Winter Commute Dec 2011

Winter is here. San Francisco winter is different than in other parts of the country and works something like this really cold in the morning with lots of wind chill, fog wind, warming in the afternoon for a pleasant ride home.

So basically you freeze in the morning and have a pleasant ride home. For the past several years I have been trying to get my clothing right so I can one not freeze and two not burn up on the ride home.

What I wear: Gore Wind-stopper jacket ( I have two) one I bought at REI which is safety green, the other which I bought at Sports Basement for $40.00 less is white. These jackets are mid-weight, stop the rain and fog and have zip off sleeves. I wear and log sleeve base layer from Under Armor, also I found that Pearl Izumi tights keep my legs warm and wool socks warm my feet. I use toe covers even in the rain. Having tried the full shoe cover they are hassle getting on and off. Also I have a beany that I wear under my helmet that comes down over my ears to keep them warm.

When it rains I have wear every thing with an addition of rain jacket.

Also my winter kit includes a few upgrades on my bike for winter, fenders and lights. I also added helmet lights this year and they work great. Soon it will be dark when I leave for work and when I come home so lights are crucial.

I carry every thing in an REI bicycling back pack that has a rain cover but I just ordered a Timbuk2 messenger bag with waterproof  lining and safety yellow and orange reflective panels. Should really stand out!