Question about the Cold

[taterguy]

When you're biking to work in below-freezing temps should you:

a) Ride fast to boost your heart rate

b) Ride slow to reduce wind-chill

c) Just drive a car numbnuts

:shrug:

[NOW tense]

1. Where Ski Goggles bundle up

and ride really really fast. Make sure to have booties if you ride clipless pedals.

[liberal N proud]

2. C

The local news interviewed some idiot this AM who rode 12 miles each way to work on a bicycle. Even this morning -12F Wind Chill -35

[taterguy]

15. Maybe he's opposed to oil wars

Are you implying that practicing what you preach is idiotic?

[cali]

3. What's the distance?

Is the road navigable by bike? Mine sure isn't.

[taterguy]

4. Anything is navigable by bike if you have enough time

But a less snarky answer is three miles.

[cali]

9. well, I guess if you bring a collapsable shovel

to dig out the snowdrifts, anything is eventually navigable.

[taterguy]

12. I can do cold but not snow and ice

There are limits to my insanity

[Vinnie From Indy]

5. How far?

Wear full face covering unless you like frostbite.

[taterguy]

10. That's what the beard is for

[Belial]

6. Gotta say C

[Poiuyt]

7. Wind protection is a must

As the first poster said, wear goggles, a ski mask, and gloves. Then ride fast. Your body will soon be producing enough heat to keep you warm.

[rateyes]

8. I'm in a quandary here. The correct answer seems to be C, but if you did that

you would avoid numb nuts.

[surrealAmerican]

11. My guess would be B.

Seems like the last thing you would want to do is work up a sweat.
Would C involve having to dig out your car? Is your car likely to start?

[Contrary1]

13. I think wearing the proper clothing for the speed you decide to go is probably most important.

"Winter biking can be efficient, safe, and even fun. Most of us at Rapid Transit have been riding our bikes throughout the grim Chicago winters, and we are none the worse for the wear. Because cycling works up a lot of heat, the cold itself will not hurt you, if you're properly dressed. People, after all, do walk, jog, and ski outdoors in the winter. Why not bike?

On a dry frosty day, you can ride as safely as during the summer. Many winter days are free of precipitation, and riding safely on such days largely comes down to dressing appropriately. Snow, ice and slush make road conditions more hazardous. Use extreme caution, or stay off your bike on days you think conditions are too dangerous.

Here are some things you can do to keep riding safely through the winter:

Wear functional clothing.

Use layers for easy stripping, in case you overheat. Avoid cotton, as it will trap your perspiration and make you feel clammy. Wool and performance synthetics are good choices. Select a good, wind-resistant shell (or waterproof suit, if you plan to ride when it's wet) as your top layer. In very cold weather, use windfront tights, or loose-fitting wind-resistant pants over your tights.
Protect your extremities.

Wear good boots that allow and extra layer of wool socks. Mittens, or "lobster" style gloves will keep your fingers warmer than gloves. Cover your head and neck with something that will fit under a helmet. A microfleece headband will work on milder days; for seriously cold days opt for a balaclava (a one-piece head and neck gaiter)."

http://www.chicagobikeblog.com/2007/11/cold-weather-bi.html

http://www.cyclingsite.com/collected_wisdom/what_to_take/clothes/cold_weather.htm
http://www.whathappensnow.com/articles_show.cfm?id=98&cat=1&sub=2

[taterguy]

14. That's a lot of gear to buy just to save money on gas