Panuno
I've done so few miles this year - maybe only 300 or so - and we're already at the end of March, but I've just taken advantage of those warmer days we've had.
I'm getting older now though firmly trying to 'Benjamin Button' it, and still wake up every day with the desire to misbehave (and achieve a small measure of that every day).
But I can't ride when it's cold anymore.
I remember riding through a foot of snow to get to work, and taking an hour to do a 20 minute journey as I slowly tiptoed the bike through roads with sheets of ice slipperier than a politicians answer, but those days are long gone.
Back in December I got Raynauds in 2 fingers for the first time ever, and I feel too chill when the temperature is hovering around 10 degrees. Another 5 degrees more and I'm ok, and I love to ride.
Every other time I'm jumping in the Merc with heated seats and warm air, rather than cold, blowing in my face.
Kinda hate this in a way, but still happy to be a fair weather biker now. And still enjoyed last years annual Euro tour, even though it rained for 7 days out of 12.
Anyone else like this now?
Steve_H
Sensible man. Bikes are meant to be fun, not a form of masochism.
Being a freeloading parasite these days I can get out whenever the weather lets me, but that means dry, hopefully sunshine and 8°C or better.
It's actually being a good year so far, but I'm worried we're using up our allocation of sunshine too early in the year 😏
Strom67
I don't know about the cold so much as my new toy will have heated grips and hand guards when it arrives next month (although I do struggle with arthritis in my thumbs which is painful holding the bars) but I don't like to set off in heavy rain. If I get caught whilst I'm out then such is life but intentionally getting drowned is not my thing... Unless it involves swimming pools 🤣
Panuno
I have heated grips, but no handguards, so the wind (and rain) still chills the outside. If I was an all-weather rider now I'd get some heated gloves, and maybe a heated vest too. But bulking up so much often takes the 'feel' away from riding doesn't it?
Roll on June, when we're off to far warmer climes on our annual Euro trip. This year we're heading to the Dolomites, via Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. And hoping it's not as wet as last year...
On a positive note, I've just read that France has finally made filtering completely legal, even though they've tolerated it for years. Now we just need Germany to get with the program!