The Big Chill

Summer is long gone and fall chill is settling in for the long haul. It is time to breakout the cold weather gear. The key to cycling in cooler temps is options, lot's of options. It is about making the right call before your first turn of the pedal.

Here's an example of a conversation with my teammates (grown men) before a cool weather race. "You going with knee warmers or leg warmers?""Base layer or no base layer?""Shoe covers?"Long sleeve kit?"Short sleeve with base or no base?""Knickers?""Man, I over dressed." You would think a bunch of professionals (not cyclists) would have this dialed in. The decisions you make before a 3+ hour ride can make the difference between being comfortable or being miserable.

This morning when we started it was in the 30's and by the end of the ride upper 40's. It always takes a couple cold weather rides to get the right apparel choices down. I over compensated this morning and was a little toasty which leads to sweating, which leads to getting cold.

Three pair of gloves can get you through most of an Arkansas winter.

Tom + Cobbles + DeFeet Durogloves = PRO.

Made with Merino Wool the low bulk Duraglove keeps hands warm even when you sweat. I like to run two pair. On colder days I'll throw another pair over the first pair. Providing the same warmth as bulky gloves without the bulk. On super cold days I'll throw the heavy duty Cannondale gloves on over the two pair of Duragloves keeping the Merino Wool close to the skin.

Layers are the key to cool weather riding. As temps go up and down you want to be able to peel or put on. It doesn't get more PRO than DeFeet Durogloves. As a bonus, they are made right here in the USA. They are also great for all sorts of other activities. In stock at The Bike Route.

Ooooooooh Snap! Win a box of Pecan Pie CLIF BARS. Whaaa..whaaat?

In the comment section below. Name your favorite cool weather accessory/apparel. If it is the same as mine you win! Only one accessory per person.

One of the best times to be outside. Get out folks!

Luis is a DeFeet man. Check out those shoe covers.

October. Ozarks. Oh man.

A chance to warm up a little.

Finally, tailwind.

Ozarkia.

The bunch.

Wind Tree tunnel.