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the years, I've developed not just a tolerance, but a real love
of riding through the winter. Of course I will admit to fleeing
to New Zealand with a more temperate climate for a few years ! But
I did come back !
A few final tips:
Nikwax makes
a waterproofing treatment that you wash in to breathable waterproof
clothing to revitalize water shedding ability. It can bring an
old garment back to life. I will add that the technology in waterproof
clothing has advanced over the years. If you have a 15-year-old
goretex jacket that no longer works (or never did to your satisfaction),
newer models may perform better. My newer Goretex stuff really
outperforms the older jackets. It may be worth looking at newer
jackets.
Regarding visibility: The sun is lower in the sky in the winter
and more likely to blind drivers. Make sure you can be seen! Although
based on reactions by drivers on my commute route, I'm beginning
to believe those bright yellow jackets are like camouflage!
In the winter I choose my routes with extra care and I always
have a bailout plan. I tend to choose the shorter flatter route
to work, to avoid sliding out on a icy hill and do smaller loops
close to home, in case I need to stop for some reason, like a
blizzard, or a mechanical failure. I will go knock on a door,
or call a friend or taxi (or AAA) if I find myself in trouble.
Anyway this is how I prepare for cold weather rides ranging from
a 17 mile commute, a 30 mile club ride, or a 100 mile ride in
subfreezing temperatures. This is what works for me. Your mileage
may vary!
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