Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Errandonnee, Cold Feet

A day after the first errandonnee foray I wait until 2 p.m, to venture out to maximize the warmest part of the day. Still, it's only 25F. I vacillate between staying inside with a warm cup of tea and getting out on the bike. However, the roads are dry—a plus—and brilliant sunshine buoys my spirits.

First stop is 2 miles from home. I bungee 10 pounds of rabbit food to the back rack.

Across the street in a mall I replace a favorite watch that'd recently broken. I like bangle style watches. They are loose fitting and easy to remove.

But of course, it's chilly and I pack the watch away. Time for warm mittens.

At this point I decided to tack on a few miles. I pedaled South Burlington's paths. They are always plowed. However, my toes were cooling down. Wool socks only go so far towards keeping feet warm. I chose my Bean boots for wind chill, however they are uninsulated, and my boys misplaced my toasty warm footwear.

By the time I stopped at the store for ice cream (of all things on a winter's ride!) my feet were numb. I walked the aisles, avoiding the frozen food case, avoiding the pain in my feet, avoiding my immediate reaction—which was to cry—until my feet thawed enough to complete my errand. I hope no one saw the pained look on my face.

3 errands complete, totaling 10 miles:

1. Grocery Store - City Market
2. Any store that is not a grocery store - Pet Advantage
3. Personal Care - Kohls for a watch (that's personal care for me!)

Next time I will try hand and feet warmers. That is, if the weather stays agreeable.

4 comments:

  1. The one thing that I suffer with in the winter weather is cold feet....feet warmers is a grand idea, probably wouldn't keep my feet warm though :)


    -Trevor

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  2. Keeping my feet warm is one my biggest challenges with winter riding too. Even with wool socks, like you said.

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  3. Cold feet is my biggest factor (and biggest fear) when it comes to pedaling in winter.

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  4. Those boots have that rubbery top by your toes just like mine! As soon as that rubber cools off due to snow touching it or anything, it becomes a conductor of ice-freezing coldness for me.
    I have actually gotten to work, apologized to my office ladies, and taken my shoes off to cradle my toes in my hands to thaw them, they hurt so badly I was very concerned.
    Also, I have thick wool socks, but I discovered that those boots are likely not tall enough for them. I think I get cold toes from circulation issues when I try to stuff them into those shoes- it's just as bad!

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