A survival guide for cycling in the extreme cold 19 Feb 2014

A survival guide for cycling in the extreme* cold 

19 Feb 2014

Subtitle: Do I really need all this cr@p??

Sub-subtitle: YES!!!

I moved from Italy to Boston, Massachesetts, USA a few months ago. I am a keen casual cyclist - road cycling - and am training for a 6 day stage race in Italy in April (http://www.girosardegna.it/) - and last year, living in Italy, it was easy to bang out the mileage on stunningly beautiful roads with amazing weather. This year it has been very very tough and I have struggled with keeping the wheels turning through the aggressive Boston winter. In comparison with last year, when I was laughing at my friends who were using winter bikes up until April and I was able to use my carbon race all year round without any issues, this year has been extremely different.

In Boston we have had 53 inches of snow this year (equivalent to 0.78 Dustin Pedroias for you baseball fans). Apparently this makes for the 3rd heaviest snowfall in a February and it has been brutal. I don't really understand how humans can bear to live here. Time after time we have seen weeks where the temperature has been below freezing (0C/32F). This compares to Italy where it snowed maybe three times a year, and only went below freezing maybe three times a year.

The first time I stepped out into real cold in October, I felt my legs and face freeze as the wind bit into me. At that point I resolved to not cut my hair and grow a beard, until the weather turned. That is not going to be before April at this rate, and my hair is, quite frankly, ridiculous. At this point I knew it was going to bad. Foolishly I had signed up for a bike race with the mighty VC Meles in Sardinia in April so I knew I would have to ride throughout the winter and find the best way to do it.

At first I blundered through with my existing bike kit and got lucky. Very lucky. However, my luck was soon to run out...
One good thing with the weather here is that it is so very cold that there is very little rain or dampness. The snow that falls does not melt so there is very little ice on the roads and the street cleaning is nothing short of miraculous, so the roads are actually very very good for riding on. One day, I was riding with the gang from the awesome Ride Studio Cafe, Lexington, MA and we ran into some snow up the hills. At first it was fun and beautiful to look at. I was wearing my standard cold weather gear, the snow fell on us and froze and we were fine. Then as we descended back into Lexington the snow that was on us started to melt, and I got wet. Very wet. I need to backtrack a little: I really blundered that day - I woke late, a little hungover, no time for breakfast, I just ate an energy bar in order to make it up to Lexington to make the ride on time. Then I didn't eat whilst on the ride. And I fooled myself; I felt very strong for three or four hours, and then the bonk came large style. As I trundled back from Lexington to Cambridge, with my now wet clothes, I was getting cold cold very very cold. By the time I got back, I was hungry and had long lost feeling in my legs, my feet, and particularly my hands. I could no longer feel both my hands, was not sure if I was holding my handlebars, and braking was a disaster. My fingers were still moving, but I could not feel any feedback and the brakes were very soft and warn already anyway. I was shivering as I rode and decided to push on and on rather than take a coffee stop, just for the desire to get home. When I got home I was faced with getting in to the house. My keys were in my back pocket, but my hands were so cold that it took me over ten minutes sucking on my fingers for them to warm up enough for me to undo a zip and get into that pocket. I was stood outside my house, shivering, stamping, sucking, moaning, and having an enormous sense of humour failure. Passers by must have thought I'd lost it. Then when I finally had the feeling to open velcro, get through a zipper, then reach into my back pocket and get my key out, I couldn't turn the key in the lock as I had no feelings in my fingers. I was extremely extremely unhappy and had a severe sense of humour failure. It must have taken more than 15 minutes for me to get in through the door after arriving home. Then even once I'd gotten into the house, I couldn't get my shoe covers off, which means I couldn't get my shoes off, which means I couldn't get my clothes off for about another 15 minutes. Finally I got into a hot shower and it was agony. My fingers and toes were excruciating and hurt for the rest of the day. In fact, for several finger tips, I lost the feeling for more than a week - they were completely numb. I was concerned that I had done serious nerve damage, but all came back.

After that experience I decided to stop flipping around and ride in proper kit. Below is my description of the kit I take when riding the wild roads out here. Again - the roads are dry, a lot of road salt and debris, and the cold is piercing, but there is rarely any moisture.

