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| Mayor Corroon (left) and Mayor Becker brave the rain during 2011's Mayors' Bike to Work Day (Photo: Deseret News) |
Since there has been a lot of talk about winter riding and preparation and the necessary tools, clothes, parts, and maintenance for good, happy winter riding and commuting on the SaltCycle facebook forum page, we thought that we would post a few of those suggestions here on the blog.
A little scared about riding a bike this winter in Salt Lake City,
or in Utah in general? Well read on, and take courage, for you have knowledgeable friends who are here to help.
At the end of this post is the full thread of everyone's conversation, suggestions and product placement for what they find best to use while riding through the winter in Salt Lake City. For those of you who aren't interested in reading the whole thing or wading through opinions and some friendly banter, we'll sum it up for you:
1. If you leave the house and you're warm, you've overdressed. Be sure to layer, but be more sure not to overlayer. As you ride, your body will naturally produce heat. Think of it as your own natural HVAC system. If you overdress, you'll sweat too much under your clothes, causing discomfort, wet clothes, and sometimes even evaporative cooling (which is bad in the winter) and a lower body temperature once you stopped riding or have reached your destination. Find some clothes you have laying around the house that wick moisture well (wool, lycra, etc.) and use them as base and secondary layers. If it's raining or snowing, be sure to have waterproof pants and jacket as well as proper footwear (to be discussed later).
2. For the men who are so privileged and to the ladies who have a bit too much testosterone, grow facial hair to keep you warm on those rides home. And if you can't grow facial hair, or even if you can, have proper headwear and facewear that will keep your noggin warm and dry. A balaclava (glorified ski mask), beanie, headband, earmuffs, and other forms of headwear and cold prevention are best. Remember, don't overheat!
3. Watch out for TRAX and other railroad lines. During the cold and wet months of the year, our great public transportation and other railways have very slippery tracks. Be sure to cross them slower, and at a 90 degree angle. Failing to do so could cause your front wheel to slip into the track trough, throwing you over the handlebars and perhaps even into traffic. So be careful around the tracks, okay? If you do crash, don't worry (as long as you're not wounded)! Brush it off and enjoy the rest of your ride. I remember one time I was crossing the tracks at 200 South and Main Street during a light drizzle. My front wheel stuck in the first track trough and sent me flying through the intersection, landing on the opposite side of the remaining three tracks. I slid on my chest and hands, but luckily nothing was hurt, not even my hands had scrapes on them. Thanks new concrete! I laughed, and then went to lunch and marveled at my luck and the relative humor of it all. In the immortal words of Michael Wise, "Be smart, not cocky."
4. Bad gloves and no fenders can (and will) ruin any ride. Be sure to keep your body from being splashed or exposed to the wet conditions that face us on rainy or snowy days, or the days following a storm. Get fenders that have full coverage and that have large mud flaps so as to keep the rain on the road and off your legs and feet. Be sure to have waterproof gloves or take actions to waterproof your current glove situation. Even plastic bags over your clothes can provide the protection that you need. Zach Piña says, "Personally, not skimping on hand coverage (Pearl Izumi Lobster Mitts!) and full fenders made the biggest difference. The right jacket, headgear, shoe covers, and everything else boils down to preference, and will enhance your enjoyment." It's true. You can make any outfit work for winter by layering as we discussed earlier, but keeping your extremities warm and dry will either make or break your commitment to riding throughout the winter.
5. Aside from face fur, fenders, and facemasks, be sure to eat right for the journey. Though you won't have to go to Whole Foods and buy gourmet organic coffee and specialty energy bars for your winter commute, you may need more calories and more essential vitamins and minerals for the winter in order to keep you warm and healthy. Ryan McCalmon suggests, "At least 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily starting between now and November 1 and continuing until around March."
