Wednesday, February 07, 2007

I guess I can ride in single digit weather

So I've been driving everywhere for the past couple of weeks thinking it was just too cold to ride. When it was around 20 degrees, I hated putting on knee warmers, my thermal bibs, shoes with booties, a long sleeve base layer, jersey, arm warmers (sometimes 2 pairs), wind vest and my balaclava. So with my refund check from taxes, I splurged on some Pearl Izumi Amfib bibs. WOW, they are awesome!! My knees still get a little cold, but I don't think, in negative degree windchill weather, it's possible to keep them warm since they stick out so much. I also love my lobster gloves. Pure design genius. Warmth of a mitten with a little dexterity available. With the new team kits, I ordered a wind jacket. I'm now wishing I had taken Jonny's advice and went with the thermal jacket. The wind jacket is just too much of a parachute. I thought it was would be form fitting, but I was wrong. Such is life.

I'm still thinking about splurging more to get a set of Lake Winter boots. It'd be nice to just throw on the shoes and head out, instead of shoes, then booties, and eventually wearing out the booties and buying new ones, etc, etc. We'll see.

I also see why some people are wearing ski goggles and some sort of face mask. With negative wind chills, the face skin can get a little painful. I think I might have a neoprene face mask, but as I remember, it's really tough to breath out of. But I think I first got it when I was out of shape a long time ago.

Is it just me, or is it also really tough to ride in this cold of weather?? It feels like I have lead weights attached all over my bike/body. Hills are so tough and even false flats feel like they're a challenge. We'll see when it gets warmer if it's just me, or if I'm actually somehow out of shape.

6 comments:

Alan said...

ok...quit splurging dammit. save some for my bike. I know you wanna splurge all over it.

riding in the cold sucks donkey d*ck. I love riding when it's in the 40-50 degree range in winter. It feels so nice. You don't gotta bundle up too much and it just feels good. It's especially great when you get home and shower. I rode a few weeks ago outside and when I got home I was screaming. I cranked up the hot water and layed there thawing. It sounds akward/painful, but it's a great feeling...kinda like splurging all over a new bike.

munsoned said...

Yeah, 40-50 sounds really nice right now. Man I need to move to Arizona or New Mexico, or California. Too bad I'm broke and too lazy to make the leap.

Some day, in the future, it will happen, oh yes.....

Alan said...

Munson, you're gonna be here for a while pissing on yourself in the shower after a nice winter ride.

Jonny said...

Stop crying... I amost felt the wining pouring out of my screen... Reading your article was almost like watching Will and Grace (only more GAY). Hey, where were you two at trainer night? TO COLD????????

munsoned said...

Hey, I had a ton of stuff to do and I didn't even get home till about 7:30 so I didn't even bother. These next few days are gonna be crazy busy. The team meeting, I got a paying orchestra gig that I have a practice for and the concerts on Saturday. Plus I'm gunnin for this new job opening. It would bump me up to at least $40k a year so I'm kind of concentrating on this app.

I should be up for a trainer ride this weekend. Either saturday mid day or Sunday whenever.

Alan said...

I'm making $40,000 grand a year at age 12.5. Munson, just do what I do... sit around and do jack shit and a little bit of luck will come to you. And when I say luck I mean money. Ok...eff it. I'm broke too. I'm gunning for a new job too. You sonofabitch! Munson, you're like eeor. you bring everyone down.Well I'm gonna TAKE YAER JOBB! You are gonna get outsourced! Dammit. I'm gonna go eat chocolate and stare at myself in the mirror.

Will and Grace but gayer-priceless.