Commuting in the Cold

Commuting in the Cold

Since becoming a bike commuter in Memphis, I have learned a little bit about how to dress while on the bike. In Memphis we experience two very different extremes in temperature. In the summer time it gets hot. I mean it gets real hot. The humidity makes it feel like a sauna outside during the summer. I can walk from my front door to my car and have to change shirts because I have perspired so much. In contrast, our winters can potentially see extremes. Now, I know there are people from the northern states laughing while they read this because we seldom see temps below 20 degrees and they commonly weather single digit temps or lower. However, when you weather a Memphis summer, 20 degrees feels like evil end of a polar vortex.

Since UBFM still meets and delivers supplies when the temps get low, we have to bundle up. I don’t claim to be an expert on this but I think I have a grasp on it. Here is the procedure I go through before I tackle one of Memphis’ cold Wednesday nights on the bike.

Let’s start with the ground up. I first put on a pair of warm wool socks. Hiking socks work great. It is better to have one pair of thick socks than have multiple layers. Too many layers will make your shoes too tight and lower circulation, making your feet colder. Some riders like to wear there cycling shoes with clipless pedals. If you are using these I highly recommend shoe covers. Pearl Izumi makes a great cycling shoe-cover. If you are using traditional shoes I recommend a hiking shoe or even a hiking boot. This type of shoe is thicker and will decrease the amount of wind hitting your feet.

The next layer covers you legs. There are several ways to approach this but I have found it best to have on two layers. Your base layer should be a pair of tights. Running tights or long johns work well but it’s best to wear something close to your skin. I prefer jeggings J. The next layer should be something that will break wind. (hehe, break wind J). This is where your Adidas wind pants from the 90s will come in handy. What’s that? Don’t have any? Goodwill has a nice stock. 

Your top layer is very important because you can potentially lose a lot of heat in this area. Your base layer should be a thermal layer that is next to your skin. A long-sleeve Underarmour top will work great. On top of that you will need a sweater-like jacket. I prefer a full-zip fleece. The third layer is something wind-proof. A rain jacket works well for this layer. This top layer will trap in heat and keep it circulating. If it warms up for some crazy reason during the ride, you can remove this layer and place it in your bag.

Your choice of gloves can make a ride good or bad. If you have ever experienced a ride with cold hands, you know it sucks. During our UBFM rides we have to use our hands a lot and it is necessary to take our gloves off during periodic stops. For this reason I have found it beneficial to have a two layer glove system. The top layer is tight and thin. The second layer is large and wind-proof. The top layer is easy to take off and put on. I like to attach the top layer to my wrists so I don’t lose them during stops.

Another important layer is your hat. As bike commuters it is vital to wear a helmet but as a thermal layer it is certainly not enough. Before I put on my hat and helmet I put on a neck gaiter. If you don’t have one I highly recommend it. This will cover your neck but you can also pull it over your face, up to you nose, if needed. After my gaiter is on I cap my outfit with a wool cap. Any kind of beanie will work well as long as it covers your ears and fits under your helmet.

This outfit should prepare you for winter temps in Memphis while commuting on your bike. At worst, you will work up a sweat. If you do start to get cold, pedal faster J