[email protected] wrote:
> I would like to ride at at casual pace for 5 hours daily in
> temperaturers 32-45F with 15 mph wind. How should I dress to stay
> comfortable all day? Are there any problems I should be aware of riding
> in these temperatures such as getting too sweaty, nose running, etc.?
Okay, what I am about to say, can work for much colder then 32F, 45F is
actually very nice riding weather, the cool temperatures will keep you
nice and cool, heck some guys wear just a short sleeve Jersey and shorts
at 45F!
As wind speeds increase and temps get colder, wind chill factor can
become a problem. The US National Weather service provides a Wind Chill
Chart and Calculator at ttp://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill/index.shtml
the chart is for degrees F and MPH, but the calculator can handle metric
units as well.
Now a general rule is if your standing still dress for 10C/16F colder
then the wind chill factor, if your doing some activity but not
strenuous then you can dress for the wind chill factor, if your doing
strenuous activity (like cycling) dress for 10C or 16F warmer.
One thing to avoid is cotton, cotton simply gets wet, and wet cotton
next to your skin at colder temperatures is not good. You want either
Polartec(R) or silk next to your skin, because they will transfer
moisture towards the next layer out, you can also use cycling shorts or
pants as this layer. The next layer out is an insulating layer, this
could be non existant at 45F, and a thin polyester fleece at 32F, with a
heavier one in your pack for stops. Then add a windproof, waterproof,
but breathable outer layer, Goretex is an expensive option, there are
cheaper work-alikes available.
You may want to add a moisturizer for your face at cooler temps, this
will prevent wind burn, there are millions of different ones for women,
and about 10 for men, Nivia for Men aftershave balm is a good one,
available scent free and alcohol free..... Rub excess into your hands
to prevent that dry skin problem....
W