Andybg Nomad Mk1

[Danneaux]

Riding through 4-6 inches of fresh snow is damn hard work to the point of being impossible. Unless you are almost putting in spint power you are going so slow that it is hard to control the bike.

Riding at speed (20kmh) on tyre tracks is extremely difficult and as soon as you veer into the fresh snow it is almost like doing an emergency stop (but less controlled)

Andy, this is spot-on with my own experience, especially here in Oregon's Southern Willamette Valley, where the snow falls wet, melts, recrusts, and then gets snowed on again. The tire (tyre) tracks are almost the worst...like riding in a box, and if you hit the sides...down you go (or nearly so; takes real watching, which is fatiguing as well).

It sure puts one's senses on High Alert, though. Makes y'feel alive! Till you almost aren't, anyway. Please do be careful, Andy; I'd hate to hear of you getting hurt if car traffic doesn't have quite as good traction as you do on the Nomad.

Loving the Wintry Ride Reports!

All the best,

Dan. (...who worries cars sometimes won't do as well on the slippery-slick as you do!)

[peter jenkins]

Well, it's summer here in Australia but we might need to take notice of this thread as it's snowing down where Il Padrone hangs out.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-05/snow-storm-visits-victorias-north-east/4409366

38 deg Celsius where I live, though.

Cheers,

pj

[Danneaux]

it's snowing down where Il Padrone hangs out.

Peter! That's...well, that's just incredible.

38 deg Celsius where I live, though.

Equally amazing! I thought we were having strange weather up here in the States, but I don't think we can hold a candle to your two extremes Down Under.

Thanks for the ABC link!

All the best,

Dan. (...who's left wondering "What's next?")

[jags]

Man oh man no snow yet but plenty frost and ice and is it cold 
yes freez the n...s of a brass monkey
i'm staying indoors.

[Andybg]

It is cold here Jags and it has taken me 3 years to acclimitise to the weather and sort out the right clothes for the job. I can now go out in anything down to -40 and stay toastie warm. If anyone is interested in my findings I am more than happy to post what works for me to stay warm

Andy

[jags]

yes andy i am post away please ,i have to go to london next monday funeral.
and i believe its e ven colder over there

[Andybg]

A few arty pictures out in the cold:::

[Andybg]

Hi Jags

The best way I have found to stay warm which also gives a lot of flexibility for heating up (on climbs) and cooling down (downhill runs) is to layer up with as many thin tight fitting layers as possible.

When I am out on the bike I wear the following

Neoprene "wetsuit" socks
Karrimor trail running shoes
Crivit Thermal base layer (tight fitting very warm and very easy to move in)
Karrimor Running trousers
Unknown make winter riding long sleve jersey
North Face Windproof Jacket
Karrimor Balaclava (only if sub 15 or so)
Karrimor Runnung Hat
No Name snood which is excellent (either round my neck to cool down when climbing or full face cover for downhills)

Also have a Karrimor Rain coat for on top if I get caught out in the rain but this time of year it is normaly too cold for rain

Andy

[jags]

Cheers Andy yeah that lot should keep you toasty warm is the wetsuit socks over your shoes..
to be honest i can keep warm enough on the bike i ware two base layers long sleeve one of which is marino .
thermal socks
altura waterproof overshoes
scull cap under my helmet.
longs are assos excellent but expensive.(pressie from the wife)
corrine dennis stormproof jacket
gilet
fleece gloves.
so thats me sorted on the bike ,but not for everyday usual stuff
feet and legs are the problem will have to get that sorted.
cheers Andy.

jags

[Andybg]

An forgot the gloves:

Either:

Karrimor running gloves (good for cold and rain)
Thinsulate winter gloves (a bit bulky and not very waterprrof but oh so warm)

Andy

[Andybg]

No the wet suit socks are worn as socks under my shoes. They are 3mm neoprene so fit ok as long as your shoes are a comfy fit. They keep your feet wet but warm vey similar to sealskinz socks but at a fraction of the cost.

I would have gone for overshoes but not running spd shoes/pedals it is an issue

Andy

[jags]

ah my shoes are a bit on the tight side for heavy socks,i do ware the sealskinz but you defo need an extra pair of socks with them useless at keeping feet warm on there own.

[Andybg]

A quick picture of the bike defrosting in the Garage. Fortunately my garage complex is under the house and partly underground so it never get too cold so always good for defrosting vehicles:

[Andybg]

And will atach the photo this time................

[Danneaux]

Andy...

This is Art.

All the best,

Dan. (...who has an eye for Art and knows it when he sees it  )