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Date: 13 Sep 2005 09:41:22
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Winter Triking
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Hello All, Preface: Ed, I have no ability to exclude you from this thread but I would request that you not contribute to it. As always you are free to do as you wish but I have made my request. Main Topic: I have been commuting to the train station by Trike (3.5 miles to the station, anywhere between 3.5 and 12 miles home depending on the route) since June. I would like to continue this throughout the winter. Does anyone have some ideas on how to dress. The problems I foresee are: 1. Obviously I must keep warm 2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding because I'm all wet and now getting cold. 3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't get to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get off the train. 4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of days. Any opinions from experienced winter riders (with one notable exception) are welcome and appreciated. I also need some suggestions for Fall and Spring when the weather isn't quite as cold as December - ch. For those of you that don't know I live about 25 miles from New York City. Thanks, Jeff
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Date: 10 Oct 2005 17:27:26
From: Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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Jeff Grippe wrote: > ... > Maybe if I got really good at folding the Greenspeed GT3 and got some sort > of a luggage cart for it I could sneak it on the train in its folded state. > I still think that if I did it every day, the railroad would complain. > > Being able to take a vehicle on the train would be great. See <http://rrbike.freeservers.com/ >. ;) -- Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley "Great Ford! yawl smelling your clivus? pew! a unique event or transient actionable intelligence? unclog!" - G. Daniels
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Date: 23 Sep 2005 16:12:54
From: Sunset Lowracer [TM] Fanatic
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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Edward Dolan wrote: > > Perry Butler of Alexandria, Minnesota does not have a clue about how to > dress for cycling in the winter time. I just about died laughing about his > solution to cold feet. Listen to this bozo and you will freeze to death. > > The secret to riding a bike in the Minnesota winter is to dress like an > Eskimo. Anything less than that is nuts. I am still waiting for the SPuD compatible Sorel Caribou [1]. I rode a bike (Peugeot P-8) to school in Wisconsin everyday back in the early 1980's (pre global warming and the resulting more mild Midwestern winters), and I just wore a windbreaker over a sweatshirt [2]. I never had a problem staying warm as long as I covered my face and hands properly. If I had worn a regular winter jacket I would have overheated. [1] <http://sorel.com/footwear/mens/NM1000.html >. [2] On my upper body, so no st reks about not wearing pants! -- Tom Sherman - Fox River Valley
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Date: 23 Sep 2005 00:26:51
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote in message news:11idlpaetvh32ad@news.supernews.com... > Hello All, > > Preface: > > Ed, I have no ability to exclude you from this thread but I would request > that you not contribute to it. As always you are free to do as you wish > but I have made my request. Now that this thread has died and gone to hell, is it OK if I contribute to it? > Main Topic: > > I have been commuting to the train station by Trike (3.5 miles to the > station, anywhere between 3.5 and 12 miles home depending on the route) > since June. > > I would like to continue this throughout the winter. Does anyone have some > ideas on how to dress. The problems I foresee are: > > 1. Obviously I must keep warm > > 2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding > because I'm all wet and now getting cold. > > 3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't > get to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get > off the train. > > 4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of > days. > > Any opinions from experienced winter riders (with one notable exception) > are welcome and appreciated. Dress like an Eskimo and forget how you are going to look. Take it from someone who has ridden a bike for 20 years in Minnesota winters. A fashion plate you will never be. Besides, we humans all look like dorks anyway. The only difference between us is that I look like a 150 lb. dork and you look like a 250 lb. dork. Sweat up a storm and be proud of it. There is nothing finer in this world than being cold and clammy from sweat. I am that way all the time, winter or summer. Try not to be such a sissy, why don't you? -- Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota aka Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
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Date: 23 Sep 2005 08:58:42
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"Edward Dolan" <edolan@iw.net > wrote in message news:sLidnQq4cN2BD67eRVn-gw@prairiewave.com... > > "Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com> wrote in message > news:11idlpaetvh32ad@news.supernews.com... >> Hello All, >> >> Preface: >> >> Ed, I have no ability to exclude you from this thread but I would request >> that you not contribute to it. As always you are free to do as you wish >> but I have made my request. > > Now that this thread has died and gone to hell, is it OK if I contribute > to it? > If you're asking my permission, I have no authority to grant any. If you're asking if I welcome you to this discussion the answer is no. That having been said you go your own way as always.
