Sunday, June 9, 2019

Biking tips for the rain

I'm moving to the Northeast for a job and I'll be bike commuting most days since parking and traffic are going to be a BEAST. I'm excited about the build-in daily exercise, but not so much getting wet on the bike because, well, seasons.*

So this post will serve for clothing ideas for rainy days...

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Wool:
Wool keeps you dry even when it’s wet. Look for merino wool base layers, hoodies, glove liners, socks and everything else for cold-weather commutes.
Depending on your speed – and perhaps the number of hills on your commute – consider dressing for 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the forecast temperature. Always wear layers that you can add or subtract along the way.
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Temperature cutoffs for rain gear:
If it's warm rain, I just get wet. Get a good bag and it will keep your laptop dry too. If it's a cold rain (sub 45 F) I wear rain gear, showers pass transit jacket and pants. I change every day at work since I have a 13m one way commute.
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From a Dutch dude:
Anything waterproof is great at keeping water out and also in, so while it's ideal for walking casually through the rain, it's basically the same as getting rained on if you're exerting yourself due to sweating. 
Quick drying fabrics are ideal in this scenario, or wool which keeps you warm while it's wet.

Breathable nylon makes the ideal pants/shorts because it's abrasion resistant (legs rubbing as they go round and round), wool base layers work for cool and hot weather and don't hold on to body odors, and you could either get overshoes, goretex footwear, or waterproof socks.

If you want cycling specific shoes you're limited to socks and overshoes. Some people say the socks are great, others say they don't work all.

I just get wet personally and have wool socks so I don't care much.
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If he's going to be cycling in the rain it's probably best to just accept his feet are going to get wet. After that it's just a matter of figuring out how to keep them warm.
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Crocs:
i sometimes bring crocs when i go backpacking to wear after hiking in. crazy comfortable.
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they were convenient around camp, letting my feet breath from my primary set of shoes, and great for the frequent beach stops/breaks with sand/water.
https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/ac1u03/crocs_for_summer_rain_cycling_and_offthebike_shoes/
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Snow:

Get some ski goggles, layered winter clothes, a warm hat that covers your ears, and you're good. If you can drop $120 on it, studded tires are a good investment for ice. Front tire studded if you only get one. I just ride carefully, myself. 
Winter cycling, you'll be warmer than a car. It gets hot, fast. Just make sure you can open or strip layers and you're good. You don't want sweat to build up. 
I ride year round, Shaker to Brecksville for work. You just need some full fenders and studded tires for winter roads, get some bar mitts and nice Merino base layers, some ski / paintball goggless to keep yourself warm, and you should be fine! 
I've found winter is much more enjoyable here the more I embrace it and ride in it.
Its fine, take your corners and stops a little slower, but straight line is fine. I have 700 x 35mm schwalbe marathon winter plus and havent had any issues yet. Getting snow off the bike when i arrive at work is a bit of extra time, but I store it inside and dont want to get street slush all over the office.  
https://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/comments/bxb04w/officially_100_car_free/

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* I've lived in the Deep South for the past 5 years. We don't have winter, or seasons for that matter. It also doesn't really rain, or at least it's pretty easy to avoid the rain. So this'll be a change.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Tough going

So I lied. The second time is not any easier.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Back, back again

A lot has happened since I've last posted and as most people do, I fell off the wagon. Life got in the way as did a bit of grief and barely making it through each day, let alone worrying about my weight.

I'm starting to see a little bit of light at the end of my tunnel and I don't feel like I'm drowning every day anymore. I figure it's about time I started taking care of myself again, so I finally stepped on the scale after being off it for 2+ years.

Drum roll please...I'm up to 180, which I kind of figured would be the case based on how my clothes fit and somewhat recent pictures of myself:


I keep reminding myself of how far I've come, as I'm still down 45+ pounds from my highest weight. To have only regained ~30 pounds is not bad considering how little exercise and calorie counting I've been doing the last three years.

It also feels so manageable to lose that weight. It's only a loss of 1/2 a pound per week on average and I'm in no rush to get it off. It took me 2 years of solid work to get to my goal weight so I can take it slowly this time and not stress out too much.

I love the perspective I gained the first time around and the peace I have with my body even in its current state. I also know what I need to do to lose weight so it's easier in that I don't have to spend extra time figuring everything out.

I know exactly how to get this weight off, which foods I enjoy, how to make them, and which forms of exercise work for me. I also know how to be hungry because I've met my calorie target for the day, and how to prioritize which junk foods are worth the extra calories.

In a way, this'll be a little easier, and I'm excited to get fit again! Because more than being skinny, I miss being in shape.