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Let's just face it. The ideal biking weather of September and October are long gone. November was pretty chill, but now it's December and it's downright chilly. It might be the most wonderful time of the year for gathering in cozy spaces with friends and loved ones, but maybe not the most wonderful time of the year to pedal to those gatherings. With the right gear, though, winter riding can be a lot more enjoyable than you might think. To prove it, since these two guys pedal into the POGOH office every morning to maintain the rental fleet, we pulled Steve and Bobby aside to show you some of the ways they protect themselves from the harsh winter weather.
Winter riding is a game of layers. You want to be warm and protected from the elements, but also keep sweating to minimum. Insulation layers can be sweaters, hoodies, or anything that might be worn comfortably throughout the day. Wool is great for insulation and moisture management.
You'll want a solid outer layer. Something to cut through the wind and keep you protected from precipitation. Bobby is kitted out with waxed organic materials from head to toe.
Keeping hands and feet warm is a big deal. Even riding without gloves in the 40 degree weather can be brutal, so you definitely don't want to find yourself gloveless while cruising in sub freezing temperatures. There are a lot of glove options out there. Even an inexpensive pair of insulated work gloves from your local hardware store can get the job done.
As for your toes, warm socks and weather resistant footwear are a must. Wool socks and boots are pretty common for POGOH staff that ride to work. If you're not into boots, shoe covers a great idea to help stay dry.
Protect your head and face. It isn't just cold air that can sting your face. Roads are so heavily salted this time of year that there is almost a perpetual cloud of dust in the air being kicked up from other vehicles. That salty air can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation, so wearing a gaiter to cover your neck or pull up over your face is always a good idea. You'll be warmer and a little less salty when you get to where you're going.
Find a hat or beanie that fits under your helmet. Chances are your helmet was designed to allow ample air flow. While that's exactly what you want most of the year, frigid air on your head, ears, and neck can really ruin your riding experience. Steve doubles up with a cap under his helmet and a fleece gaiter that covers his ears. He can also use the gaiter to cover as much or as little of his face as he needs, depending on the weather.
Last, but certainly not least, you're definitely going to want to protect your eyes. Not only will the cold have you in tears in mere minutes, but remember the salty dust could we mentioned earlier? Imagine getting that in your eyes. Squinting is only going to do so much. Safety glasses, sunglasses, or ski goggles really come in clutch while commuting.
Are you committed to commuting with POGOH through the winter? Send a pic to marketing@pghbikeshare.org and for a chance to be featured on our socials!