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Date: 13 Sep 2005 14:34:35
From:
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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Jeff, First of all I live three miles outside of Evansville, Minnesota between Fergus Falls and Alexandria. We're 85 miles from Fargo, but I avoid Fargo at all costs! I commute 7.4 miles to Ashby where I teach. I will commute til the temp's get below about 10 degrees. This area is one hill after another with lots of trees so winds off the prairie are not a problem like they can be just 30 miles away. This area is gorgeous biking! When we lived in Ashby (pop 465) I rode my MTB all winter long, but two years ago we moved to the country so this will be my third winter commuting to school. Head: Below 40 I wear a balaclava. Below freezing I add additional ear covers and wear downhill skiing goggles. I found the skiing goggles made all the difference in the world. Body: Thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer!!!!!!!!!!!!! I start with a short sleeve wicking T, long sleeve wicking T, thin wicking fleece sweater and then a breathing shell. I found if I want to be wet, cold and clammy Gore-Tex will not breath fast enough for me. I bought a Gore-Tex shell a year ago thinking maybe they have worked out the problems but I still was soaked after using it. Gore-Tex products are easy to sell though! Besides it doesn't rain below freezing. Legs: Below 40 I wear fall running tights. Below freezing I add fleece tights and below 20 I will add a shell. Shoes: I once rode in the winter on my MTB with boots until I slipped off the pedals and ................... I then went to riding with my SPD MTB shoes but my feet always got cold. For the past 6 years I have been riding with my Shimano sandals with super thick StWool socks. I used to use a silk sock and then wool socks but found my feet were warmer with StWool socks. Too may socks can also make your feet cold by compressing the insulation. When it gets below freezing I add foam booties over the socks. I have no problem with my feet being cold riding like this. I did buy a pair of SealSkin socks but found the moisture could not escape and they actually made my feet colder. YMMV. There are many on BROL and here that also ride all winter with sandals and foam booties. The key is to NOT compress the socks underneath the foam booties. A biker over in Dalton that I met on the way to school a couple of times last winter purchased a pair of MTB shoes that were made for extremely cold weather but I don't remember the brand. He was shocked to see me in sandals and booties that 20 degree day. I find biking in the winter very stimulating! Enjoy, Perry B Jeff Grippe wrote: > Hello All, > > Preface: > > Ed, I have no ability to exclude you from this thread but I would request > that you not contribute to it. As always you are free to do as you wish but > I have made my request. > > Main Topic: > > I have been commuting to the train station by Trike (3.5 miles to the > station, anywhere between 3.5 and 12 miles home depending on the route) > since June. > > I would like to continue this throughout the winter. Does anyone have some > ideas on how to dress. The problems I foresee are: > > 1. Obviously I must keep warm > > 2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding > because I'm all wet and now getting cold. > > 3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't get > to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get off the > train. > > 4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of days. > > Any opinions from experienced winter riders (with one notable exception) are > welcome and appreciated. > > I also need some suggestions for Fall and Spring when the weather isn't > quite as cold as December - ch. > > For those of you that don't know I live about 25 miles from New York City. > > Thanks, > > Jeff
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Date: 23 Sep 2005 00:38:42
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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<perryb67@yahoo.com > wrote in message news:1126647275.332385.193710@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com... > Jeff, > > First of all I live three miles outside of Evansville, Minnesota > between Fergus Falls and Alexandria. We're 85 miles from Fargo, but I > avoid Fargo at all costs! > > I commute 7.4 miles to Ashby where I teach. I will commute til the > temp's get below about 10 degrees. This area is one hill after another > with lots of trees so winds off the prairie are not a problem like they > can be just 30 miles away. This area is gorgeous biking! > > When we lived in Ashby (pop 465) I rode my MTB all winter long, but two > years ago we moved to the country so this will be my third winter > commuting to school. > > > Head: Below 40 I wear a balaclava. Below freezing I add additional > ear covers and wear downhill skiing goggles. I found the skiing > goggles made all the difference in the world. > > Body: Thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin layer, thin > layer, thin layer, thin layer!!!!!!!!!!!!! I start with a short sleeve > wicking T, long sleeve wicking T, thin wicking fleece sweater and then > a breathing shell. I found if I want to be wet, cold and clammy > Gore-Tex will not breath fast enough for me. I bought a Gore-Tex shell > a year ago thinking maybe they have worked out the problems but I still > was soaked after using it. Gore-Tex products are easy to sell though! > Besides it doesn't rain below freezing. > > Legs: Below 40 I wear fall running tights. Below freezing I add fleece > tights and below 20 I will add a shell. > > Shoes: I once rode in the winter on my MTB with boots until I slipped > off the pedals and ................... I then went to riding with my > SPD MTB shoes but my feet always got cold. For the past 6 years I have > been riding with my Shimano sandals with super thick StWool socks. > I used to use a silk sock and then wool socks but found my feet were > warmer with StWool socks. Too may socks can also make your feet cold > by compressing the insulation. > > When it gets below freezing I add foam booties over the socks. I have > no problem with my feet being cold