I managed to get out for a ride today, despite the overcast, bitter, windy weather. It's going to be worse tomorrow - we're supposed to get 4 - 8 inches of snow. (Oh, enough, already!!) Somehow, I manage to dress for cold weather about 98% right; I usually manage to leave off something that would have made me more comfortable. Today, it was my windblock booties. By the time I got back, my feet were frigid. I need to remember: when it's in the 30s, wear booties.
I've ordered a new jacket from Bike Nashbar; a windblock jacket with flocking inside, and a nice flower embroidered on the shoulder. Purple! My favorite. I was hoping it would arrive today, but no such luck. I'm really hoping it fits, as my really cold-weather options are limited.
This winter I've been experimenting with better (and more expensive) lighting for my predawn rides. I have a lovely Di Notte 200L-AA-S handlebar headlight; 200 lumens, rechargeable batteries (and on sale at Bike Nashbar) -- it really lights up the road. And it's cool . . . Style Man would definitely approve.
I actually bought two: one has a helmet mount. I've not gotten that one out yet; I will as soon as this stupid SNOW STORM passes, and the mess it leaves behind melts. It's getting on time for me to be riding more regularly in the morning. (Predawn is my absolute favorite . . . it's quiet, and I feel like I have the world all to myself. Plus the guys at Starbucks know me and I don't even have to tell them my order.)
Visibility at night is very important. So, besides my headlight, I have flashing handlebar ends, Gekko flashers on my front forks, and a very bright Cateye rear red flasher. They're quite effective. On my morning ride this past Friday, two women walkers asked me how far I ride (11 to 14 miles), and commented, "you're very visible. We see you coming out of Lakelands."
Here's the Knog Frog Gekko light link:
http://www.amazon.com/Knog-Gekko-3-LED-Bicycle-Light/dp/B001P90C94
And here's the Di Notte web site:
http://www.dinottelighting.com/Products.htm
I'm getting really, really tired of winter. But I know it's almost over . . . thank God! Jeff and I are going to gear up for the White Clay Icicle ride end of March. I think he can do it; he's making pretty good progress at the gym, both on the exercise bike and on the leg-strengthening exercises I've been having him do. (I'm his Jillian Michaels at the moment.)
Recent Comments