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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter? (Read 4956 times)
IntheBush
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #20 - 10/09/18 at 11:48pm
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btalley wrote on 10/09/18 at 10:38pm:

Yup, I'm very lucky that was a 6 mile climb back to the car.  There's heat on the climbs.

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Stay out of those back country creeks in the cold weather..

I think you need a longer stem, dude.  Smiley
  
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btalley
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #21 - 10/10/18 at 3:22am
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IntheBush wrote on 10/09/18 at 11:48pm:


Stay out of those back country creeks in the cold weather..

I think you need a longer stem, dude.  Smiley

Hell no, probably need a 40mm or 35mm.  That's a long 50mm
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #22 - 10/10/18 at 1:25pm
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Yes.  I ride all year.  If it's too wet to ride MTB I hop on the road bike.  Wink
  
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DG
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #23 - 10/10/18 at 2:08pm
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I have to cover my mouth as i get cold induced asthma. But frankly I try to ride all the time.
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #24 - 10/12/18 at 4:51pm
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What else ya gonna do?
  
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I'm in no condition to ride...wait! I shouldn't listen to myself, I'm drunk!
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #25 - 10/13/18 at 6:51am
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Although I don't ride year-round, I do tend to still be riding at New Years when Old Man Winter is nice.  The challenge for me is the air that eventually becomes too cold to comfortably breathe, and I don't like the taste of blood as I breathe it heavily on rides.  I have never tried riding in these conditions with a balaclava and probably should buy one.

The freeze/thaw cycle and our wet winters definitely is a challenge for trail use for those not wanting to ride while temps are sufficiently low enough.  It can take too long for trail to dry, and we can easily see another round of rain before they do.

I also should buy a trainer or spin bike and have been saying this a lot to myself for years.  My routine of not riding during most of Winter does a lot to reverse fitness gains made during riding season.
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #26 - 10/15/18 at 1:00am
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Our winters aren't so bad around here.  The worst part is when the sun goes down, it can get chilly fast.  I've tried the trainer and can't do it.  I'd rather ride in the cold.
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #27 - 10/15/18 at 3:21am
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i like my winter shoes.  They are water proof so a shallow dip won't cause me to freeze and allow my summer shoes to last longer.  Below 50, I start to wear my winter gloves and shoes, below 45, I wear a wind breaker and maybe merino pants, below 40, I have a ski jacket that has adjustable vents.   From there, it varies.  I rode Riverwalk at 22 deg with snow on the ground, non-fat tires, and it was a blast.
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #28 - 10/15/18 at 7:21pm
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BudLeach wrote on 10/09/18 at 1:37pm:


Truth.

If you're comfortable in the parking lot when you're getting ready, you have too many layers on, and will be sweating hard once you're a mile in. .....

The first mile or so is the worst part, once you get your heart rate up and muscles working you warm right up.


It took me several trial-n-error rides to get the layering right. For me, the key is to dress not-to-be-too-cold. If you dress to stay warm, you'll sweat too much and get wet. Invest in good socks/gloves for feet/hands and a head beanie.

I've ridden in low-20s and stayed warm enough.
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #29 - 10/16/18 at 11:28am
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traildog wrote on 10/09/18 at 1:09am:
I've ridden Catawba (before WWC) at 17 degrees.  Crazy good traction and had the place to myself.  I ride year round also and have found that a good wicking t-shirt with a standard jersey will take care of most days.  A light windbreaker type jacket over the top on colder days works for me.  Arm warmers and knee warmers are awesome and you can adjust on the ride.  Its very easy to over dress and then over heat.  Once I'm sweaty, I'm done.  I would rather start out a little cool, even slightly cold than to over dress and start sweating early.  Warm gloves are nice, but my hands will sweat in the gloves and all the insulating properties are gone.  Good wool socks with shoe/toe covers are the ticket for me.  Beanie with ear protection under the helmet is usually adequate but I do have a balaclava for the colder days.


Terry - I think Steve and I saw you last year at USNWC when it was about 25 degrees lol!
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #30 - 10/16/18 at 11:32am
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Everyone knows about gortex shoes and shoe covers to keep warm... I found 2mm wading (for water foul hunting) neoprene socks from cabela's (You have to order online) to be the BEST thing as they completely cover your feet and no air can get to them.

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DO NOT GET THICKER THAN 2MM 



By far the most important thing is stopping wind, especially (like mentioned before) on your extremities .  The next thing would be a head covering to keep heat in; I find that for my body a thermal under shirt, long sleeve shirt, and cracked windproof jacket or vest work best.