6. Take it one day at a time. Don't think about the whole winter. It's only October. You'll freak yourself out. Know your limits. Test them and try them and stretch them, but don't over do it. Don't ride from Provo to Salt Lake City in a downpour just because you have to maintain your reputation as the "guy [or girl] who rides his [or her] bike all winter." Russ Norvell tells us, "This'll be my fourth winter, and still I walk out on the porch every single morning just to see how I'm feeling about the weather -and then I pick gear accordingly. Feeling up? Light gloves and an up tempo gets me there warm and happy. Coming down with something? Trundle along slowly in a parka and expedition mitts." Note the changes in temperature and look a few days ahead at the forecast so that you can know what's ahead. He continues, "Also, lights and reflectors are super-double-triple important as drivers really don't expect to see you out there, and they might be running late and haven't cleaned their windshield/ rear/ side-windo
7. But what about when I get to where I'm going? What do I do then? As far as parking your bike goes, bring it inside if you can! If you can't, hopefully you can find somewhere that is covered by an awning, an overhang, or a roof of some sorts. For example, when I get to school, I'll often park my bike several buildings away if I know that I can find covered parking there. I might have to walk a bit further, but in the long run, it beats having to maintain my bike everyday. When you get to where you're going, you might be a little sweaty, as happens during the other three seasons of the year, too. Don't worry! Humans sweat! Besides, that might be a sign that you're overlayering. Bring a change of clothes if you'd like, or, leave one at work or school or wherever some of your regular destinations are. You really don't have much to worry about as far as sweating and "grossness" goes in the winter because you just don't sweat as much (because it's cold outside)! I find that I'm back to "normal" and looking like a normal guy after a few minutes (even after a really hard ride). If you want to avoid any of this at all costs, just ride slower. Remember, you are the engine, and you can regulate how much energy you burn / how much heat you make.
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| A snow-covered bike rack in Downtown Salt Lake City |
8. Did you know that footloose was filmed in Utah? That doesn't have anything to do with winter cycling, but it does have the word foot in it, which is our next topic. We talked earlier about fenders and keeping the rain and wet off of your feet and legs. But what about when it's inevitable? When the rain or snow is falling so hard and so fast and flying up from who knows where, you need something to cover your feet. Period. If not, they will get wet. Now don't panic. You don't have to buy $300 fleece-lined clipless shoes made by some Italian company (though they are really, really nice). If you like riding clipless in the winter, there are some cheaper options from Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau for around $100-$150. If you're more of a traditionalist and don't want to change your shoes when you get to where you're going, just make sure that your shoes are waterproof or at least that your socks are. On my mission in Chile, it would rain a lot sometimes. What did I do? I put on a pair of socks, and then covered those with a thin plastic trash bag from the grocery store, and then to cover the embarassment that would be having plastic bags coming out the cuff of one's slacks, I put another pair of socks on top. It might have been a bit sweatier than I would have liked, but it kept the rain out. I've tried it bicycling, and it works just as well. Don't like either of these options, well you can get some waterproof or neoprene socks or shoe covers to keep (most of) the rain and snow out of your shoe and off your precious feet.
9. Is riding in the winter bad for my bike? Won't the salt just eat right through it? Though it is true that car owners in snowy states like Utah have to replace their cars much sooner than automobilists in other, more temperate places, a car is much different than a bike. You can see most of the gears and parts on a bike. Keep them clean and dry! Every time you ride in the rain or snow, first wipe down the bike and any exposed parts, metallic or not. Then, always wipe down and dry your chain, then reapply lube as necessary. This will keep it from rusting and keep the salt from accumulating and breaking all your stuff. Again, Zach Piña contributes this bit of maintenance gold, "I wipe/shake the bike down after every wet ride, and pop out the seatpost and flip it upside-down after every really wet ride." This will prevent the seatpost from seizing inside the frame. All of the above maintenance tips will help you have a great ride for the whole winter and make your bike easy to maintain and overhaul once spring comes. You don't have to buy a new bike after every winter if you but maintain it on a daily basis following the preceding simple steps.
So now you're ready to ride!! Congratulations. Stay handsome and cute, ride in a peacoat, wear a scarf, use your fancy leather gloves. Just be normal and be safe. We'll see you out there.
Facebook forum discussion on winter biking as of 10/7/2011:
Luke Williams I couldn't agree more with Ryan, Skylar, and Jessica. Attitude is huge. It's important to be able to laugh and smile on mornings when your face stings or you slip around a bit (which really are vastly the minority of mornings, in my experience). I was really nervous before my first season of winter riding, and overwhelmingly I'd say my advice is: It's not nearly as hard as you think it's going to be. It's actually really fun, and it was empowering for me to realize how much more capable we are in cold weather than we give ourselves credit for.
Yesterday at 09:37 · ·5 people
Luke Williams Not only will facial hair keep you warm as you ride, but you won't need to carry water bottles as the melting bits of ice will hydrate you periodically.
Yesterday at 09:42 · ·
Jessica Judy Gilmore Oh and I second the watch out for trax lines thing. I fell hard last winter because there was a hole in the ground along the line, so though I was riding over it carefully the snow was hiding another gash to get my wheel caught in. But I just stood up, laughed, and kept riding. Seriously, just laugh at how ridiculous it is sometimes. It helps.
Yesterday at 09:47 · ·
Michael Wise I went down on the trax lines crossing Fourth South and Main. That's a deathtrap of slippery metal; I'd have avoided it if I weren't otherwise so cavalier about riding in the winter. Be smart, not cocky.
