Well, it’s 23 and the air is moist in the land of the Front Range. Unless it is seriously wet outside, I will not ride the trainer. I wasn’t excited to go ride, but it was definitely bearable thanks to my new Endura Jacket and new ipod playlist I made last night to get me through the next couple of days. It’s only supposed to be colder tomorrow and I will most likely be riding in sub 20 degree temps. I am not liking that idea, but it’s fun in a way.
The Flatirons looked like plateaus.
Fortunately, the roads in Boulder were dry… at least compared to Ft. Collins. There were no icicles hanging from my bike! I was wishing I owned a pair of thermal bottoms. My upper body was plenty warm with my jacket, jersey, and base layer. I wore a smartwool beanie under my helmet, and Pearl Izumi Amphibian gloves. The bottoms, however, was a different story. My upper legs and butt were so cold that they stung the entire ride. My booty was bright red when I got in from 2.5 hours out in the cold, and even in the shower, the water was turning cold on contact! I doubled up on knee warmers and leg warmers which seemed to do the trick. I had booties and wool socks on my feet, but my toes still got cold.
Today I did some power intervals while keeping the HR in zone 2 and tried to stay warm and happy.
My bottles froze, which sucked b/c I was kinda thirsty. My core was sweating a little bit.
We’ll see how it goes tomorrow… At least the temps will shoot back up soon. Just one more day…
I feel cold just reading about you out there without thermal bottoms!! I’ve been in my Pearl Izumi AmFibs on the cold days, but we’ve been lucky to have a warm up.
Hey Sonya, both Pearl Izumi and Craft make great fleece lined thermal shorts. I don’t much like tights to the shorts are a great alternative. Check it out!
whatcha got in them bottles, that grape drink! 🙂
It is PowerBar Endurance formula, step 2, Fruit Punch. It tastes sooooo gooooood. 🙂
What no thermal bottoms? agree with the others pearl amfibs…try “toe warmers” for your feet…they are a life save inside your booties and work for hours.
No thermal bottoms. 🙁 Boo on me. Maybe I’ll invest in some after all… and then my butt will be happy. 🙂 I have some toe warmers, but didn’t wear them yesterday. They are awesome! I have poor circulation in my toes, so those things save my life in the fall and spring!
Damn, that sure sucks. And to think I was complaining about being too hot on the night ride. Just bibs and a jersey and 65 degrees at 7PM. Global weirding, anyone?
It bugs me when people abuse the word “literally”.
Ohhhh…. SNAP!
Ha! I literally say literally in every other sentence 🙂
That grape drink does look good…like a slush! Though I’m sure a slush was the last thing that you wanted while riding in such cold temps!
Hey Sonya, I am another one who will swear by the Therma Fleece Pearl Izumi tights. I have 2 pairs and they are great.
Another small tip when it is so cold. Mix your drinks up with boiling water, and then put them in your jersey pockets. Your body heat should stop them from freezing, and they will help keep you warm.
Rich
a camel back under your jacket works great. I use that during cold snow shoe outings.
You are hardcore. I shiver in anticipation of my Sunday morning ride this weekend. Literally.
Hmmm… I’ll have to take a look at those. 🙂 I have a hard time justifying spending all the money on thermals since I only sort of need them. I probably would feel like I needed the tights more if I had them though. haha Endura makes a sweet pair that I am eyeing!
Rosy cheeks — always funny after wards, not so much at the time. Check out Craft Windstopper Thermal tights. I’ve had a pair for a few years and use for riding and xc skiing. Makes heading out in the cold easier, so if you’re outside riding you’re not on your trainer:)