D
David Sommervil
Guest
Hello all: I really don't know what all the fuss has been about lately focused on the weather.
Winter is cold. We all know that, so just deal with
it. No big deal.
For instance, on Sat, I went to the George Washington Bridge to ride with the gang. I figured the
ride up through Brooklyn would be a nice warm up. I also took time to properly prepare for the ride.
Given all the talk of cayenne pepper to "spice up" cold weather rides, I decided to go one further.
First, I stripped down and lubed up with olive oil.
Given the fear of Vaseline eating away my lycra while riding, I thought a natural oil would be
safer (and tastier). While I realize southwestern cuisine provides much heat in its intrinsic
spices, I decided to for go the haberno chilies and go more Mediterranean. I was looking for more
of a mellow warming, so I rubbed down with garlic and rosemary - good for both blood pressure and
the skin as well.
Next, I was faced with a choice of the latest technical wear or a plastic bag as my base layer. Then
it hit me, why not go with aluminum foil! It should reflect my internal heat back in! Just to be on
the safe side, I put a trash bag over the foil. Cold weather be damned, I was heating up just
getting dressed!
With all this layering and basting fluid, all I needed was shorts and knee warmers. Fortunately,
I picked up my new Kissena wool socks from Brian the week before, so my toes were toasty too!
(You to can have your own Kissena socks made by Defeet. They come in regular Aireators and
Wooleatoers. Sized M & L. $7 & $8 respectively. Supplies are limited, so act fast. This has been
an unpaid message.)
To cover my head, I decided to go natural - that's right ice berg lettuce. It is thin, can be
layered and was surprisingly warm. Additionally, it provides a nice snack as you ride along. If you
get too warm, no problem, just peel off a layer and chew, no waste or litter. Of course I covered
everything in my Kissena thermal jacket and was ready to roll.
Then I don't know what happened. When I got to the bridge, no on was there! Were you guys on the NY
or NJ side? I know I was running a little late, what with three flats along the bike path, but I
only stopped to change one since everytime I got off the bike for the repair, packs of wild dogs
started coming after me. I didn't know dogs like garlic so much!
Anyhow, I still had a good ride. And the doctors said I should regain the use of my fingers again.
As far as the toes go, who needs all ten anyway.
One last thing, I don't recommend slipping one of those heat packs down the front of your shorts.
The chafing can get a little harsh, if you know what I mean. (Found out the hard way.)
See you all out there next weekend!
Davis Hammerville
By the way, the drippings collect nicely in the foil layer and you can use them as a nice marinate
for steak when you get home. Mmmm...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
Got this note from Davis Hammerville today. Seems he is also preparing right for the upcoming 2003
season as a Pro on a local Div III team.
--
David Sommerville http://davidsommerville.com
Winter is cold. We all know that, so just deal with
it. No big deal.
For instance, on Sat, I went to the George Washington Bridge to ride with the gang. I figured the
ride up through Brooklyn would be a nice warm up. I also took time to properly prepare for the ride.
Given all the talk of cayenne pepper to "spice up" cold weather rides, I decided to go one further.
First, I stripped down and lubed up with olive oil.
Given the fear of Vaseline eating away my lycra while riding, I thought a natural oil would be
safer (and tastier). While I realize southwestern cuisine provides much heat in its intrinsic
spices, I decided to for go the haberno chilies and go more Mediterranean. I was looking for more
of a mellow warming, so I rubbed down with garlic and rosemary - good for both blood pressure and
the skin as well.
Next, I was faced with a choice of the latest technical wear or a plastic bag as my base layer. Then
it hit me, why not go with aluminum foil! It should reflect my internal heat back in! Just to be on
the safe side, I put a trash bag over the foil. Cold weather be damned, I was heating up just
getting dressed!
With all this layering and basting fluid, all I needed was shorts and knee warmers. Fortunately,
I picked up my new Kissena wool socks from Brian the week before, so my toes were toasty too!
(You to can have your own Kissena socks made by Defeet. They come in regular Aireators and
Wooleatoers. Sized M & L. $7 & $8 respectively. Supplies are limited, so act fast. This has been
an unpaid message.)
To cover my head, I decided to go natural - that's right ice berg lettuce. It is thin, can be
layered and was surprisingly warm. Additionally, it provides a nice snack as you ride along. If you
get too warm, no problem, just peel off a layer and chew, no waste or litter. Of course I covered
everything in my Kissena thermal jacket and was ready to roll.
Then I don't know what happened. When I got to the bridge, no on was there! Were you guys on the NY
or NJ side? I know I was running a little late, what with three flats along the bike path, but I
only stopped to change one since everytime I got off the bike for the repair, packs of wild dogs
started coming after me. I didn't know dogs like garlic so much!
Anyhow, I still had a good ride. And the doctors said I should regain the use of my fingers again.
As far as the toes go, who needs all ten anyway.
One last thing, I don't recommend slipping one of those heat packs down the front of your shorts.
The chafing can get a little harsh, if you know what I mean. (Found out the hard way.)
See you all out there next weekend!
Davis Hammerville
By the way, the drippings collect nicely in the foil layer and you can use them as a nice marinate
for steak when you get home. Mmmm...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
Got this note from Davis Hammerville today. Seems he is also preparing right for the upcoming 2003
season as a Pro on a local Div III team.
--
David Sommerville http://davidsommerville.com