March 1st training ride

We blasted down i-88 and arrived on time at the meeting point in my old house in Sycamore,IL. We had received some more snow overnight and I decided to take the Gunnar 29er Singlespeed. We spotted A.G and the Blue Demon riding down Peace rd and then we all met just on time. Waiting out in the freezing cold is not fun. We rode north then west then south then north again. Dave and I ended the day with 34 miles. My lungs were on fire towards the end. The wind was blowing at 20mph steady, the temps were at 16 degrees and my body was starting to really ache. I was glad the ride was over and it felt good to sit in the truck and grab some coffee. If you didn't ride on this day I don't blame you. Better days will come with some much needed warmth and humidity. 
best, 
Ari 

The blue demon with his bags that he might use on TI. 

A.G. left Dave on the right. 

A.G on her Karate Monkey. 

Super Blue Demon and Dave

You can see the wear and tear of the winter in my eyes. 

Long , straight, desolate roads with roaring winds.
 

Riding in the Cold. The trend as of late

Our group had set out a well thought program to get everyone in shape and up to speed. Then.....we received the worst winter I can remember. Suddenly getting to work and back became a challenge. I dug out stuff I hadn't used in years. My old Oakley Ski pants, my Craft Merino wool long johns and a host of other hard core winter stuff. 
On January 6th we experienced one of the, if not THE, coldest day of this winter. It was really cold as I rode east bound to the shop. I felt ok. I took short, even breaths and I finally made my 3 mile voyage. 
At 6pm I saddled up and noticed the flags were stiff and the wind was blasting straight out of the west. The temps had dipped to -14 and the winds were at 30mph giving us and awesome -48 windchill. I got on my bike and started pedalling. I knew it was wrong but I figured I would make the 3 miles. Within a 1/2 mile I knew I was getting into trouble. At .79 miles my lungs seized up and I felt like I was choking. I undid my wrappings and struggled for air. 
The cold air felt worse. I covered my mouth again and tried warming up the air with my mitten. I looked around and saw lights at a house. I had to bail, I thought. In that moment a man was crossing the tracks with his truck. I flagged him down and let him know I was unable to breath. He was kind enough to load my bike and bring me back to the shop. There is more to the story but I will tell you later. 
Good friend Guitar Ted sent me a Cold Avenger mask in the mail. This mask is windproof and the respirator in front makes the air you breath in warm and moist. I have been wearing this mask every day since Saturday since the temps have been so brutal. With my Asthma this is huge. I don't have to be scared of breathing the dry, cold air. My daughter and I have been walking to school everyday since my wife needs to use the car to work and then pick her up. Thank you Guitar Ted for this valuable item. 
I also received a link from Jakey La Cruz with riding in the cold. Lots of valuable info and below you will find the links. 
As for my clothing here is the list that has been my 
standard for commuting in the freezer:
Cotton T-shirt
cotton Underwear
Craft wool long johns
Oakley Ski/Snowboard pants
Patagonia Micro Puff hooded jacket
Cashmere wool button up Sweater
liner gloves
Wool Mittens
Cold Avenger Mask 
Carhart Wool hat
Wool Socks
Lake Boots 
http://www.skratchlabs.com/blogs/news/7190600-exercising-in-the-cold-of-winter-by-allen-lim

http://coldavenger.com/

http://charlytri.blogspot.com/2012/02/cold-avenger-recap.html

The cold avenger. It does fog up my glasses. So, I ride without them. 

This does not work. Air coming in is cold and dry. 

The heat coming off the top of the mask keeps my eyes warm

My go to bike with the snow. 26" wheels. Nokian Studded tires. Snowmobile Mitts. Fenders for the salty slush.
Insulated bottles with warm/hot water in case I need a warm up. Next, I am purchasing a Stanley thermos for my waterbottle cage.


thanks Guitar Ted, thanks Cold Avenger, Thanks Charly Tri.

Stay warm and safe,
Spring is around the corner,

Hammer,

Ari 

Dreaming of Iowa Gravel while stuck in the Suburbs

This is from a recent trip with the wife and daughter. Riding out there is life changing. 
Ari