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:

Nothing says "Please don't hit me!" quite like a festooned helmet. It increases visibility and improves the friendly wave to hostile honk ratio. It's easy to decorate vented helmets--twist ties and pipe cleaners can attach all kinds of doodads. Some tips: 1) Use waterproof materials (I once had some fake flowers melt during a heavy rain.) 2) Try on your masterpiece at different stages during construction, checking to see that it doesn't restrict visibility or weigh too much. 3) Think about the wind--make sure everything is secured well and oriented aerodynamically. (Not that there is anything aerodynamic about piling a bunch of stuff on your head.

Cycling brought women a whole new world: freedom. Able to wear clothes to breathe and move in, and enjoy outdoors!

Here are some of my tips for clothing while cycling. I expect that there will be LOTS of postings in this category since everyone has their own style and opinions on the topic!