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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Friday, 5 April 2013

Whether to weather the weather - or Not?



Mice Log 95. 17.07 miles in 1hr 29. 11.4 average speed with 20.7 max on the Marin - to Marylebone via Hyde Park.

Last night I was cycling in -6. This morning it was about 2 degrees with strong winds. The Man from Evans said he wasn't going to ride a bike today.  I wondered what he would have done last night!

Weathering the weather on a bicycle is all about the balance with forecasts and wardrobe. It's the sort of finesse that would impress someone conducting an orchestra.  If you get it right - it's magical. Transporting, mood changing and life enhancing. The bike ride is fantastic. You don't notice the weather.  If you get it nearly right - it is still fantastic. The odd little tweak doesn't affect the overall performance. However, if you get it really wrong - it's grating, stressful, it puts you on edge and the element of fun runs away like nails being dragged down a blackboard. 

Staying warm and dry are where it's at. It has been a bit of a trial and error but I have a better idea of what works for me along with emergency wardrobe items like a windcheater, a spare winter top,  a gilet, a spare pair of socks, a buff (to pull over your ears) and a pair of waterproof over trousers can make the difference between an extravaganza on two wheels or wanting your money back.     




If only I could read clouds! The sky this evening was stunning but I have absolutely no clue as to what it is going to be like tomorrow! 

One day weather predictions will be 100% accurate - but not necessarily anytime soon!  Until then websites like metcheck.com metcheck and the BBC are worth watching.  I used to look at xcweather  but it was too far off the mark.    And keeping up with the wardrobe and weather keeps me on my bike! Whoop! Whoop!  No better place to be! 

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