[AFHokie]

Late change to my schedule, so I will be there

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[AFHokie]

Well, I broke down and bought a set of something I thought I’d never willingly buy:

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[AFHokie]

You could go to Wisconsin next month: Bike Across Bago

[AFHokie]

I just want to thank Sunyata for posting a photo of the skirt so that SteveO’s winter thong no longer “pops” up as the thread image

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[AFHokie]

@excimer34 170692 wrote:

In the cold, by my estimation in temps below freezing, my rear brake seizes up (it’s a disc brake). The brake is frozen “open” and the wheel can turn freely. The first time it happened, I remember trying with all my might to squeeze the hand brake but it would not budge. Later that day, when the temp reached the 50’s, the brake worked fine. I mentioned this to my mechanic and proffered my possible explanation–water in the brake cable housing–but he seemed skeptical. I trust him as he has been working on bikes for a long time and has seen pretty much everything. He didn’t replace the cable or housing, but he sprayed lubricant on the brake. I hoped that would be sufficient. This morning I took my bike out of the house, breaks working fine. Within 2 minutes of my ride in 15 degree weather, the rear brake froze tight again. Has this happened to anybody? Your speculation is welcomed!

Wanted to confirm, the brakes are mechanical disc and not hydraulic or mechanical pull/hydraulic piston hybrid?

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[AFHokie]

What level of UA Cold Gear? It comes in four different weights with the heaviest designed for extreme cold and low activity levels such as sitting in a deer stand in Minnesota in winter. I have a pair and they are warm that I usually only wear them on low teen or single digit temp days.

For extremely cold weather I layer a baselayer under my bike shorts which are under PI amb tights. Add mountaineering socks that stop just below the knee and it’s essentially three layers. If I need more than that I probably shouldn’t be out on a bike.

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[AFHokie]

@Steve O 170587 wrote:

wind chill does not apply normally to cyclists. Even on a calm day we are subject to a 12-18 mph wind chill from riding. In fact, you can tell your colleagues on every cold, calm day. “It was 18 degrees out, and 11 with the wind chill.”

Single digit temps with 20-30mph sustained winds and gusts exceeding 40mph are not “normal” wind chill conditions for the area

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[AFHokie]

@Sunyata 170097 wrote:

Do you think anyone would mind if I built a fire by my desk?

Burn the desk!

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[AFHokie]

Due to some off the bike highs and lows, 2017 was a down cycling year for me.

For 2018, I want to do more more group rides. I really enjoyed the group O&B ride to Annapolis (and I hope everyone else did as well) and it made me realize that while I do enjoy my solo rides, sometimes it’s good to be with a group.

Ride more new routes and to new places; expand my Strava heatmap. To that end, I’m looking at a few century rides in New England

Participate in Wednesday Night Spins

Ride more gravel; Planning to ride the Croatan Buck Fifty and I’m interested in the Whiskey Rebellion Gravel, Hill Billy Roubaix, & GRUSK as well as a few others. Unfortunately, there’s a few scheduling conflicts with some other rides I’m interested in.

Not sure if I can take enough time off to do all at once, but finally ride the entirety of the the C&O & GAP trails.

I still feel yearly mileage goals tend to turn into obligations for me, but I do want to hit 1k in a month and complete over 300 in a week.

Other goals:

Finally learn to:
Ride with no hands, I can occasionally go for a short stretch, but usually feel like I’m going to slide off the front of the seat

Bunny hop sufficiently well enough to jump a curb

[AFHokie]

Don’t forget to look at humidity as well. A 30° / 70% humidity day can feel warmer than a 40° / 30% humidity day

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[AFHokie]

Layering guide from bicycling.com: https://www.bicycling.com/rides/beginners/your-cold-weather-layering-guide/slide/3

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[AFHokie]

@Birru 169843 wrote:

How does one become a “Gore Influencer?” If they wanted to send me a Gore One Shakedry jacket I’d happily shill for them.

Me too

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[AFHokie]

@Sunyata 169832 wrote:

Train her how to use pepper spray and have her carry it on her handlebars (they make holsters that can be strapped to the bars). Use it liberally when asshats are being asshats.

I wouldn’t strap any defensive item to the handlebars. Anything for personal protection should be kept on your body and within easy reach (i.e. not buried under other items in a jersey or jacket pocket)

On the handlebars it’s visible to any would be assailant who would likely see you reaching for it.

Plus theres a good chance that by the time you decide you need to use it, you might not be within easy reach of your handlebars.

If I’m still upright and moving, I would keep pedaling to get away. Trying to use it while still moving is a good way to crash.

If I’ve stopped it’s because the assailant forced me to stop by blocking my path or caused me to crash which means there’s a good chance I’m no longer within easy reach of the handlebars.

That said, a large metal frame pump makes an excellent improvised baton.

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[AFHokie]

This page explains wind-chill and how it can effect you when riding in the cold: https://www.icebike.org/wind-chill-chart-for-winter-cyclists-and-ice-bikers/

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[AFHokie]

@jk22204 169795 wrote:

My friend’s daughter recently told her mother that she doesn’t want to commute to school on her bike anymore because she is uncomfortable with men yelling at her from the road and a more recent incident where a walker tried to stop her and grab her handlebars while telling her “Yeah girl, you ride that bike”. Does anyone have any safety tips or suggestions that I can give my friend and her daughter? She is in middle school and uses the W&OD trail to get to school.

Please tell me you reported this to the local police, especially the guy who tried to grab her handlebars

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