Do I need all this cr@p?

This is a photo of everything that I wear and take when I go on the bike. It's a lot. A heck of a lot. Do I need it?

Read above - the answer is resoundedly yes. I want to avoid going that pain again. And I am riding up to 6 hours per ride, and those rides can have snow throughout.

Nutrition

I will start on the inside. I'm a heavy guy, and I get on the heavy side. For that reason, sometimes I try and ride light. Not now, not whilst it's cold.

Prior to ride: For breakfast I eat substantially. Typically that's a three egg omelette with half a pack of bacon (side note: bacon in the US is terrible - very fatty - but at least I can find it easily as opposed to Italy where it could not be found. Oh how I long for real british bacon!), and some cherry tomatoes. I can eat that right before leaving without any problems in terms of a full stomach. I usually take a couple of cups of tea to warm myself up too prior to leaving.

During ride: I take at least one bar an hour, plus a bonus bar. This can mean up to seven bars. To aid eating with cold fingers, make sure you have a bentobox so you can access your bars easily. I use a power bar bentobox.

What bars? No - I'm not going down a powerbar vs natural bar vs gel debate. What I want to say is that if you take bars, they WILL freeze if you keep them in a bentobox. So they need to be bars that can be eaten when frozen. Personally I like Kind brand bars, particularly dark chocolate and sea salt, dark chocolate cherry cashew, and almond and coconut. I had a Hammer Nutrition recovery protein bar last week and that was pretty good. Any kind of real food bar is best, rubbish bars such as powerbars will freeze and be inedible - not that they are ever edible.

Drinks: Water and sports drinks freeze quickly in the temperatures around here. Within an hour most water bottles will have turned 50% to ice - like a slushy, with isotonic drinks taking a little longer. Two options - 1) buy an insulated bottle, or 2) put your bottles inside a sock - this will keep bottles warm for quite a long period - I've had a bottle remaining fully liquid up to 4 hours in -5C (22F). Make sure the bottle cages can take a water bottle plus a sock. 
THIS IS AN AWESOME SOULTION.

For isotonic drinks, I like using tablets that you put in your water bottles. Currently I am using SIS Go Hydro berry flavour.

Feet.

I have warm feet, and I struggle with this less than other people, however I still get very very cold feet. I have some non-race shoes but they are not winter shoes, so have carbon soles, vents and are chilly. I combat this by using three pairs of socks: my first layer are Rapha woolen socks. I then add on some long compression socks to provide additional warmth to my lower legs - I use some Aldi ones(!) and some CEP ones. Then I put on some long ski socks. Then my shoes which are Northwave, followed by some Castelli shoe covers. These have been ok but surprisingly water non-resistant during tough conditions. So,  I have recently bought some Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Shoe Covers which have Neoprene and kevlar and are, quite frankly amazing (http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?product_id=1740289). They are very warm, although sizing was a challenge - I have size 10 UK shoes, and needed an XL in the shoe covers. They seal with velcro at the back and are easy to use. However, if you are riding through sitting water you still get wet feet, so do not scrimp on the socks. There are fully waterproof neoprene shoes out there, but I have not embraced them yet.

Hands.

I have tried several combinations here and I have a conclusion. It has to be two pairs. Outer pair must be very thick and very waterproof, and the inner pair must be thin and warm. I use a pair of Gore Windstopper gloves inside and then my full on ski gloves on the outside - I use Ziener Xpulsion AS (size 9). I prefer full fingered gloves put plenty of lobster options exist (e.g. some Rapha options http://www.bikeradar.com/us/road/news/article/rapha-launch-modular-winter-glove-range-38566/). However, some people swear by using liner gloves and wearing disposal lab gloves on the outside. I've not tried it, but I hear it's the bomb!

Skin.

Embrocation. Is. Critical. I have some winter embrocation from Rapha, with herbes de Mont Ventoux. This will give warmth for the whole length of my ride, and the longest I've done is 6 hours. Make sure you put on your thighs (not recently shaved!), lower legs, and arms if you like. Don't go near your balls. Or your ass. (http://www.rapha.cc/us/en/shop/winter-embrocation/product/EMB01)

Speaking of which - use some cream on your ass. I like Eurostyle Chamois Butter (http://chamoisbuttr.com/eurostyle/).

