Cycling Sisters

From the cyclesis listserve:
So what kind of gear do you suggest for cold/wet/snowy weather biking? (...) I get cold really easily--I'm pretty small and the chill just goes
right through me. Fingers always, always cold. OF course, I get real
sweaty, too, so I'm not sure about the heavy stuff I've already got. -stirfrybunny

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I've biked through two winters now. I have found that the key isn't to wear really warm stuff, but rather to make
sure that every piece of skin is covered by something. You generate a lot of heat biking, so you just need a layer that can keep this in and a way to keep the wind from stealing your heat. I run cold, and have Reynauds(over-reaction to cold) and still find this to be true.

Here is my typical riding gear:

cool weather:
helmet, silk scarf over head and ears; long sleve breathable, moisture wicking shirt (no cotton! you'll
freeze when it gets wet with sweat); lightweight full finger gloves; light weight pants; I add socks under my
sandles.

cold weather:
a little thicker hat that still fits under helmet, scarf over face or belaclava (sp?); light weight
breathable shirt with a breathable windproof jacket; wrist warmers (I have found these to lead to a significant reduction in cold hands); warm windproof gloves;
lightweight pants overlain with windproof breathable pants;
actual shoes.

really cold weather:
helmet; belaclava; scarf; goggles to
cover the last two inches of exposed skin on my face; moisture-wicking warm base layer (or two) covered by
lightweight windproof jacket; wrist warmers, ski mittens; longjohns, pants, wind pants; double layer of socks - one thick warm pair and one "seal skins" made for keeping water out but also good at keeping warm in and wind out; warm
shoes.

I have experienced days where it is a nice balmy spring day inside my layers and in the negatives outside. It is really fun to bike by and watch the poor ducks and geese trying to
tuck their feet up out of the cold when you feel warm and
comfortable! - Keri