riding like this. I did buy a pair > of SealSkin socks but found the moisture could not escape and they > actually made my feet colder. YMMV. There are many on BROL and here > that also ride all winter with sandals and foam booties. The key is to > NOT compress the socks underneath the foam booties. > > A biker over in Dalton that I met on the way to school a couple of > times last winter purchased a pair of MTB shoes that were made for > extremely cold weather but I don't remember the brand. He was shocked > to see me in sandals and booties that 20 degree day. Perry Butler of Alexandria, Minnesota does not have a clue about how to dress for cycling in the winter time. I just about died laughing about his solution to cold feet. Listen to this bozo and you will freeze to death. The secret to riding a bike in the Minnesota winter is to dress like an Eskimo. Anything less than that is nuts. Thus spake Zarathustra! -- Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota aka Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota
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Date: 13 Sep 2005 12:07:19
From: Jon Meinecke
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote > [winter commute] > 1. Obviously I must keep warm > > 2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding > because I'm all wet and now getting cold. > > 3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't get > to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get off the > train. I'm a cold weather wimp rider. If it's much under 35F, I don't often ride. Without the third wheel, I'm also kept indoors by even small amounts of frozen wet stuff on the road. Even those restrictions, I do a fair amount of riding through the N. Texas winter. Since you have a "mixed-mode" commute, you may have some "fashion" preferences, %^) -- i.e., do you want to ride the train looking like a cyclist? What do you wear in the summer? A jogging suit (jacket/pants) or other street clothing that you can pull-on over the bike clothes might be desirable. Do you have storage available for your trike at the station? If so, perhaps you can cache some "street clothes" or additional layers there. If the train is very warm, you will likely want clothes you can "vent" easily. For lower body, some men don't like wearing long tights (Mel Brooks' Robin Hood, notwithstanding). So you have a two choices, go tight fit or go loose fit. For tight fit there are a number of winter weight cycling or running tights (Hind Arctic, for instance). I layer over that, fleece or other synthetic pants, nylon wind pants and/or rain pants (breathable fabric or not) as required for warmth and wet weather protection. For loose fit, I start with the fleece or synthetic pants. Add an layer of wicking long underwear as required for warmth. There are lots of choices of weights and materials for long underwear. Add the wind pants or rain pants as required. For upper body, a tight wicking layer is desirable. The Under Armor compression shirts are nice, but some people may find them too constricting. Many people like long sleeve bike jerseys as a first layer. I prefer less expensive long sleeve wicking t- and turtleneck shirts. On top of that as required come wool or fleece shirt/sweater and top it off with wind breaker or rain shell (breathable fabric parka). There's a relatively new category of jackets known as "soft shells" These are not waterproof, but quite water and wind resistant and incorporate a thin layer or insulation. > 4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of days. Yes, and a hat and/or ear protection. I have a fleece cap with ear flaps that fits under my helmet. Add a wool scarf to breath through. I haven't ridden my SWB much in the winter,-- mainly my Tour Easy with front fairing (windscreen). My hands stick out from behind my fairing a bit, so I use neoprene gloves. I wear heavy wool socks, but my feet are behind the fairing and stay warm and dry. > I also need some suggestions for Fall and Spring when the > weather isn't quite as cold as December - ch. Simply adjust the layers, more/fewer, thicker/thinner. My favorite sources for these layers are Campmor and Sierra Trading Post (both available on-line). I don't generally go for bike- specific clothing. I've also found Merino wool pull-overs and fleece shirts on close-out at chain and local department stores. Shop out of season. Campmor has an outlet in NJ, maybe not too far for a day trip to bargain hunt... > [re: YNW] We aren't in Kansas any more.... Toto's done his job to reveal the little man behind the curtain. Ignore both him and his Oz and the flying monkeys, too. There are no SPD-compatible red slippers. Jon Meinecke
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Date: 13 Sep 2005 13:59:41
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"Jon Meinecke" <jonmein@nospam.net > wrote in message news:1126631088.a98f649aca2ce18828c3f473ecc07219@teranews... > Since you have a "mixed-mode" commute, you may have > some "fashion" preferences, %^) -- i.e., do you want to ride > the train looking like a cyclist? What do you wear in the > summer? I don't care what I look like on the train. Comfort is top priority. The train will be well heated but the platform will not be. The 20 minute walk from the train station to my office will also be outdoors. I'm starting to get the idea that several light layers along with a shell if needed is going to be the way to go. I think that from what I'm understanding, the layer closest to my skin is going to be thin and tight so that it pulls the moisture away from my skin. I'll probably wimp out when there is snow on the ground but I'd like to be able to ride on days when it is merely cold. Thanks for the advice. Jeff
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Date: 13 Sep 2005 15:30:14
From: Mike Rice