Head.

Critical. I've tried lots of options here. Originally I was using balaclavas. I can give some good balaclava advice here - go for one with a neoprene nose cover, loose so it can be moved down - this will help avoiding getting fog on your glasses. And remember, that any fog or moisture on glasses in these conditions will lead to instant freezing.
Actually this has been a bugger of a problem all winter. On cold days I have had trouble walking the 15 minutes to work as my breath, disrupted by my balaclava, goes on my glasses and then freezes. Sounds stupid. It is. But it is a pain.

However, I am no longer using balaclavas as they are too thick and its not needed for my bearded hairy face and head. I use a buff (with vizor) (http://www.buffwear.com/visor-buff) - thanks Team Buff Shrew! - this is great as I use the vizor to give extra protection to my neck at the front, a cycling douche cap (http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#22), a thermal neck warmer, and I use my helmet on top. The douche cap is useful with a vizor flap which allows for flipping down to keep water or snow out of eyes. If it's really cold, I wear my snowboard helmet which has no vents, so gives extra warmth, and extra weight (and maybe extra aero!). This is a Santa Cruz helmet, and is noticeably heavier than my bike helmet, natch, but is great for super super cold days.
Glasses are critical. I am a speccy git and no mistake, meaning that I wear glasses as an affectation, a badge of high intellect, and to see with. I would recommend everyone else to wear clear glasses - there was chat last year of some of the women's pro peloton getting frozen eyeballs during one of the spring classics. On really cold days, I have worn my ski goggles over the top of my normal glasses!

Kit.

I go heavy, but not too heavy. I have tried under vests, but I don't like them. I start with a good pair of normal bib shorts, and then put my Pearl Izumi Thermal Long Sleeve base layer on top. Then I wear some Pissei Cuore Italiano Roubaix fleece bib tights, bought from Planet X (https://www.planetx.co.uk/)(http://www.pissei.com/scheda.asp?menu=scheda&IDprodotto=4&accordion=1&LAN=ENG). Then a standard cycling top. Then a windproof cycling winter jacket - typically my Pearl Izumi PRO windproof jacket , then finally a wind and water proof fluorescent top - I have a full waterproof, but lightweight Btwin Oxylane top from Decathlon - cheap and no frills but effective. I also own a pro-top from Kraft - actually it was Giacomo Nizzolo's that I picked up at the Tirreno-Adriatico last year (I wrote a blog post somewhere!). This is awesome, amazing kit, but a little small for me, being a big boy and Giaco being a small guy!

Spares

The winter roads are covered in cack. After even the driest ride my bike is covered with cack. It's kind of generic cack that is a combination of salt and grit and generic cack. The roads are falling apart with potholes everywhere - the extreme cold affects the asphalt, and the snowploughs really mash them up too. It is inevitable to get a few punctures throughout the winter.

I had a puncture a few weeks back. And I had an absolute shocker repairing it. I used gas to inflate my spare and blew it. Then thankfully a friendly duo gave me one of their spare inners - I offered to pay but they said it would bring them good cycling karma - make note people! Then I had no gas left so I tried to pump it up with my specialized mini pump and failed. So I through my wheel across a field. Then I went and got it back. So I tried to ride it, and slid in the snow. So I re-stopped, hands freezing, and managed to get some air in and rode back in a bouncy way. So, now I recommend the following:

2 inners

2 gas cannisters

Decent pump - I now carry my frame-mounted Lezyne  Micro Floor Drive - it's big, but it really works extremely well and can be mounted to a frame (http://www.lezyne.com/en/micro-floor-drive-hv-hvg)

Tyre levers

Tool kit - either my Crank Brothers multi-19 (http://www.crankbrothers.com/tools_multi19.php) or my ToPeak Mini Tatchet Rocket which I think is one of the greatest tool sets ever made. A mini super strong ratchet - man I love it! (http://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-Tools/RatchetRocket)