  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #31 - 10/16/18 at 2:46pm
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A few things I learned after several Winter riding seasons here in Pisagh...

1. Wool is your friend... wool socks, base layer, gloves, hat, even bibs and jersey. It retains heat even when wet, wicks moisture well, and you look like a lumberjack when you wear it ...win!

2. Latex/medical gloves under your riding gloves. This works awesome and keeps the winter chill out. The latex doesnt breath and traps heat. I can usually handle my feet, etc being cold but when my hands get really cold I start having problems...

3.  Layer appropriately... I want to be cold at the start of a ride so that once I get warm I'm not too hot. Sweat is bad when its cold out so dont go crazy with your layers. Base layer+ jersey/bottoms + jacket is all you really need when you ride. Carry arm warmers to add if needed.

4. Insoles... I dont have winter shoes so I just took a big sheet of alloy foil and folded it up to put under my insoles and it works awesome. Keeps out the wind great...

5.Buff... I started riding with one and its really useful... wear it as a hat, balaclava, neck warmer, etc... 

  
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Advocat wrote on 08/22/13 at 5:16pm:
...packin some Chub in the back of the pick-up.


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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #32 - 11/01/18 at 9:02pm
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Couldn't agree more with all the layering advice. I've ridden a number times in sub-freezing temps and you never quite know how it's going to feel until you're out there. 

Anyone else ride with goggles on? The last few cold weather rides (around 20ish degrees) I threw on my snowboard goggles and helmet (Smith Squad Goggles and Camber Helmet) and it was SO MUCH BETTER. My eyes always water terribly in the cold/wind, and this was a dream. It was also eerily quiet with the ears covered. Kinda cool tho. One key thing was that I put on a clear lens instead of the standard tinted lens, so visibility is better in low-light conditions in the trees. The board helmet is also insulated so it keeps the dome nice and toasty. Looking forward to some winter rides this year!
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #33 - 11/13/18 at 2:22am
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One of the most important things for me in winter is to try to park or go to a trail where the ride begins uphill.  If that's the case then nearly all days here are enjoyable for me.  But I do cut it off about 38 degrees F most of the time.  I also use an insulation shoe cover on cold days.

  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #34 - 11/14/18 at 4:09pm
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zino wrote on 11/13/18 at 2:22am:
One of the most important things for me in winter is to try to park or go to a trail where the ride begins uphill.  If that's the case then nearly all days here are enjoyable for me.  But I do cut it off about 38 degrees F most of the time.  I also use an insulation shoe cover on cold days.



Are there any local trails in the Charlotte area that start off with a climb?  I know the mountains have climbs, but what about local?
  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #35 - 11/14/18 at 4:27pm
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MTB4U wrote on 11/14/18 at 4:09pm:


Are there any local trails in the Charlotte area that start off with a climb?  I know the mountains have climbs, but what about local?


WWC East Main is pretty climby in the beginning (and middle). Academy starts with a shorter climb.

Uwharrie Keyauwee (clockwise) assuming you park at the trail head and skip Wood Run. Also not exactly "local" to Charlotte area.
« Last Edit: 11/14/18 at 4:31pm by BudLeach »  
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Re: Do you ride in the coldest part of the winter?
Reply #36 - 11/14/18 at 4:54pm
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Hey banjo - what thickness are the latex gloves you wear????

Banjopickin wrote on 10/16/18 at 2:46pm:
A few things I learned after several Winter riding seasons here in Pisagh...

1. Wool is your friend... wool socks, base layer, gloves, hat, even bibs and jersey. It retains heat even when wet, wicks moisture well, and you look like a lumberjack when you wear it ...win!

2. Latex/medical gloves under your riding gloves. This works awesome and keeps the winter chill out. The latex doesnt breath and traps heat. I can usually handle my feet, etc being cold but when my hands get really cold I start having problems...

3.  Layer appropriately... I want to be cold at the start of a ride so that once I get warm I'm not too hot. Sweat is bad when its cold out so dont go crazy with your layers. Base layer+ jersey/bottoms + jacket is all you really need when you ride. Carry arm warmers to add if needed.

4. Insoles... I dont have winter shoes so I just took a big sheet of alloy foil and folded it up to put under my insoles and it works awesome. Keeps out the wind great...

5.Buff... I started riding with one and its really useful... wear it as a hat, balaclava, neck warmer, etc... 


  
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