Good Friday Weather Conditions

[Throopenator]

As i am not used to racing in -1 degree weather i will throw this question out to all of you. Assuming the race is still on, what should one wear in the races with the forecast being as cold as it is?

Throopenator

[Chris Helwig]

It will depend on the person, but I would suggest something close to the following:

Full winter neoprene booties (you have to keep your feet warm)
Full leg warmers with hot stuff on your legs underneath
Maybe consider two pairs of shorts for warmth
Base Layer long sleeve undershirt
Long Sleeve jersey
Team Jersey
wind stopping vest (it looks like they won't be too hard on wearing non team issue vests if you don't have a CC vest) Keep the vest zipped up to keep your neck warm.
Light winter hat under helmet
Glasses
winter cycling gloves or very warm spring gloves

That is about what I plan to wear if the race is on. I hope that helps.

[tfernandez]

What stuff are you refering to and where can I buy this?? Is this some kind of warming gel?

[Chris Helwig]

I use Freddy's choice. It is expensive but works well. I got it at All Seasons, but I am not sure they still carry it.

For years I just used good old A535. It seemed to work well and is much cheaper and more readily available at any drug store.

Way back when I used to make my own concoction with wintergreen (available behind the counter at the pharmacy) and baby oil.

I hope this helps.

[the Superstar]

Looks like the predicted highs were not achieved. All the nearby weather stations - Guelph, Flamborough, Hamilton, Kitchener, at 3:30pm were between -5c and -6c, or -13c to -15c with windchill. I'd love to hear from anyone who actually raced and what it was like. Surely it was easy pickins?

[Throopenator]

That was by far the coldest race i've ever done. the wind was strong, the temperature cold, and mid race the snow just came down like crazy. The average speeds of the races were pretty low from the wind. It would be a great course in warmer weather. There were 4 good climbs but the head on wind made the "drag strip" finish look slow motion. I'd like to hear what the later riders thought.

Throopenator

[Suprvedov]

Great racing for some of the local boys in the M2 race. Keyes Loews (1st); pretty sweet leadout, Marty Mann (2nd); awesome bridge to the solo breakaway on the final straight, Tom Fernandez (5th). Myself, I was 13th. Pushed into the wind before the last corner. Definitely a great race. I'd do it again, but only warmer.

[mann83]

God race to start the season off. Temps were somewhat cool, I mean crazy cold with strong west wind. In the M2 race a couple of solo breaks went off only to come back to the group with ease. The lesson was learned and it would be a sprint finish into the wind. A solo effort was made in the last 500m, but I was able to catch in the final straight. Unfortunately, while I was bridging I had a few on my tail. As I was passing the for the lead I was passed by Kees, who managed to get a couple lengths on me that I couldn't bring back. A shoutout to London riders who put in a good showing. Fernandez (5) and Vedova (13) good job.

[the Superstar]

Great results guys, I'm impressed.

[Chuck Norris]

You guys have balls of steel. That's right. Balls. Of. Steel.

D

[pkofman]

A perfectly warm toasty race if you were dressed for it. I actually peeled a layer right after my warm up. My feet and hands were perfect.


The M1 race was not easy or simple, the yellow line rule was policed and I have to say that the antics out there given the wind were at times plain stupid.

One thing I have to mention is that as far as teams go the "Wheels of Bloor " guys were really well organzied and there were lots of them.

They were working together and blocking, sending guys up the road.

As for other teams, race, trek ( sport swap) were there, Pavan no where to be seen, only a few of the pavan riders.

The finish was like a slo-mo movie as we turned into the wind.

Best
Pete