is it ok to ride in the cold...

frenchyge

I was looking for a "summertime in the desert" locale to use as an example, and since all the northern hemisphere deserts are currently experiencing winter I thought it looked like a suitable place (and fortunately, weather.com lists it). I didn't want any residents to think I was picking on their home, though, just using their weather for my example.

garage sale GT

Of course when you breathe cold air your body warms it up which means the relative humidity plummets and it becomes excellent at absorbing moisture from your lungs. The chill probably also contributes to lowering resistance too, somewhat.

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Sillyoldtwit

I would ignore all the scaremongering in some of the replies and attempt to find out what suits you. I shall be going out Sunday morning with the forecast being -2 C (28F), and I'm sure it will be even colder once I get in the mountains, but I won't let it slow me down. You have to use common sense, if you feel things are not right then don't push it.

In my 30s when I was doing competitive road running, I remember running with my beard (had a beard then) absolutely covered in long frozen sweat icicles with the temp at god knows minus what. So just be careful and experiment, we are all different when it comes to tolerating pain, cold etc. Tyson

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Yojimbo_

Hey Frenchyge

I'm an engineer too. Nuclear here...what about you?

frenchyge

Yep, small world. 7 years in the US nuclear Navy for me, and then the last 8 years in building environments (temperature and humidity stuff) and energy conservation. Mechanical engineer by degree.

Cheers.

frenchyge

Scaremongering? C'mon Tyson. What is it about the internet that makes people feel like they have to discredit other people's opinions in order for theirs to be listened to.

If you feel the OP should just play it by ear, then that's fine. But if 4 other posters feel that the dry, sub-freezing air presents a potential hazard that should be precautioned against, then that's probably also good info for a noob to know. Learn from others' mistakes and all that.

Sillyoldtwit

Yes, 4 posters did indeed suffer adverse effects from cycling in the cold. but there are probably hundreds of cyclists who cycle in the cold with no ill effects, and because they are fine cycling in cold weather they don't bother to post.
So what I'm saying is, start from scratch - find out for yourself what does and does't affect you, bearing in mind you might encounter problems.

I'm reminded of someone in these forums talking about the heart suddenly giving up the ghost. Yes it does with some people as it did with 2 people I knew personally. But the trouble is believing because it happened to X it's going happen to me.
If you read the newspapers these days and take to heart what is being said vis-a-vis terrorist attacks, bird flu, killer viruses spreading through hospitals, rising sea levels etc., you would go and lock yourself away on top of a mountain and never come out.

So to repeat, ignore people who say my buddy died through eating too many Powerbars - be sensible and enjoy your riding. Remember, you have virtually no chance whatsover of winning the lottery.

That's my 2 yens worth. Tyson

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Felt_Rider

I didn't think my post was scaremongering.
My one episode last year was mentioned only as a word of caution, but I have never stopped riding in the cold.

In none of the "scaremongering" posts did anyone say, "absolutely don't ride in cold weather."

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frenchyge

If you feel there's too much scaremongering in your life, I suggest you go back and re-read the OP and the responses to regain some perspective. No one said the OP would fall over dead or get blown up by terrorists from riding in the cold.

The OP asked if there were any concerns/hazards to be aware of, and 3 people mentioned respiratory issures from riding "too hard" in the cold as a non-obvious one to be aware of. A 4th then suggested carrying a face mask as a precaution, and that's all just plain good sense.


Google "strawman argument."

sidewind

I'm cycling (commuting) all year round, and here it sometimes goes to -20 C. No problem due the cold; but this is commuting with a walking or easy jogging level of effort. I'd never make ~FTP level exercises in -20 C. I suppose the temperature limit for XC ski races is -15, and even then all the skiers don't participate, or claim that they just passed through the track.

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TheDarkLord

I could never do something like that. Once, when the temperatures were close to -20 C, even the deeper breaths that came with climbing a long set of stairs caused me to feel so sick (almost felt like I was going to pass out) that I had to stop for a couple of minutes.

Sillyoldtwit

I see I've upset a few people, so let me rephrase my strong wording.

Take note of what you read, listen to what people say, but keep in mind there are usually at least 2 sides to every argument. That is, don't take on board something you read or hear without considering the possibility of there being another side to the story.

Is that better Frenchy et al, am I slightly forgiven? Tyson

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kopride

Not to scaremonger. But bad stuff happens much quicker in extreme weather, hot or cold. Bonking in sub freezing weather far from shelter is no fun. Also acclimate yourself a bit. But like anything, if you are prepared, i.e. dressed appropriately, and don't go nuts, it is nice to be outdoors on a day you would normally be logging miles on a trainer. I have ski'ed in Vermont in -20 days. It can be exhilarating but I always wear proper face protection goggles, etc. As for me, just got back from a carribean vacation and believe that it is always nice to break the winter up with some beach time if you can.

Sillyoldtwit

Witout trying to be confrontational, the top chart in the following link is the chart for today. http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/...06/4860807.html

I set out -1C and at 9am when I was already in the shower it was still only 3 above freezing. It was actually colder up in the hills. Although I was wearing my newly puchased super warm gloves my finger tips were freezing and the top of my ears were bloody cold, but here's a possible solution to why some people can cycle in the cold with no apparent ill effect. I noticed I was regularly bringing up a mouth full of flem and ejecting it. Maybe, just maybe, either not producing any flem or swallowing the yucky gunge contributes to problems in the cold weather.
The reason for thinking the above is; a 55 year old friend of mine in England (an ex coal miner), was as fit as a fiddle running 5-10 miles everyday whereas most of his colleagues had already died or were very sickly with pneumoconiosis, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
He told me he was the only one who did any sport (especially running) and he felt that continuously bringing up flem and spitting it out had kept his lungs clear and free from the above illnesses.
So there you have it. Spit it out!! Tyson

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