Cold weather/whats your coldest?

[shane_riddell]

So I am 40 years old now and cold weather is just around the corner. The southern Appalachians get alot colder then people not from this area think. When I was in my 20's I rode through the winter. I did cut my mileage back on the very cold days, but was still on the bike on average 5 days a week. I plan on trying to continue riding this winter, just not sure how my body will handle the cold. This brings me to my question, what is the coldest you have ridden in, and how did you feel? For me it was 18 degrees fer. I can remember that after the first 10 minutes I was ok, but when i got back about 2 hours later my exposed skin on my face was pinkish. Not sure if it was the start of frost bite or not but it went away in a few hours with no lasting effects. I can remember my wife letting my know how stupid she thought I was. She still reminds me when I do stupid things, just know its for like really big stuff (biking in 18 degree weather is nothing compared to really stupid things i have done). Got to love her.

[alienator]

For me it was 266 Kelvin. It weren't so bad. Another time, riding in the Colorado Rockies one March, at 28° F, was downright comfortable.

[Tackdriver56]

Biking is a problem because of the huge difference in the amount of heat transfer you need climbing vs. descending.

I've ridden in the 'teens. I've gone *jogging* at -15F when I lived in Vermont, but that's on flat ground, with a fairly constant exertion level, and a face covering to prevent frostbite and protect my lungs. I've downhill skiied when the wind-chill was -50F, but you really need special mittens and clothing, and take breaks between runs.

I usually put my bikes away once there's sand or black ice on the roads, and use the Nordic Trak until the skiing gets good.

[garage sale GT]

I have ridden quite a ways in ten degree F weather but not at top speed.

I think they need to develop a better means of regulating temperature such as a jacket with variable vents.

Plus you also ought to carry a bit extra because if you have to stop you will not be able to maintain your core temperature through exercise.