Normally I look at the thermometer when deciding what to wear on the ride to work. It was 39*F this morning. But I stuck my head out the door. It was damp and had been raining. Part of me said "Crud, it's cold out there. Put on that jacket, too." Then part of me says "No, you don't need all that crap, you'll just overheat." But the part that just crawled out of a warm bed didn't believe it and wanted to bundle up.
Net result; when this happens you can see me cruising into Dexter at 6AM with my jacket front and all the vents completely unzipped, if I haven't already had to stop and remove a layer.
What I need to do is just look at the thermometer and pick clothing and just go with it. Eliminate the visceral reaction to the cold. By Dec I have figured it out again and dress appropriately. But what I wore today for 39* would have been OK at 25*F or a bit lower. I've never really had a problem while cycling with being cold, even at -10*F. You can always just make more heat. But being too warm is uncomfortable and can lead to trouble if you sweat too much and it's really cold. I tend to just unzip and keep going when I really should stop and take off a layer.
Net result; when this happens you can see me cruising into Dexter at 6AM with my jacket front and all the vents completely unzipped, if I haven't already had to stop and remove a layer.
What I need to do is just look at the thermometer and pick clothing and just go with it. Eliminate the visceral reaction to the cold. By Dec I have figured it out again and dress appropriately. But what I wore today for 39* would have been OK at 25*F or a bit lower. I've never really had a problem while cycling with being cold, even at -10*F. You can always just make more heat. But being too warm is uncomfortable and can lead to trouble if you sweat too much and it's really cold. I tend to just unzip and keep going when I really should stop and take off a layer.