No more shorts?

[carvegybe]

Hi Everyone

So my wife and I moved to NJ from South Africa this year. I am used to MTBing in warm weather and got me a gym membership to keep (reasonably) fit through the winter. But now I am wondering what it would be like to get out and MTB in Dec-Feb. Is it worth it or is it as miserable as it looks?

Can I please ask for opinions as to what is the necessary gear for riding in the winter? Let's assume I do not ride unless it is in the 20s or higher. In particular:

1. How do you protect yourself from crossing rivers and the possibility of having to put your foot in ankle-deep water?
2. How many layers? Which products?
3. Any other tips

Thanks a lot!

Carvegybe

 

[GSTim]

Step #1: Investigate winter boots.

 

[carvegybe]

Thanks! Also, I see there is already a thread on this. Will read now. Apologies for redundant question. That said, I probably have less tolerance for cold than anyone else on this forum. A-F-R-I-C-A.....

 

[jShort]

Here is a similar thread with lots of advice

http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/threads/winter-gear-must-haves.45905/

 

[Patrick]

Welcome!!! glad you found us.

Winter can be magical, or a muddy mess. You probably already know not to ride the mud, because most of our trails our shared
on public land, and we don't want to lose privilege.

after that, when it is frozen, it is good - when the right snow conditions exists, it is even better.

here are the hints -

lots of layers, and zippers
hydration pack goes inside the outer layer, blow water out of hose so it doesn't freeze in the nozzle
chemical hand warmers are magical
Winter riding boots - if you ride flats, get insulated hiking boots to serve two purposes, if you ride clipless, get something warm!
(lake 303 for me)
lip balm - just like the summer sun, the winter breeze will abuse your lips and cheeks.

it won't take long to acclimate - embrace it.

oh, get a humidifier for your bedroom. seriously.

 

[Steve Vai]

Good news is, no lions will eat you here.

 

[Patrick]

Good news is, no lions will eat you here.

and the bears are scared of people. except the moms.

 

[carvegybe]

It's not the lions that are the problem. It's the buffalo....

 

[Norm]

Ok so no real lions NOR buffalo to speak of in New Jersey. And rivers to cross.

So just ride naked. You'll be fine.

 

[Patrick]

It's not the lions that are the problem. It's the buffalo....

ouch - ours are fenced off. the people that go in the fence to see the cute ones just standing there usually get an ambulance ride.

gotta wonder if they even knew they were agitating them.

 

[Steve Vai]

Which do you like better, Rodriquez or Die Antwood?

 

[Paul H]

It's not the lions that are the problem. It's the buffalo....

Only animals you should worry about are the unleashed, untrained dogs... and their owners... so I hear

 

[carvegybe]

At least I'm not from Australia where they have these...

 

[carvegybe]

Oh, wait. They have those in South Africa too...

 

[carvegybe]

Which do you like better, Rodriquez or Die Antwood?

Neither...

 

[carvegybe]

Step #1: Investigate winter boots.

I ride flats. Can I just use good ol' Timberlands?

 

[Steve Vai]

Neither...

That's actually the correct answer.

 

[pooriggy]

You'll acclimate to the weather, in no time you'll be saying Yo and You's.

 

[Juggernaut]

Welcome

If you manage the wind, the rest will fall into place. Dress for the ride, not the parking lot and you'll be fine.

 

[Patrick]

I ride flats. Can I just use good ol' Timberlands?

yes -
Don't leave them in the car! they need to start out at room temp.

Maybe someone else will post their boots!

And as @Juggernaut said, start off a bit cold in the parking lot.