Winter 2006

I remember hearing something that Billy Connolly once said that went something like “there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong sort of clothes”.

Winter cycling can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if you are one of us that really feels the cold, but it need not be unpleasant or uncomfortable. Adelaide does not really get that cold, and compared to winter in most parts of the world, our climate is quite actually quite mild. In addition, apart from a few days of precipitation, this winter we have had very little rain.

I remember a winter spent in Hobart, working as a cycle courier and eating too much apple crumble. I never really felt cold, and even though it snowed several times and most mornings it was at or below freezing when I left for work, by the time the body was moving and exercising, the cold of the surrounding environment ceased to matter.

The trick is to layer. The right clothes, in the right combinations, make all the difference. A warm base layer, perhaps a thermal top, with a fleecy or wind proof over that is pretty standard. A few cycling specific garments, with the right ventilation properties can turn what could be a cold and damp ride, into a warm and comfortable experience. Long gloves to keep the fingers warm, and a thin beanie that can be worn under a helmet, can make a huge difference. This morning it was only 0.3 degrees when I left for work, and the only thing that I thought would be good was a thicker, wind-proof sock!!

Now I am not one for making product endorsements, but I do feel obliged to mention that I did make a significant purchase recently that has made a big difference to my winter cycling. Made in New Zealand by a company called Ground Effect I have recently acquired a ‘Baked Alaska’, a long sleaved Marino Wool top with a wind foil fleece front. This top, coupled with a bright yellow wind proof cycling vest has become my standard attire for the cold morning and nighttime cycling that I seem to do. It has excellent thermal properties, a long zip down the front, and being wool, is warm even when damp.

The other important factors with winter cycling, apart from being warm, dry and comfortable is to see and be seen. What ever your choice of lights, it is important that batteries are checked regularly, particularly in flashing LED lights that can dim quite considerably over time while still having the appearance of working fine close up.
I enjoy cycling in winter, the added physical challenge, and the ability to heat yourself up under ones own power, to speed through the cold crisp air on the way to a warm destination, and the rewards that come from effort, all characterise winter cycling for me, and make it one of the seasons that I most enjoy from the saddle.

Happy Cycling!

Greening Plan

This week has seen me take time off from work to really nail the assignment that I have due at Uni. The Greening Plan I am writing is focused on a transport corridor link that goes from Adelaide to Port Adelaide, a distance of approx 16 kms.

This morning my house is like a crypt, way too cold till the sun comes up! Looking forward to the day though.

so long into 2006

Hard to believe that 6 months just flashed by since I last wrote anything on this page. Cold of winter now, road to work the other day and it was only 0.3 degrees, brrrrrr! Been working on my university work, working part time at my money giving work, and spending heaps of time with my kids. Going to take next week off from work to really nail the last assignment that I have to do. Working on a transport corridor proposal for the Adelaide - Port railway line, about 1/2 way there with what I have to do.