Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The New Haul


So out on the bike today in 40 degree weather, I realized some gear that I was lacking which will now be used on most of my winter bikes! A quick trip to Wal-Mart (turns out this is a good time for this) and my problem was remedied! So let's look at my haul! 

First thing I realized on the bike was that the 30 degree wind blowing through my helmet was absolutely ridiculously cold. A little googling turned up the answer (my wife later informed me her father already did this but I hadn't noticed) and off to Wal-Mart I rushed for a do-rag! Apparently at Wal-Mart, they now carry safety orange Do-rags which matches my race kit perfectly so now the problems solved! According to some online blogs I follow, it should also help in the summer with keeping sweat from rolling down my face.

Next up was something to protect my ears from wind on my runs. Enter the stocking cap. At Wal-Mart, they're currently on sale for $2.00 so run out and pick one up if you don't have one! I bought a reversible kind to make it match my race kit and work for uniform around the station but they carried a huge selection so you should be able to find something to match your kit. The stocking hat is small enough to fold down and tuck into a jersey pocket but also is warm enough to protect my head while running.

Last up will actually be part of a couple posts! After my ride I happened to glance down and realize I had to do something. You see, I managed to wind-burn my chest. Since nothing looks more stupid than splotchy red patches on your chest, I ran to Google for the solution and discovered what will be the topic of one of my next posts. Homemade Vapor Barriers! Basically, it's a half-vest made out of a garbage bag. (Tutorial coming soon) This keeps the wind from blowing through your lycra cycling clothing and chilling you to the bone. You can also keep your feet warm without thermal covers in a similar manner! (Also coming soon.)

So hopefully next ride, the new gear will help keep me a tad warmer! Happy cycling!

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