house to an area where grease stains won’t and wool socks with clipless pedals. For don’t have to be a clotheshorse on a bike,
matter. Strip it, clean it and put it together hard, cold days, put on flat pedals and use but do layer your clothing: base, middle
with lots of grease. remember this is not reliable Sorel winter boots. morpaw puts a and outer. Think warmth, breathability and
your good bike! morpaw says lay on the sock heater in his winter boots. If none of water resistance.
grease heavy; use it on the threads, nuts, this keeps your feet warm, dismount and without summer heat to make you
screws, everything. He uses heavy-duty walk until your feet warm up. thirsty, you are still losing moisture with
chainsaw grease – “it slows you down but Fingers can feel as useful as frozen every breath. In cold weather, some
it keeps you moving.” Hickey recommends carrots in winter cycling, but you still need commuters fill their hydration systems
“a drop of oil on the threads of each to hold that handlebar and be able to shift with hot water. Polar makes an insulated
spoke, otherwise, the spokes rust solidly, gears. Split finger or “lobster” mitts provide bottle that will keep your hot drink warm
and it is impossible to true the wheel.” dexterity and warmth. for the first hour or so. wearing a hydration
He suggests a plastic ketchup squirter as for your head, there are options. pack will let you carry extra supplies and
with 90-weight standard transmission oil Helmets are gashed with those wonderful- reach them more easily. It also covers the
to re-oil the chain, derailleur and brakes in-summer air vents, so put on a helmet small of your back to hold in body heat.
every few days. rain cover to cover them and/or wear a
of course, you will need lights if you are cycling skullcap to cover your ears too. MENTAL MATTERS
a 9-to-5 bike commuter. It’s nice to be seen Swix makes thin earmuffs that fit nicely Commuting by bike in winter requires a
by other vehicles so they won’t hit you, and under a helmet. Consider a dickie on cold different mindset than recreational cycling.
to see where you’re going! maybe pay more days to keep your neck and chest warm It takes commitment and dedication, but
to get a reliable, rechargeable light system. – your bronchia will thank you. your face most of all a love of cycling. you can learn
and other exposed skin need a protective more about the commuting technical ins
BODY EqUIPMENT layer of petroleum jelly, and a thin polypro and outs from graydon Patterson’s guide
Keep your feet, head and hands warm – balaclava helps too. to winter cycling in ottawa (www.icebike.
we’re talking winter sport here. Since you Don’t overdress. Put up with feeling com/articles/commuting.htm). The Can-
are moving fast on a bike, take wind chill chilly during the first kilometre or two Bike instructor is also a police officer and
into account and not just the temperature. until the pedalling warms you up. Sweat says cyclists must drive “extra defensively
For the feet, the choice is simple: for and you’ll become chilled later. Skip as car drivers just don’t expect cyclists to
a recreational ride on a decent day, cold cotton clothing and wear synthetics to be out there in winter.” Still, if we all went
weather cycling boots, or neoprene booties wick moisture away from your skin. you cycling this winter….
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca OTTAWA >> WINTER 2008/2009 13
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