Yesterday at 09:51 ·
Zachary Piña While there's a lot of gear that makes it more pleasant, I found that shit gloves and no fenders have ruined more than a few days for me. So personally, not skimping on hand coverage (lobster mitts!) and full fenders made the biggest difference. The right jacket, headgear, shoe covers, and everything else boils down to preference, and will enhance your enjoyment.
Yesterday at 09:57 · ·
Eric Abraham Mendez And now I'm motivated to ride in the winter. Thanks people, and sorry for eavesdropping.
Zachary Piña I'm not, and never have been a fan of winter. But with the right preparation, some of my best rides have been in puking snowstorms, or when the mercury hovered around 5 degrees. Something awesome about being the only one out.
Yesterday at 10:22 · ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon At least 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily starting between now and November 1 and continuing until around March.
Yesterday at 10:29 ·
Skylar Hoellein hey Syhalla I pulled some of my blog post out of vault that I posted during last winter when I attempted to blog about my cycling experiences. Unfortunately my first winter bicycle commuting and my first attempt at blogging quickly became a little too much. So I pulled the post of the blog and have been preping for a second attempt this January. "http://obscurecycle.blogspot.com/"
Yesterday at 10:38 · ·
Russell Norvell Know thy self. This'll be my fourth winter, and still I walk out on the porch every single morning just to see how *I'm* feeling about the weather -and then pick gear accordingly. Feeling up? Light gloves and an up tempo gets me there warm and happy. Coming down with something? Trundle along in a parka and expedition mitts (also, lights & reflectors super-double-triple important as drivers really don't expect to see you out there, are running late and haven't cleaned their windsheild/rear/side-windows...)
Yesterday at 14:01 ·
Victor Saenz Thanx every one for the input ......I need it this......
Yesterday at 18:34 via Mobile ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon For the beard impaired, balaclava to cover the face is quite nice when the temp drops below freezing.
23 hours ago · ·
Victor Saenz Hey how about bike storage...or tips whete to lock your bike or how?
23 hours ago via Mobile ·
Ronald R. Ferrucci @Victor, are you talking about bike storage in the winter, or in general?
23 hours ago ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon Never leave your bike outside if you can help it. That's double for winter. If it's covered in snow and grime, I set it on something easily cleanable like tile or something plastic. If you want to go the extra mile, clean it up while it's still wet as soon as you walk in the door. Keep the salt from completely destroying it or causing a malfunction when you least expect it.
If you have to lock your bike up outside, I'm not sure I do much different from summertime. If you can lock it up so that it's not getting snowed or splashed on, that's good.
For those who use U-Locks outside, it may not be a bad idea to clean and lightly oil it so that it doesn't eventually jam. I had a U-lock on a bike rack driving through a rainstorm back from Portland jam after it had dried out and rusted together. I had to heavily oil it to get it to come back apart.
22 hours ago ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon I like singlespeed bikes for the wet and snow days because they're easier to maintain.
22 hours ago · ·
Victor Saenz Thanx a bunch im keepung my bike in the class rooms for now I hope whet it gets snowy the teachers won't trip.
22 hours ago via Mobile ·
Victor Saenz Ok this auto text BS suppose to help me........but is not .....
22 hours ago via Mobile ·
Emily Moroz Yessss! I love this conversation. It's getting me pumped, too. That means WE are of the upper echelon of badasses who get an absurd thrill out of riding in inclement weather :)
First things that come to mind that haven't already been suggested:
1. This. http://justyna.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007 /11/07/winterbike.gif - always
2. HANDKERCHIEF/kleenex, if you get as snotty as me. My god. I'm a faucet in the winter (and most other seasons, too).
3. My smartwool headband saved me last winter, paired with a scarf tied bandit-style around the front of my face.
This winter I need to tackle the glove issue, and am thinking about lobsterclaws, mostly for their good design and what I've heard about them but ALSO BECAUSE THEY LOOK AWESOME. And waterproofing my shoes or trying out those weird neopreney booties - any veterans have advice about that?
22 hours ago · ·
Zachary Piña Yeah, I wipe/shake the bike down after every wet ride, and pop out the seatpost and flip it upside-down after every really wet ride.
And like the earmuffs, the little articles make all the difference. I have an invaluable Windstopper headband that's money under a helmet, or a cycling cap. And bandannas to seal out the neck draft. Perfect.
22 hours ago ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon I've suffered here and there in years past with gloves. I finally broke down and bought the Pearl Izumi Lobster Claws last year. Waterproof and warm well down into the teens. Get them a little big and I'm sure you could stuff a wool gloved hand if you really wanted to go to super cold temps. Two problems: Pricey and too warm above freezing. Your hands will sweat like nothing else. Not ever having to worry about wet or cold hands ever again have sold me, though.