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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On Tue, 13 Sep 2005 09:41:22 -0400, "Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote: >Hello All, > >Preface: > >Ed, I have no ability to exclude you from this thread but I would request >that you not contribute to it. As always you are free to do as you wish but >I have made my request. > >Main Topic: > >I have been commuting to the train station by Trike (3.5 miles to the >station, anywhere between 3.5 and 12 miles home depending on the route) >since June. > >I would like to continue this throughout the winter. Does anyone have some >ideas on how to dress. The problems I foresee are: > >1. Obviously I must keep warm > >2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding >because I'm all wet and now getting cold. > >3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't get >to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get off the >train. > >4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of days. > >Any opinions from experienced winter riders (with one notable exception) are >welcome and appreciated. > >I also need some suggestions for Fall and Spring when the weather isn't >quite as cold as December - ch. > >For those of you that don't know I live about 25 miles from New York City. > >Thanks, > >Jeff > Hi Jeff I don't know if you saw the 'man creates bubble bike' post from Tom Sherman some time back, so I'm re-posting it below. Last time I checked the links were still active. This may be more elaborate a solution than you are looking for, but I found it interesting. Indiana Mike *************************************************** flash_j_95060@yahoo.com wrote: > Man creates bubble bike > January 24, 2005 (Hobart, Wis.) - Sub-zero weather may be too cold > for even skiers, but it's just fine for one Wisconsin man who invented > a bubble bike to beat the elements. > Bike rider Bob Doster didn't want to put away his bike until spring, so > he created a cycle just right for riding in Wisconsin's bitter winters. > What he's come up with is a bubble bike. A tadpole-shaped shell > surrounds a tricycle running gear and protects Doster from the > elements. He says riding inside on an exercise bike was excruciatingly > boring. So, he came up with a way to ride outside, year-around. He says > he keeps so warm inside his bubble bike he has to ride in summer > clothes. ABC 7 A picture of Bob Doster's faired trike [1] can be found on the Hellbent Cycles [2] website. There is a promise of free plans for the fairing being made available. Another article about this trike is at <http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/news/archive/local_19225196.shtml >. [1] <http://www.hellbentcycles.com/CompleteSide1small.jpg > or <http://www.hellbentcycles.com/whats_new.htm > [2] Company for sale: <http://www.hellbentcycles.com/investors.htm >. -- Tom Sherman - Earth
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Date: 13 Sep 2005 08:05:09
From:
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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> 1. Obviously I must keep warm Wear lightweight, wicking clothing in layers. I'm comfy riding down to about 30F in warm tights, long-sleeve "underarmor"-type shirt, long-sleeve jersey and light, breathable running jacket. Sometimes I add an extra long-sleeve running shirt over the jersey. Ski gloves or similar, with liners/shells as needed for temp/sweat/rain management, are good. Feet are hard - last winter I went to extra-large sandals with liners, heavy socks and sealskins. It worked pretty well for short rides (< 10 miles) down into the low 30's. > 2. I tend to sweat when I ride. I don't want to freeze once I stop riding > because I'm all wet and now getting cold. See above. The more sweat you lose through your clothes while riding the less you'll chill after. Get the sweat off your body - *don't* wear a heavy "winter" coat for riding unless the temps are well below freezing (say, less than 20F). > 3. While I can bring along a change of clothes it is likely that I won't get > to change until I get to work and I have a 20 minute walk once I get off the > train. You can carry an extra jacket in your bag and layer it on as needed. This might be a good place for a rain shell, which is otherwise a miserable thing to wear in my experience. Since most shells breathe very little, they tend to keep you hot - you can put it on when you start feeling chilly and warm up quickly. > 4. I assume I'll need some sort of face protection for the coldest of days. I like a lightweight balaclava, pulled up over my nose. It keeps my face warm and warms the air I'm breathing. If it's too heavy I trouble breathing through it. I usually pull it down after the first 5 minutes or so, because by then I'm warmer than I want to be. Under it I wear a medium-weight skullcap that keeps my ears warm - when I pull the balaclava up over my nose, it folds out at about the temples and creates little air scoops that funnel cold air back to my ears. > Any opinions from experienced winter riders (with one notable exception) are > welcome and appreciated. > > I also need some suggestions for Fall and Spring when the weather isn't > quite as cold as December - ch. Same as above, just less of it. I wear light tights and a jacket in the mornings now (mid-50's) and will switch to the warm tights and long-sleeved jerseys when AM temps are in the 40's. > For those of you that don't know I live about 25 miles from New York City. I live in Seattle, so I have no info about riding in snow - I've ridden in 1", once, for under a mile (microclimate on a riverside bike path). Your temps may also get colder than mine, but the principle is the same - light layers, and you should feel cool for the first few minutes of riding. I get the strangest looks waiting for the bus in the dark, in the low 40's, with my jacket open, jersey unzipped and balaclava pulled down so I can cool off (after only a 3-mile ride)! > Thanks, > > Jeff
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Date: 06 Oct 2005 23:35:42
From: PHQ
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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Ah, nice to see another winter warrior! I ride on days so cold, the polar bears hide. I dress like I'm goint out to ski - goggles and all. I ride a two-headed mountain bike called the Hammer Head.... http://www.atomiczombie.com/book-bonanza.htm Shown midway down the page. It is a blast to take it down the ski hill, or pull a sled behind it. I normally prefer recumbents, but in the winter it's nice to be up higher as gassers are not really looking for you. Cheers!
