Going downhill
Boy, the weather today was one of those deals where it is hard to dress correctly. We were forecasted to have warm temps this morning, then rain and falling temps throughout the day.
When I got up, radar was showing rain virtually on top of us, but when I looked outside, nothing. The temp was 64 degrees. What should I do? Dress for the morning warmth and hope I didn’t get cold this afternoon? Or should I dress for the predicted afternoon coolness and be uncomfortably warm on the way to work?
After deliberating, I decided to go for a middle ground, layering a lightweight long-sleeved base layer under my jersey, my Pearl Izumi vest, and long pants. I had my rain gear in the pannier, so if it got too cold or wet later, I could throw that on and still be comfortable. I made it to work without overheating too badly and without that rain ever materializing, stored the bike inside to prevent further rain (it always seems to work that way) and went about my day.
By lunchtime, it was 10 degrees cooler outside and had sprinkled several times but it was looking like my decision was sound, as what I wore was perfect for that temperature. By quitting time, it had dropped to 47 degrees with a steady mist, making the rain gear a necessity. The ride home was very comfortable, albeit gray and dreary. I was appreciating my fenders and the north wind that helped me find the way home!
I was pretty pleased with my clothing choices for the day. Had I not planned for the afternoon ride, it might not have been very fun at all. What the day reinforced to me was that we’re now at the time of year when I really need to pay attention to the weather forecasts!
God bless…
TW
Explore posts in the same categories: bicycle, Bike Commute, cold weather cycling, Cycling, Fitness, rain
Tags: bicycle, Bike Commute, cold weather, Cycling, Fitness, rain
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October 27, 2011 at 7:16 am
Yesterday caught me off guard and I dressed as if the morning temp would be the low. The ride home was brisk!
October 27, 2011 at 4:35 pm
when are the blue springfieldcyclist.com caps getting here?
October 27, 2011 at 4:51 pm
You know, I’ve not gotten around to ordering those yet! Maybe this winter!
TW