Show us your.......newbie progress!

[Big_Dave]

Impressed! How do you get the time to go out in such crappy weather?

mostly been night rides this month, go out 7:30pm 20-30 milers sometimes 35+ miles, odd run in the day when I get chance, so long as it's not raining I'll go out, cold doesn't bother me (edit: plenty of hills here to keep warm), was still out in shorts yesterday.

 

[Justinslow]

Just scrolled back through some of the posts, blimey some big totals for November, you guys clearly don't worry about the weather or darkness as much as me! Kudos to all, I guess I'm a bit of a fair weather biker!
My ride today resulted in a very dirty bike, very dirty clothes (no mudguards) and a very cold body when I stopped.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Justinslow its not been really very cold unless its been early hours,

its been slightly wetter than last year, not as windy on the whole, nor as cold on average though for the days I was out the max was lower, though that could have been exceed at some point, I know the min temp will have been, as for crappy weather you just go out in it, as @Big_Dave said the other day, (though I think he was more polite) there are only nutters out at the minute.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Just scrolled back through some of the posts, blimey some big totals for November, you guys clearly don't worry about the weather or darkness as much as me! Kudos to all, I guess I'm a bit of a fair weather biker!
My ride today resulted in a very dirty bike, very dirty clothes (no mudguards) and a very cold body when I stopped.

This last week has been kind of high maintenance on the bike, I think today has been the only day I haven't needed to dry the chain off and lube it.

Edit most have either ended in the dark or for the most part in the dark.

 

[Justinslow]

mostly been night rides this month, go out 7:30pm 20-30 milers sometimes 35+ miles, odd run in the day when I get chance, so long as it's not raining I'll go out, cold doesn't bother me (edit: plenty of hills here to keep warm), was still out in shorts yesterday.

Part of my ride today was in the dark, I didn't really like it TBH felt like I was in some sort of video game, I had a headlight (on my head) on aswell as a front light and it was really hard to gauge anything along the roads, just weird, obviously I've not done it much before. My lights were ok but not brilliant and it was so hard to pick out pot holes and other slippery obstacles especially when cranking on a bit, with blearly watery eyes and a knackered body with dwindling strength on rather skittish "23" semi slicks.

 

[Big_Dave]

I don't have mudguard but I do keep the speed down to keep the spray down, roads haven't dried out for a few weeks now but keep relatively clean considering no mudguards, bike needs a good clean everytime. I try to get out at least once or twice a week more if I can

 

[Justinslow]

@Justinslow its not been really very cold unless its been early hours,

View attachment 62975

its been slightly wetter than last year, not as windy on the whole, nor as cold on average though for the days I was out the max was lower, though that could have been exceed at some point, I know the min temp will have been, as for crappy weather you just go out in it, as @Big_Dave said the other day, (though I think he was more polite) there are only nutters out at the minute.

Agreed not really cold yet, just wet and damp, my bike is still in summer mode (and will stay that way as I won't be buying winter kit) and I'm just a bit worried about sliding off

 

[Big_Dave]

Part of my ride today was in the dark, I didn't really like it TBH felt like I was in some sort of video game, I had a headlight (on my head) on aswell as a front light and it was really hard to gauge anything along the roads, just weird, obviously I've not done it much before. My lights were ok but not brilliant and it was so hard to pick out pot holes and other slippery obstacles especially when cranking on a bit, with blearly watery eyes and a knackered body with dwindling strength on rather skittish "23" semi slicks.

ye my light is a bit poor but my mate's light like a car headlight, I will have to get me one of those, I've only recently started night riding, as my mate can only get out a couple of nights a week and rarely at the weekend so been a fair bit of night riding. You will soon get back into it fitness falls a bit quick but it does come back quick as well

 

[BrynCP]

I have a rear mudguard, but it's a clip on one that goes just up to the brake, it protects my back (mostly) but not the bike. The front won't fit until they send the aero fork adaptor. My bike was covered in mud after the 60 miles. My shoes and lower legs were even worse. Everything has been wiped with baby wipes, except the wheels; there is mud still covering the spokes and rims.

I wore bib tights for the first time today too, thinking if I am going 60 miles I don't want cold knees. They are not flattering

 

[Justinslow]

I suppose if your serious about going out in the winter you need to invest in winter kit, my clothing was ok just the bike could probably do with tyres and guards etc, I just don't think I'm keen enough to get out on it this time of year! I work outside so usually when I get home I've had enough of the cold and damp!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Agreed not really cold yet, just wet and damp, my bike is still in summer mode (and will stay that way as I won't be buying winter kit) and I'm just a bit worried about sliding off

I took a tumble today, more a moment than anything, but a few wet leaves and a slight gully added to it, then it was a matter of the clipless mo. I have a Cree T6 with a wide angle lens, its great just like a car headlight.

I ride 23/25c slicks.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

As for clothes, bib shorts a pair of lycra leggings I have modified, long sleeved winter shirt not Jacket and a base compression vest top, been wearing long sleeved ones all week.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I took a tumble today, more a moment than anything, but a few wet leaves and a slight gully added to it, then it was a matter of the clipless mo. I have a Cree T6 with a wide angle lens, its great just like a car headlight.

I ride 23/25c slicks.

Hope all ok Nigel?

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Didn't make it out today to bump November's stats up but I did give the bike some TLC in the shape of soap and water, and a smattering of various lubricants. They can't touch you for it.

In the blink of an eye it seems, November panned out thus: 228 miles along and 14,970 feet up.

Because my life is one big funfair with endless carousels and candy floss, I've got a cortisone injection for my shoulder on Friday which will (I'm told) restrict my activities next weekend. Admit it: don't you wish you were me...?

 

[Justinslow]

I had bib shorts, aldi leggings, long sleeve base, long sleeve aldi winter top, gloves, and some homemade foot warmers made out of an old pair of work socks! I wasn't cold until the later stages of the ride and when I stopped when I got home.