Ah, winter cycling is not as much fun as summer! It takes me about half an hour to get all my kit on in the morning - shoe covers, ski socks, feet warmers, bonnet, helmet, 2 pairs of gloves, and all the other layers to try and stay warm. Today however it was milder. The downside of that? It was wet. I arrived home splattered in light mud from head to foot, front and back. In front from the bikes ahead of me, and at the back from my own bike. However, in the interests of getting a photo for today, before I cleaned my bike and threw all my kit in the washing machine, I set up a wee selfie. Just because.
@helenm2016 Thanks, I set the camera up on a tripod in our garage, which is below ground level - so the POV was easily achieved and the camera stayed dry. I just had to run out and grab the bike for the photo. I can't tell you the number of times I cut off my own head though, photographically speaking!
I love cycling Issi, but I do get frustrated with the car drivers that don't have the patience to just hold back until it's safe to pass and would rather skim past. I've started to take control of the road and don't allow cars the oppertunity to skim past, this frustrates some, but it means they've seen me "sorry pal didn't see you there with all that reflective gear and LED lights". Iv'e had this said a few times over the years.
I'm curious about the feet warmers, my toes are completely numb after about ten miles. I also have fitted a set of full mudguards, makes a real difference, no mud and water up your back and running down onto the saddle. Also, stops water spinning up from the front wheel onto your feet and legs.
I like your selfie, 45 miles in winter conditions is an acheivement.
That's such a well done selfie I didn't think it was a selfie. I relate your smile to my own satisfaction at doing an outdoor activity in trying conditions because, when it was done, there was no doubt the experience was been better than not doing it.
@gamelee Yes, I need to get mudguards, I just never quite get round to it. I suffer from cold feet and hands in winter (despite my ski socks and goretex foot covers), and have only recently started using foot warmers. They are great and will last 8 hours. The heat is not excessive, but enough to keep your toes from freezing. I got mine on Amazon - 'The Heat Company', they come in pairs. They are sticky backed and I put them on my sock, on top of the toes. I don't know if they're environmentally friendly or not, but they work for me. I haven't yet used the hand warmers, (although I have some), as I wear ski gloves and silk liners in winter and so far have been ok with that. I cycle with a group on Wednesday mornings, and as we all stick together, I feel it's a bit safer with respect to cars - difficult not to see a group of 7-8 cyclists. However, I am very wary of falling off or being knocked off. Our daughter recently was knocked off by a car. She was lucky. She got away with stitches in her face, a broken tooth and a broken arm. I know it could have been worse. It's a great sport, but there are dangers, for sure.
My Son & Daughter in law are mad keen on cycling and like you have all the gear, but I would rather have comfort every time. She (Jan) is doing the London to Paris ride later on this year.
Have your read the book Miles from Nowhere? (I think that's the title) about the cyclists who bicycled the world? It is wonderful -- a diary filled with storytelling. I'm impressed with your stamina and grit!!
I admire your commitment to this activity. I certainly would rather see a group of riders when I'm driving than come upon just one. Sometimes I come upon that one too quickly.
You are amazing, cycling no matter what the conditions. What a trooper. And then to come home and take a selfie after all that exercise, well, that's devotion to the cause. Love your radiant smile!
@taffy Thanks for that Taffy - I just ordered the book to be delivered to me when I'm back in the UK next week. I usually read on Kindle, but I'm hoping there might be a few photos in this book, so opted for the 'real' book. :-)
January 23rd, 2017
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I'm curious about the feet warmers, my toes are completely numb after about ten miles. I also have fitted a set of full mudguards, makes a real difference, no mud and water up your back and running down onto the saddle. Also, stops water spinning up from the front wheel onto your feet and legs.
I like your selfie, 45 miles in winter conditions is an acheivement.
Great selfie Issi!