I recently overheard someone say that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. This is the kind of statement that makes me want to hate people as a species a little bit. Of course there such a thing as bad weather. There are also bad people (loads of them), bad ideas (even bigger loads of them), bad advice (especially on the internet) and, despite what your mother told you, there certainly are stupid questions.
Despite being so clever as to render itself useless, there is a sentiment behind the claim that should be taken seriously, and that is the notion that if one is to venture out in bad weather, one should give some consideration to dressing appropriately for it. For example, I routinely see photos of Spanish Pros riding the trainer indoors in wooly hats and leggings. I would never ride indoors with leggings because the most redeeming quality of riding indoors is that you get to stare at your guns shamelessly without worry of being spotted doing so.
A Velominatus should take care to ensure they have a complete wardrobe of kit for different kinds of weather; bibs and jerseys, of course, but also arm and knee warmers, gilets, long sleeve jerseys, overshoes, gloves, caps, winter caps, knee warmers and leggings, and even jackets or rain coats depending on where you live and what kind of weather you encounter.
Always remember that the more you’re wearing, the worse you look. That’s not an opinion – that’s science. Perfection starts with bibs and a jersey, tanned guns, and a sweet set of shades. Next in line is the Flandrian Best, but after that, it’s all downhill, ending with the unfortunate invention of thermal bibs. They may be a necessity under some circumstances, just know they look complete crap, so you will too.
Still, its better than not riding, so as you’re getting ready to kit up for the day, I advise you take into account the following considerations.
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@unversio
such a good movie. I remember being so upset at the time that the cute blonde got iced. Now, having seen Gwyneth in other things, the impact is lessened.
@Jon
Dear Jon,
Perhaps English is not your first language. Let me offer some corrections:
What a lot of shite [comma] as usual. You pick up on something somebody has said, then script an article on its premise, by the end of the article your [you're] giving poor advice about bad weather cycling. What a nonce, stay on the turbo and of [off] the roads, your [you're] not welcome round [around] theses [these] parts.
Which "parts" are you referring to?
Remarkably, and appropriately, you spelled "shite" correctly. Its correct usage sums up your post perfectly.
@strathlubnaig
Doon the River Teith..
@Nate
I can't get over how often I see riders around here in full winter kit - thermal tights, jacket, gloves, winter cap - in temperatures above 10 degrees C/50 F. That just can't be comfortable.
@Marcus
Well at least our wildlife doesn't try to kill us on a daily basis and we've more or less avoided cricket. Although our beer is shit.
Goddamn, I needed this!
As a northern at heart, and soul, now living in the Southern U.S. I'm routinely fucking shocked at what I see other cyclists wearing on cool-ish days. I'll have added nothing more than arm warmers and I'll see people in full tights, skull caps, and YJAs. No joke. It's insane. And maddening.
While I actually like living this far south for cycling reasons (I do miss winter sports though), I also can't stand the temperature limitations of the goddamn people. If it goes above 22* they turn on the AC. If it goes below 16* the heat comes on. It's also fucking crazy. As a Northerner, I'm pretty much pumped if it's between 2-27*.
@Marcus
Oi! Dont you be dissing Scotland, boy!
While I'm at it, I also want to fucking club all the fuckface uni undergrads who go around all winter in flip flops and t-shirts. No, I don't dislike them because they're fucking jerks. I want to slap them in the face because that means their dorm room is as warm as an oven, so it's easy to walk to the dining hall in swimwear. The "Harvard of the South" with smart kids and they're always promoting their green initiatives and half of them are probably in Earth Day Club and yet, they couldn't be more selfish when it comes to fossil fuels. Fuck you folks. Oh, and many of them drive hand-me-down SUVs across campus, to the gym...to exercise. Hmm, wouldn't jogging or walking there work as well?
And since we're talking about clothing. I like looking proper on the bike. I also like looking proper off the bike. Nice pants, nice shirt, it's easy.
So who in the hell are all these weirdos with photoblogs not only of PRO cycling but of neon sneakers, hiking boots, food, and espressos? I love cycling photos, but I don't really fucking care about fashion, I don't photograph my food before I eat it, and I don't take snapshots of what I'm drinking.
It is just a very, very strange mix to me, as I couldn't nearly summon the same passion I have for cycling for...this really scrumptious sandwich I made for lunch today. Yeah, me! I can use a toaster and a knife! (In actuality they probably paid for it, since they can't use more than their laptop).
One thing I really love about cycling is how it separates the committed from the dabblers. You either can ride that far at that pace in that weather, or you can't. So who are all these bastards who give a fuck about the new limited editions high tops just released? It's fucking bizarre.
"Nonce" is more English than Scottish. North of the border, I think the preferred term is c*nt. Shite is very Scottish though. Most often applied to the weather.
@Ron
Ron: very quietly, log off, shut down the computer and go for a ride. Inside on the trainer or outside, it doesn't matter. Just go ride and apply loads of V.
"Harvard of the South" That's my Alma Mater, Indiana State Uni, you're talking about, right?