Took this photo just before starting an 11 mile descent with an 8% grade. Again it was raining and cold. I did my best to keep my speed in the 20s since the road was wet making the descent dangerous. Then I became enveloped in thick fog or a cloud. I only had a few feet of visibility. At the end of the descent my hands were so frozen that I could not feel them.
Rob, Temps in the low 40s are considered prime hypothermia weather here in the North East. Many days hiking we start out at 65F in the low areas and by the time we reach the tree-line, the temps can be 40F with rain and wind. If you are out there without proper clothing, it can be dangerous. Applies to cycling even more with wind chill effects. Stay warm!
Yes,Dan, you are correct. I was prepared. I had on polartec socks and booties, but my shoes had not dried out from the day before. I think the shoes might be ruined, they smell very bad. I had on tights, a long sleeve jersey, two pairs of arm warmers, and rain proof wind jacket. Also head band that covered ears a full finger very warm cycling gloves. The problem was an 11 mile 8% descent that had me feathering the brakes for an hour. The road was wet and dangerous, so I needed to keep my speed in the 20s. I was in either for or a cloud, visibility was less than 20 yards. I think my hand were numb from the pressure on the handlebars as well as the near constant breaking. Would have been much better with the disk brakes on the 29er that I have after you recommended it. Of course, dragging that breast up Beartooth Pass would have been hard, but with the gearing, it might have been better
I ride my 29er almost everywhere. My favorite ride loops might include pavement, gravel roads and muddy single track. I enjoy staying away from traffic. I don’t really care how fast I go. I no longer care about trying to do 5 hour centuries. I’m beginning to enjoy cycling more than ever!
You paid to do this?