Cyclocross Magazine

Cyclocross Community, Forums, Classifieds, Photos and Videos

I'll be racing Nationals for the first time this year. As a West Coast racer, I'm unfamiliar with how best to dress for racing in REALLY cold conditions. Any suggestions form those more familiar with these conditions would be greatly appreciated.

Ray

Views: 238

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Chris Mayhew ...

Excellent advice without exception! I especially like the warming up in the car tip ... that's not as silly as it sounds. Furious warm-ups on the trainer can end up costing you - as I've learned from experience. It's better to "ease" into the race starting out warm and dry. Your clothing suggestions are also spot on ... it's my "costume" right down to the wool socks, extra LS jersey, Jacket and Warm-Ups, all shed right at the line. Just make sure to wait to de-clothe after you get the Minute to GO!
Thanks Rodger.

Ray
Thanks man.

Ironically, I popped in to slightly revise my statements based on some cold weather we've had lately.

Below 40F I'd wear a thermal base layer. The Defeet layer I was using wasn't quite cutting it.

Get warm gloves. Numb hands are normally a deal killer for people, so keep them warm.

The Vermarc warm up pants I bought are the best purchase I've ever made. They rule. They'll also make nice winter tights on the road. I usually get a couple of "wow"'s on the line when I zip them off.
One tidbit that I've not seen my fellow KC crossers touch on is wind. Regardless of the temp, you can bet there will be plenty of wind which will drop the effective temp quite a bit. One trick that I've used is to put a thin windvest over a long-sleeved base layer (cheap alternative to the zoot Craft windfront stuff.) I'm pretty cold-blooded and this combo under a skinsuit works pretty well down to about 30F. It keeps the core warm without a lot of bulk to trap moisture.
This is all good info, I raced in the snow and ice snow this morning in RI.

Don't forget the plastic bags in the shoes, it is still the best trick I know.

See you all in KC,

Brian
Thanks Rodger, you have been incredibly helpful, beyond the call of duty. I will be sure to look you up. I'll be the guy with the Maciel Velo Coaching kit with chattering teeth.

Thanks again!

Ray

RSS

Sold something in our classifieds? Find this site valuable?

Consider a donation to the cause. We're cheaper than eBay fees, and it helps us here at CXM keep the lights on!

Enter any amount below, and click on the cow for some good karma. Thanks!

Amount:



Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by Cyclocross Magazine.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service