I’m no crazier about cold days than your average skier, but today’s technical gear makes athletic activity comfortable in almost any weather. My first real cold weather ride of this season took place on Veteran’s Day. It defined the fun and mental challenge cold weather bike riding presents. What is a spontaneous activity in warmer weather requires rigid guidelines when New England is on the verge of freezing. Then I require sunshine, dry roads and the discretion to choose the time to ride. The temperature has to be at least in the 30’s to get me out the door.

Prepping for the cold.

Veteran’s Day was sunny, 37F, with a 15 mph west wind. Suiting up in these conditions is easy since, even in the heaviest gear, there is no fear of overdressing. The layering begins with riding shorts covered in nylon-faced, microfiber-lined bib tights that are somewhat restrictive, but fit like a wet suit. The torso is covered by two longsleeve, lightweight technical jerseys and a tight fitting, nylon-faced micro-fiber-lined jacket. A balaclava covers the head, ears and neck and is tucked inside the collar of the fully zipped jacket.

The rest of the regalia includes: three pairs of lightweight socks, riding shoes over beneath half covers that accommodate the shoe cleat, plus full-fingered lined gloves, helmet and sunglasses. Like I said, no crazier than your average skier.

The outfit diminishes as the temperature rises. In the 40’s and 50’s the balaclava, toe covers, a pair of socks or two and one of the undershirts are history. In the mid-to-upper 50’s the jacket gets replaced by a long sleeve jersey and the nylon tights give way to a lighter pair. The real light-duty gear, slip on and off arm and leg warmers are okay for spring rides that start chilly and warm up, but this time of year, there’s no need to take clothes off and the whole uniform applies.

Bright sun, the key to cold weather comfort, is a mixed blessing. The lower angle in the winter sky presents anyone on the road, whether walking, riding a bike or driving a car, with random moments of solar blindness. While random blindness is unavoidable, riding into a setting sun, absolutely is. On afternoon rides make east the way home, start your ride earlier or go bowling instead.

"Wind chill" is built into the mix this time of year for bikers and anything short of an in-yout-face gale doesn’t make the riding all that much colder. The nylon-faced clothing doubles as a body shield and it is proven impenetrable in these temperature ranges.

Back to the ride.

The first minutes are toasty warm, fresh from home and hearth. I may as well be in a cocoon with the wind at my back. The bright sun is warm, no skin is exposed and my breath is spreading warmth throughout the balaclava. I sense the cold, but can’t feel it. For anyone who has jumped into the cold Atlantic and found it numbingly refreshing and warm at the same time -- that’s how it is.

This is a two fort ride. I’m passing Fort McClary in scenic Kittery Point on the way to the Fort Foster gate. This is my "test loop" on cold days. It’s about three miles out and back, and provides a chance to experience the wind from every angle. The test loop provides invaluable information, and being close to home, affords a graceful way for me to bail should the need arise. Find your own test loop. Cold weather riding means never having to say you’re sorry.

But this day is too good to be true, except for my late start. Already I’m breaking my own rules. By 1:30 the sun is low enough to be distracting. With the long heavy shadows it’s harder to see potholes and road irregularities that can spring up overnight even if you know the course.

On the bright side, winter light is other-worldly with shafts of amber gold bringing out hidden colors in the marshes and woods. It breathes fresh life into the rural landscape. Even stop signs are arresting in their luminosity.

The remaining daylight dictates that I ride west to Eliot and into the sun before it grows blinding. The balaclava is also a mixed blessing, but its warmth more than makes up for the restricted rear vision and reduced hearing. On this holiday there’s not a car for the first 30 minutes, and for the next 90 minutes, not very many. But I must not be beguiled and force myself to pay close attention. It only takes one.

This ride is a circle and I’m heading home with the wind and light at my back. Oncoming drivers with sun visors down are squinting dangerously. Some are jabbering on cell phones and it’s best that they are not behind me.

All of this begs two questions. (1) How does the inexperienced cold weather rider know where to ride and (2) how much he or she can take?

Where to ride is easy. Ride as close to home as possible. The value of being able to smell the barn cannot be overstated. Winter is not about exploring the freedom a bike offers, but an opportunity to get some riding in and escape the stationary bike.

How long to ride is harder to figure, so let’s review. Start with those sunny days with temps at least in the mid 30’s and no later than 2 pm. Choose a route that finds the sun lighting the way home. Trust me, properly dressed, you will be surprisingly comfortable for 45-minutes to an hour and a half.

Copyright (c) 2005 by David Balkin. All rights reserved.

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