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.
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 :)
ReplyDelete-Trevor
Keeping my feet warm is one my biggest challenges with winter riding too. Even with wool socks, like you said.
ReplyDeleteCold feet is my biggest factor (and biggest fear) when it comes to pedaling in winter.
ReplyDeleteThose 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!