SallyCat
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Cycling Divas! I recently bought a gravel bike to try to stay fit over the shoulder seasons. I have LOVED riding it this fall; we have endless dirt roads that traverse endless rolling hills, and it's an absolute joy to go for a long ramble on a beautiful day. However, I went out for a ride in the 40-degree drizzle today and realized I have some things to learn about keeping warm and dry.
Particularly tricky was the enormous difference in comfort level between climbing and descending.
I wore two wicking layers and a wind jacket, shoe covers, and (regrettably) fingerless gloves and shorts. I'm accustomed to being active in the winter and was more concerned about overheating than staying warm. Alas, my fingers were screaming in agony on every descent and flat-road section due to the "wind-chill factor", and though my legs felt ok, the skin was mottled and stayed cold long after I'd come inside and had a warm shower.
I have cycling leg-warmers that I should have worn, so that's pretty straightforward I think. My ears, neck, and face were fine today, and I have thin beanies and balaclavas for skiing that will work if I need them. I'm not looking to bike through true winter weather, but I would like to be able to go out on a low-forties sort of day and be comfortable.
I could use some advice on keeping hands warm. Also, should I be looking at a waterproof jacket and if so, how do you manage the balance between dry vs. sweaty?
Thanks!
Particularly tricky was the enormous difference in comfort level between climbing and descending.
I wore two wicking layers and a wind jacket, shoe covers, and (regrettably) fingerless gloves and shorts. I'm accustomed to being active in the winter and was more concerned about overheating than staying warm. Alas, my fingers were screaming in agony on every descent and flat-road section due to the "wind-chill factor", and though my legs felt ok, the skin was mottled and stayed cold long after I'd come inside and had a warm shower.
I have cycling leg-warmers that I should have worn, so that's pretty straightforward I think. My ears, neck, and face were fine today, and I have thin beanies and balaclavas for skiing that will work if I need them. I'm not looking to bike through true winter weather, but I would like to be able to go out on a low-forties sort of day and be comfortable.
I could use some advice on keeping hands warm. Also, should I be looking at a waterproof jacket and if so, how do you manage the balance between dry vs. sweaty?
Thanks!