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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I've found an over active thyroid helps, keeps you warm from the inside and also trim.
unfortunately your resting HR is about 90 and you're fooked all the time.
roger
That's a lot of Rapha, dog.
@PeakInTwoYears
String work!
@unversio
You've come a long way, my child.
@frank
Even I am not such a big pussy as that. I bought it as the nuclear option in case it rained during our KT2012 Roubaix riding. It would not be useful on Maui unless riding at the summit on those occasional snowy stormy days. Oye, that's not going to happen.
Between the Nanoflex and Gabba I wear during the late, off, and early season here you would think I was a rolling Castelli billboard....but I wouldn't live without it. It is *litterally* my Flandrian Best.
That said, life may be taking me temporarily out of my adopted home(better not be longer than 3 years, damnit!) and to Atlanta, Ga. where I fear it will be a barren wasteland for cycling(I hear they finally have 50m of bike path now somewhere to the east of the city)...but I am very saddened at this prospect. Though I will have the LvdK to keep me company...though a Vlaams making her way in the US South might be a sight to see =)
Anyone have any opinions on cycling in Atlanta? Seems like the weather should be better most of the year(not necessarily a good thing...). But considering Car is King there...I am concerned with inter-vehicle confabulation.
Cheers,
John
Cheers
@johnthughes
I've been to Atlanta precisely once and know three things about it:
1 - It doesn't have a centre
2 - Large parts of it smell of wee when it rains
3 - There is at least one bike club because I watched them ride past a couple of times
@johnthughes
Because editing isn't possible, I feel I should correct something....it should be a "...Vlaamse making her way...", the LvdK is most definitely now and always has been a woman, I did not mean to imply, by my fledgling grasp her mother tongue, any gender ambiguity.[*please stop hitting me in the head with my dutch book*]
@the Engine
I have been there a number of time for work and because I have some very close friends there. It's basically one of them that is making me an offer I am not sure I can refuse.
Yeah, the work is in the north suburbs(god I even hate typing that word), in Duluth. Though the company and the project are definitely awesome. There is a center, just no one there after 6pm.
I lived in NYC for 11 years...nuff said about wee smells
There are clubs...but no so far I have found start or end their rides at Belgian beer bars...or even bars that serve Belgian beer. I am sorry, I am willing to do lots of things, make exceptions for some things....but no beer immediately after my ride???? That is not acceptable!
Thanks for the input @the Engine!
@johnthughes
Fourth thing - the beer was terrible
Here's some useful advice. Stop giving useful advice!!!
look pro? Unless you are receiving a paycheck for the express purpose of racing your bicycle you're nothing different from all the dweebs wearing the full uniform of their NBA team to the local court.
These are the real Fred's of cycling.
@Robert at what point does the article mention wearing team gear? Have a quick look over at the Rules & you'll notice numbers 16 & 17 are pretty clear about that kind of stuff...