T’is the Season!!!!

[Bilsko]

This is why I love the forums. I’ve been year-round commuting for 6 or 7 years now (34F rainy weather is the worst) and never once heard of embrocations. Now I need to go see what its all about. This looks promising: http://madalchemy.com/

Also, Dirt, I imagine you’ll know – in addition to maintenance classes, is anyone around doing any frame-building classes? Just for a day of fun with some TIG welders and steel tubes. Oh please, oh please can I please try the Reynolds 931 tubes!

[jabberwocky]

Three thoughts:

1: I bought new studded tires last winter and never even mounted them.
2: I’d rather orally please a pilot light than participate in cyclocross.
3: we should go long boarding.

[Tim Kelley]

@Bilsko 31289 wrote:

This is why I love the forums. I’ve been year-round commuting for 6 or 7 years now (34F rainy weather is the worst) and never once heard of embrocations. Now I need to go see what its all about. This looks promising: http://madalchemy.com/

M.A. is a great place to start. Just remember to apply after you’ve put on your shorts, and keep your hands away from your eyes and other “sensitive” areas.

[TwoWheelsDC]

Speaking of off-bike activities…my wife and I just bought a house in Westover, so we’ll be newly minted ArlCo residents next month. I’ve noticed that the rec facilities at ArlCo schools are much superior to DC’s, meaning they actually exist…are these facilities (running tracks and outdoor bball courts, in particular) open for public use? Growing up, this was the case, but I don’t know if there are restrictions nowadays and I can’t find any websites with that kind of info.

[dbb]

Welcome to this side of the river!

Info on the fitness centers in Arlington are at:

http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/ParksRecreation/scripts/wellness/FitnessFacilities.aspx

[DismalScientist]

@TwoWheelsDC 31297 wrote:

Speaking of off-bike activities…my wife and I just bought a house in Westover, so we’ll be newly minted ArlCo residents next month.

Welcome to the neighborhood. I’ll send Claire over with her customized financial plan for y’all.:rolleyes:

[txgoonie]

@Bilsko 31289 wrote:

This is why I love the forums. I’ve been year-round commuting for 6 or 7 years now (34F rainy weather is the worst) and never once heard of embrocations. Now I need to go see what its all about. This looks promising: http://madalchemy.com/

Beware! I have the mellowest variety they make of the heated stuff, and it is wicked. It’s amazing when it’s really cold out but horrible if it’s slightly too warm. It takes a really long while — probably over an hour — to heat up, so it’s deceiving. But, once it does, it is more burning than warming. And it lasts FOREVER. Hours after you’re done riding. Putting on pants or going into a normally heated room and you bust into a drenching sweat. And don’t even think about going into a hot shower. Holy @#$%, that hurts! Get some Dawn and use cool water to wash it off properly.

How to remove embro…
http://gritandglimmer.com/psa-how-to-remove-embrocation-fast/

[vvill]

I bought a new set of sturdy wheels AND new studded tires last year, rode 30 light miles on the W&OD on them to break them in, and then went out once, on an icy Saturday morning, just so I could say I used them. I fully expect they’ll get more use this year. I’m up for attempting some snow riding.

Gear wise, I have a few extra things available to me that I’ve bought during the year. I’ll be interested to see how they work out, since I’m only entering my second winter as a commuter.

As for CX, I’m actually already trying to decide what bike to buy (I’ve started looking at specs online). I’d like to have something that’s not as racy as my road bike as a commuter option, and definitely something that can fit much wider tires.

[Dirt]

I use embrocation for cold, rainy rides. I suggest it for longer rides and make sure you’ve got what it takes to remove it. Mad Alchemy is a great company and a great web site. They do really good stuff. I love their chamois cream too. Just be very careful not to mix it up with the embro.

I think a new set of speed skates is in my future.

Anyone know if any of the local ice arenas have time set aside for short course speed skating? I know that kinda shreds the ice, so many hockey venues don’t allow them. Dang is that a lot of fun though.

[sjclaeys]

@TwoWheelsDC 31297 wrote:

Speaking of off-bike activities…my wife and I just bought a house in Westover, so we’ll be newly minted ArlCo residents next month. I’ve noticed that the rec facilities at ArlCo schools are much superior to DC’s, meaning they actually exist…are these facilities (running tracks and outdoor bball courts, in particular) open for public use? Growing up, this was the case, but I don’t know if there are restrictions nowadays and I can’t find any websites with that kind of info.

Welcome to Westover! Other important facts to learn are the beer list at the Westover Beer Garden and the menu at Lost Dog.

[Tim Kelley]

@txgoonie 31315 wrote:

Beware! I have the mellowest variety they make of the heated stuff, and it is wicked. It’s amazing when it’s really cold out but horrible if it’s slightly too warm. It takes a really long while — probably over an hour — to heat up, so it’s deceiving. But, once it does, it is more burning than warming. And it lasts FOREVER. Hours after you’re done riding. Putting on pants or going into a normally heated room and you bust into a drenching sweat. And don’t even think about going into a hot shower. Holy @#$%, that hurts! Get some Dawn and use cool water to wash it off properly.

How to remove embro…
http://gritandglimmer.com/psa-how-to-remove-embrocation-fast/

I’ve found that as it ages, it tends to lose some of it’s kick. But some now to use two years from now!!

[txgoonie]

@Tim Kelley 31327 wrote:

I’ve found that as it ages, it tends to lose some of it’s kick. But some now to use two years from now!!

Oh, well maybe the stuff I have from last season will be aged to perfection now! I’m quite curious about the warming oil, too. Like Dirt, I am a fan of the MA chamois cream.

[dasgeh]

@Dirt 31283 wrote:

We’ll do some snow riding this winter.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Remember last winter? DC winters don’t HAVE to have snow. Some of us are holding out hope that global warming is here to stay and last winter is the model for all winters yet to come!

Or at least that the only snow will be late November – January while I’m on mat leave.

[Dirt]

Sorry dasgeh. I really want snow. Last winter just about killed me. Probably means it won’t snow at all this year.

[consularrider]

@Dirt 31322 wrote:

I use embrocation for cold, rainy rides. I suggest it for longer rides and make sure you’ve got what it takes to remove it. Mad Alchemy is a great company and a great web site. They do really good stuff. I love their chamois cream too. Just be very careful not to mix it up with the embro.

I think a new set of speed skates is in my future.

Do these come in a knobby, studded version?
Anyone know if any of the local ice arenas have time set aside for short course speed skating? I know that kinda shreds the ice, so many hockey venues don’t allow them. Dang is that a lot of fun though.

Do these coming in a knobby, studded version for the snow when it’s not deep enough for cross-country skiing?

[Author]

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