Spare patches, just in case

Bike

Tyres. Tyres. Tyres. See above - you're going to get a puncture - but you can help to prevent by getting new and good tyres, and check them regularly for flints and holes. Everyone has their own favourite tyres - wide, thin, gators, reinforced, winter, 4 seasons, knobbly, cross, studded. Personally I like the Vittoria Open Pave CG - the green ones (http://www.vittoria.com/product/cotton-tires/). They are reassuringly expensive ($80 each). They are thick, and stick to the roads like glue and you see plenty of pros riding them on the Paris Roubaix and the Strade Bianche. I am riding 27s this year for the first time - they feel no different to me. Others say they are smoother with greater grip, but I am great clutz and I cannot tell the difference.

Seat - get a comfy one. I have a big winter saddle that I like. This is the Selle SMP TRK, similar to this one http://www.sellesmp.com/smp4bike/en/plus it's big and ugly but it's ok for winter use.

Bike - it's essential that you don't care for it too much. That sounds very mean. I love bikes, and I love all of them like my children. They are my children! But your winter bike is going to get knackered, so it is important that if it gets damaged it won't be the end of the world. I am riding my trusty Claud Butler Roubaix from 2007. It has an alloy frame with carbon forks, Shimano Sora kit. 7 years old and still going very strong. It's not pretty to look at - I bought it for 450GBP and it really does not list well in the pantheon of bikes, but it really works for me. Shifting is impeccable, although the brakes are pretty rubbish. The bike is ok, a little harsh, and the steering doesn't instill confidence, but I can ride it in a great position, and crash it without really worrying about it too much. If it did get broken I could warrant an n+1, courtesy of the rules (http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#12).

Mudguards/Fender. Crucial. Not just for you but for your mates. One club I am involved with requires you to have fenders to stop you spraying everyone in the squad with a faceful of cack. They prefer full front and back. Referring from the Fast Show (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fast_Show) - "Last weekend, I was mostly eating, salty road cack". Mind you, it completes your nutrition and salting strategy! ;) 
I have a easy on SKS Xtra Dry 3 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sks/xtra-dry-rear-mudguard-ec004908) which I can transfer between bikes in seconds and work very very well. Thanks to my amazing girlfriend for giving it to me :) 

Map. Use something. I don't know the roads very well and I need some emergency maps courtesy of my iPhone. However - it is so so so cold that you do not want to hold the phone in your hands. Also, the roads are full of cack, but you want to protect your phone from that cack. For that reason, I have a Topeak iPhone holder for when I get lost (http://www.topeak.com/products/PanoBike/ridecase_ip5_bk).

Roads
Man they are cack. However, it is SOOO cold that there is no standing water, which means no ice. This allows fairly safe, if extreme cold, riding. Smashing.

Others

Cash is king. Carry some for taxis and emergencies, and the all important coffee stop. Coffee stops I can recommend are: Ride Studio Cafe (http://ridestudiocafe.com/) and the Harvard General Store (http://www.harvardgeneralstore.com/).
Also carry a credit card to pay for extra supplies such as spares and extra kit and emergency food. I carry my cash in a zip lock Istad bag from Ikea (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60251383/). Cheap, replaceable and completely waterproof and sweatproof.
Spare neckwarmer incase it gets super cold.
Spare waterproof top in case the rain, wet snow, or ice comes down. I use a Sportful Hot Pack (http://www.sportful.it/fra/pe13/cycling/hot_pack.php?id=1101134) - very small, very light and reflective.
GPS - if it's not on Strava it didn't happen. As an ex-Ironman I use a Garmin 910xt.
Lights - it gets dark early and there is nothing worse than riding in the dark with crazy drivers around when you're tired. At the very least, throw some small lights on your bike. I always keep some Knogs on my bike (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/knog-frog-led-front-light/).

And finally - enjoy your ride. Keep the rubber side down and be safe out there. I want to deliver a positive message - with the right gear you can enjoy safe riding all year round.

JJ

* OK - I'm not talking about super extreme cold like iditabike (www.iditabike.com), with thick polar snow, or fat bike racing, or ultra-endurance racing through cold, but it is "extreme" for me 

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