In waiting like a kid for the weather to change and I can ride my bike again. These temps suck!!!
I figured I would put together a list of some gear you could use (and it ain't fucking cheap) so that you can brave the elements to go for a ride. Now keep in mind the state of uyour local mountain bike trails is also a factor, if they are fucked up maybe just a bike path or road ride with suffice to scratch the itch.
Anyway I have some of this stuff, and can't really afford the other stuff, since my hobbies range from the biking to other expensive activities, that exhaust my extra income. But if it is all biking for you well your disposible income can be spent on this list.
If you bike you probably already have a pair or two of padded shorts
I know I like to cushion my ass on both short and long rides. Now you want a good base layer so a set of something like Uder Armour (although there are other less expensive brands out there) But the important thing is some type of Polypropylene layers to wick away sweat and keep you warm. If you are wet and it is cold, then you are cold and that sucks. Here is one from Amazon Gore Bike Wear Men's Base Layer Windstopper Long Shirt
If you are like me once I get moving My legs are usually alright with a longer pair of shorts over my bike shorts. But when the temp uis below freezing (if my ass is out there) These would help.
On top perhaps a A Softshell type jacket these are not cheap but here is your average jacket it is
not totally windproof because it has to breath but usually it is somewhat
insulated .
You can also go with a rain proof type commuter jacket
if you are nuts and want to go out in both the freezing cold and the rain.
Now we need to protect those fingers and toes. First your hands. If you don't want your fingers falling off in the fridgid temps, you can go all out with a pair of lobster gloves....
Or if you don't need that much warmth, you can just get them fingers covered with a pair of windproof but breathable gloves.
Now for those piggies, I hate when my feet are cold, no matter what I am doing outside. A good pair of moisture wicking
wool socks will do the trick. There are a ton of pairs out there, but the more wool in the blend the better off you will be.
You want to keep your head warm under that helmet so here are two options. The first is a windproof skullcap...
If you want your neck and face covered also you can always go with a Balacava (you look like a ninja also and who doesn't want to be a Ninja?)
And finally if you don't wear glasses like I do anyway a pair of clear (or shaded if you prefer) Glasses will block the wind and other things from your eyes.
I am by no means an expert so if you are unsure about anything go by your local bike shop they can help you out with all of this and more. This is just my way of staying warm and again I don't even own some of the pricey stuff above, just the basics (base layers then I throw clothes over the top, sweatshirts and layers or just say fuck it and wait till it is warm enough to ride)
Disclaimer: I am no expert in anything on this blog as it states it is a Beginners journey into Mountain Biking and Beer Brewing. These are just opinion and observation pieces through my eyes as things happen. It is my personal journal for the world to see, that is all. Anything technical I would always refer you to some sort of expert, be it a brewer, or bike shop.