21 hours ago · ·
Jessica Judy Gilmore WOW the upside-down seat post thing is brilliant! This thread is killin it.
21 hours ago ·
Zachary Piña I have to second Ryan's comment - those Pearl Izumi gloves (the Barrier Lobster) saved my life. I have a lot of winter cycling gear, but those are singlehandedly the best purchase I have ever made, outside of the bike itself.
13 hours ago ·
Zachary Piña @Victor, what about going downhill? Just as cold as not, even in the winter. Layer up, close your pit-zips!
13 hours ago ·
Victor Saenz More like is it going to be slippery will my bike slip if I press my breaks or is it like ridding in rain
13 hours ago via Mobile ·
Nate King The PI Barrier gloves aren't really waterproof or particularly warm after a couple hours on the bike in the cold in my experience. At that point, mountaineering/ice climbing gloves are an excellent choice...though I'm tempted by the Assos top of the line crap.
IMO riding shorter, commute-type distances in the winter can be done with a wool glove, thin waterproof overglove, hat, and plastic bags/wool socks. And mashing. Mashing keeps you warm.
13 hours ago ·
Nate King Oh yeah - footwear. If you want to run clipless in the winter, dedicated winter shoes are a must for actual riding. Booties are useless in seriously wet/cold conditions with just a pair of standard shoes underneath. If you want to get seriously nutty, chemical warmers are a great choice - but they need to have room to breathe (just like your foot needs to circulate properly). Size up on your winter footwear choices.
13 hours ago · ·
Ryan Wade McCalmon The PI lobsters I bought last year never got wet from the outside. They were effectively waterproof. Then again, I didn't wear them often enough above 40 for it to matter. I did wear them in a couple of heavy rainstorms around that temp without issue. In the slushy wet snow, they rocked. I'm sure there are other excellent choices as well.
The Sugoi Resistor booties I posted about before, coupled with a standard Specialized racing shoe, and an appropriate pair of socks (depending on how cold it is) is what I've used for a few winters now. No issues. On the really cold days, I use a thick wool sock and make sure circulation is good as you've said.
12 hours ago ·
Nate King I'm also rarely riding hard in the winter. A heartrate around 60% of max will not keep you very warm for five hours on the road without a lot of external help.
http://www.amazon.com/SIDI-Diablo-GTX-Cycling-Shoe/d p/B002EL2ZX8
www.amazon.com
Mountain biking isn't specifically for those sunny days when the temperature is ...See more
12 hours ago · ·
Jala Chino For messenger work/commuting I prefer waterproof socks (sealskinz type) inside my shoes, can be used with anything from sidis to vans depending on the bike I am riding. I like to layer gloves mechanix inside/fleece middle/thin water & wind proof outer for versatility through the day. FULL fenders are a must. Clear lens sunglasses. Flat pedals are nice on superchunk snow/ice days, can put a foot down/go for a jog off the bike all quick like.
11 hours ago · ·
Zachary Piña A little less spendy than the Sidis, these are also a decent option: http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/305567/148 7057/Shoes/0_ERGO_GRIP_SHO ES
Garneau also has a 3 bolt road version too.
www.louisgarneau.com
DETAILS: Patent pending high-density nylon Ergo Grip outsole Water-resista...See more
10 hours ago · ·
Ped AlDamnit http://www.google.com/search?gcx=w&sourceid=chrome&i e=UTF-8&q=pearl+izumi+wint er+shoe#sclient=psy-ab&hl= en&tbm=shop&source=hp&q=pe arl%20izumi%20barrier%20gt x&pbx=1&oq=pearl%20izumi%2 0bar&aq=2&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_s m=sc&gs_upl=14239l15388l1l 18434l5l5l0l0l0l0l406l1390 l0.2.1.1.1l5l0&bav=on.2,or .r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp =52529ea5467b3fda&biw=1280 &bih=709&pf=p&pdl=300
10 hours ago ·
Alivia Huffman This will also be my first utah winter on two wheels. Thank you Syhalla for the post. Yesterday I rode from sandy to downtown and still went on the social ride withNaresh in spite of the snow- feeling pretty optimistic! Thank you all advising members of the post as well. I am sure this will prove helpful.
9 hours ago · ·
Nate King How do you like those, Zach? The road version is tempting. Thought about running an MTB shoe/pedal this winter, but then I'd be stuck with the same on the trainer.
6 hours ago ·
Zachary Piña They're not bad, a budget winter shoe for sure. Soles are somewhat brittle, and a pain in the ass to walk in. Extremely warm though, just not as waterproof as a GTX membrane.
6 hours ago ·
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