#winter commute

Nothing like a commute where it pours the whole way.  I squeezed a cup of water out of my gloves tonight.  Cold, too.  I had a nice case of numb arms when I got home.  Kind of great!

Something is grinding on my pedal stroke on the Toussaint.  I figure it is either pedals, chain (needs lube), or bottom bracket (hope not).

Oh well – have to use the other bike while I figure it out.  Off to DC for…

It's getting cold here in Indiana. Being a native of Minnesota, I know that cold is a relative (and subjective) term. But I could see my breath this morning, universally accepted as a confirmation that it's cold outside.

My outfit for this morning's ride to work consisted of Cuddl Dud long johns under a pair of jeans, Keen Hoodoo boots over some higher cotton athletic socks, a t-shirt over a 3/4 length cotton shirt over a shelf bra cami, my Bontrager commuter rainshell (see previous post), my Patagonia balaclava (merino wool), a homemade scarf from my mother in law, my helmet, and my Pearl Izumi PRO softshell lobster gloves.

Phew. I'm tired just writing that.

The real question is: did I stay warm?

My hands are an ongoing problem. They just don't produce a lot of heat and my circulation is terrible. I love the lobster gloves, and love the awesome features that Pearl Izumi thought to include (the super-soft material near the thumb for minor winter nose-wiping, the bite piece at the cuff for pulling on the glove while still riding, the reflective elements, etc.). I'm considering wearing a thermal glove under the lobsters (which already have Primaloft insulation).

Everything else was okay, but I'm not sure the scarf helps me stay comfortable. I find myself not wanting to turn my head to look behind me, for fear it may unravel. My shoulders have this strange tendency to hunch up, also. I don't know if it's my reaction to wanting to conserve heat, or wanting to keep my scarf from unraveling, but I tense up. As fun as my colorful scarf is, I might try a gaiter to see if it makes riding easier in the cold.

The glasses are an issue. I haven't worn contacts in over a year now, and am finding that both the scarf and the balaclava, even worn separately, cause my glasses to fog up when I stop or am riding at a low speed. Does anyone out there have a cure - besides contacts or laser surgery?

I'm in an admittedly advantageous situation when it comes to bike commuting. I can go to work in jeans, a t-shirt, and winter boots.

But, I do have a second job, and jeans are not acceptable there. I'll put a pair of long underwear under dressier pants and hop on the bike, though. I swap my boots for a more acceptable pair of shoes when I arrive.

At first, the boots make pedaling a little more difficult. I've become used to it. It's been worth it - I've not had cold feet yet (knock on wood...).

I'm still getting more exercise than ever. I don't feel guilty about pigging out on warm buns with cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse, because I know I'll burn it off on my next ride. That goes the same for cookies and ice cream... though I make sure to eat my fruits and veggies, too.

There are two tracks

which lay before myself.

One has led most of the way from the alley.

Are they as cold as I am?

Or are they already at their destination?

Maybe I will see a rabbit cross my path in the full moon,