From the Columbus Dispatch, 03.07.08:
Outspoken cyclist likes fighting tideInteresting profile of a bike commuter in Columbus, who deals with severe weather by combining bicycling and transit. She's improved her health, saved money, and surely had more fun.
Bicycle commuters know few greater joys than smooth pavement, clear skies and a balmy spring morning. Jennifer Jasmin is looking forward to them. Until then, she'll battle ice, slush and disbelieving motorists on her daily ride to work.
She bought her bicycle, a Giant Cypress, in August. It's strong and heavy. It's adorned with reflectors, decorations and political statements, some of which can't be printed in a family newspaper. Her hat says, "Life is Good." Hers is a life--or at least a commute--against the grain. "People at work think I'm crazy. This is probably as close as I come to being a rebel." (Read more.)
Image: Web capture.
Visit: Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips Site
Right. Me too. I really enjoy it! However, the cold weather isn't so much fun in Connecticut. I have no problems with my head, body, hands, torso, or legs - but I just can't keep my feet warm! I have tried toe covers with double layer of wool socks - even sandwich bags inside my shoes, but about 8 miles into my 15 mile each way commute, I lose the feeling in my toes until about 10 minutes after getting inside... Anyone got any good tips on keeping the tootsies warm? (btw I use clipless pedals/shoes)
ReplyDeleteget a warmer hat. 80% of heat loss is through the top of your head.
ReplyDeleteHi Eric S,
ReplyDeleteI just found this Blog, so I hope you find this reply. I commute year round in Boston and feet have also been my main problem. I have even tried the sandwich bags too. I note that you don’t mention neoprene boots that go over the cycling shoes and have holes for the cleats. Those boots along with thick and thin woolen socks are about the ultimate in layering, other than the chemical warmers that I have not found helpful in the past.
I judge my feet by about at which mile I start to notice them. On my 14 mile commute, in about the 20’s degrees Fahrenheit, I note them at around 8 to 10 miles and they might be getting somewhat numb at the end. At about mile 12, I have a downhill run that really drains the heat and I can’t recover it. I have even tried riding my brakes to slow down but who wants to lose that hard-won potential energy?
Sincerely,
Jim from Boston