Cycling in New England (or anywhere it gets cold) is tough over the winter months.  You must deal with the cold, the rain/snow, the wind, and the ice.  Not sure what to do about ice, but I do have tips on the prior three.   Here is what I have learned so far:

Tip #1: Goggles!!!  Scrap the sunglasses and try your ski goggles.  I find they keep my eyes and head warmer.  The goggles fit well with my standard helmet.

Tip#2: Pay up for gloves.  I admit, my first couple attempts were on the frugal side.  Tried the snowboarding gloves in the closet…no good.  Tried multiple layers of running gloves….no good.  The issue was wind and water getting in.  Finally made the purchased that changed everything about my cold wet hands.  The Barrier Lobster Gloves from Pearl Izumi are wonderful.  I couldn’t be happier.  Hands are toasty and dry.  The “lobster” fingers allow easy shifting.  They are also a bit long, which helps keep the wrists and forearms comfortable.  I like them so much I just bought their Barrier line shoe covers.  I will come back with a review on those.

Tip #3: Layer Layer Layer.  You can always take one off.  Start out a bit on the cooler side though.

Tip #4: A head sock with a neck warmer for the real cold days.

Tip #5: Stay Dry with Gortex shells!!!  Sounds like a no brainer, but any body part wet will destroy your ride when the temp get low.  For now I have been fine with my Gortex Snowboarding jacket and pants.  Over time I will buy some Gore gear for cycling.

Tip #6: Avoid a motorcycle helmet and goggle combination when biking in the cold.  To warm in my view.  I experienced sweat-ice build up inside the goggles, which was a pain.

Hope this helps my fellow winter cyclist!

Ride Safe,

David

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