warmer... So, I ordered a "fitted" Under Armor ColdGear (R) shirt made out of a similar material.
Shoe Covers:
Also learned that my feet are freezing on a ride more than 30 minutes. I haven't settled yet on toe covers, or some "over-sock" for my shoes. I really like the stuff from Sock Guy (http://sockguy.com/), so when I make up my mind that's what I'll get - I highly recommend their cycling socks by the way. REI sometimes carries them.
Also learned that my feet are freezing on a ride more than 30 minutes. I haven't settled yet on toe covers, or some "over-sock" for my shoes. I really like the stuff from Sock Guy (http://sockguy.com/), so when I make up my mind that's what I'll get - I highly recommend their cycling socks by the way. REI sometimes carries them.
Hat / Gloves:
I have a Marmot Polartec (R) hat that is perfect for keeping the head and ears warm and dry (these may have been discontinued - can't find a pic). I find myself taking it off after 30 minutes, but I still don't think I'd start a ride without it. The gloves I use are Giro Blaze cold weather gloves.
I tried on a number of pairs (at REI) and these seemed the most flexible and best fitting. They've got terry patches by the thumb for wiping sweat or snot (which the more I use them, the more I love this aspect), the palms are a thin suede leather, and the back a spandex / lycra.
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