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Date: 07 Oct 2005 14:06:35
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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My problem (suggestions and solutions are most welcome) is that I have a 3.5 mile ride followed by a 40 minute train ride in a well heated train, followed by a 20 minute walk (back out in the elements). I almost always sweat when I ride and if I can't quickly peel those layers I will certainly sweat on the train. If I sweat a lot then my walk will be most unpleasent. Same set of problems in reverse although I don't think sweat will be a problem on the walk. Thanks, Jeff PS Very cool bikes... Do you know anything about building velomobiles? "PHQ" <d@c.com > wrote in message news:Xns96E7C72A627C9ddcom@24.66.94.159... > Ah, nice to see another winter warrior! I ride on days so cold, the polar > bears hide. I dress like I'm goint out to ski - goggles and all. I ride a > two-headed mountain bike called the Hammer Head.... > > http://www.atomiczombie.com/book-bonanza.htm > > Shown midway down the page. It is a blast to take it down the ski hill, or > pull a sled behind it. I normally prefer recumbents, but in the winter > it's > nice to be up higher as gassers are not really looking for you. > > Cheers! >
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Date: 07 Oct 2005 20:31:59
From: ATZ
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"Jeff Grippe" <jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote in news:11kdebcf9dhk9ee@news.supernews.com: > My problem (suggestions and solutions are most welcome) is that I have > a 3.5 mile ride followed by a 40 minute train ride in a well heated > train, followed by a 20 minute walk (back out in the elements). I > almost always sweat when I ride and if I can't quickly peel those > layers I will certainly sweat on the train. If I sweat a lot then my > walk will be most unpleasent. Same set of problems in reverse although > I don't think sweat will be a problem on the walk. > > Thanks, > > Jeff > > PS > > Very cool bikes... > > Do you know anything about building velomobiles? > > "PHQ" <d@c.com> wrote in message > news:Xns96E7C72A627C9ddcom@24.66.94.159... >> Ah, nice to see another winter warrior! I ride on days so cold, the >> polar bears hide. I dress like I'm goint out to ski - goggles and >> all. I ride a two-headed mountain bike called the Hammer Head.... >> >> http://www.atomiczombie.com/book-bonanza.htm >> >> Shown midway down the page. It is a blast to take it down the ski >> hill, or pull a sled behind it. I normally prefer recumbents, but in >> the winter it's >> nice to be up higher as gassers are not really looking for you. >> >> Cheers! >> > > > I see! Wouldn't want to haul a large trike onto the train. Thanks - building bikes is a damn fun hobby. I am working on 2 velomobiles right now - a VERY low fast delta trike, and a sociable (side by side) tadpole (2 front wheels) trike. Brad
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Date: 07 Oct 2005 20:38:18
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Winter Triking
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"ATZ" <d@c.com > wrote in message news:Xns96E8A7D885783ddcom@24.66.94.159... > I see! Wouldn't want to haul a large trike onto the train. Actually, I wouldn't mind at all. There are elevators to get to the train platform and elevators to get out of Grand Central Station (although that last part is a bit tricky). I could even probably find a place to park it at work. It is the railroad that doesn't want me to haul the large trike. While I consider myself to have given up upright riding and for the most part given up two wheel vehicles, I would consider going back to two wheels if it meant I could get it on the train. Maybe if I got really good at folding the Greenspeed GT3 and got some sort of a luggage cart for it I could sneak it on the train in its folded state. I still think that if I did it every day, the railroad would complain. Being able to take a vehicle on the train would be great. Jeff
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