UGH !

Ok.. you’re a wimp

It’s crazy!

A few quick notes from the EPIC NORDIC ride.

Somewhere 10 degrees or below when I started out. Lots of sun though.

I was late to Bike Shop because of busted tube so headed in opposite direction … ALONE ... hoping to meet up with crew close to halfway point.

Fellow CRCers bailed early (with good reason!) at Free Union, so I rode second half … ALONE ... no windshields.

All in all, not too bad. I had plenty of layers, wool sock + toe cover + bootie; running gloves + ski gloves; lots of vaseline + socks over the goods; turtle fur on face. Switched out iced-over headband for full head liner halfway in to ride (glad I brought it!) The worse physical effect of the weather was some temporary windburn on and around the eyes.

Overall, the worse part was not taking any water on for first 90 minutes, and then noticing that my water was rock ice SOLID! More of a mental headgame than anything else. I slowed down and rode cool until I got to Hunt Country Store for water. Nikki fired up the best Hot Cocoa I’ve ever had. Thank the universe for Hunt Country Store. By this point I was 2 1/2 hours in with no food and water.

Fortunately, I hydrated and ate in abundance this morning and night before — a good habit.

That’s my rap. Pushed it hard through the elements, and they were kind to me today. No need to do this again!

Thanks to Cville Bike & Tri Shop for letting me warm up momentarily to slip on second leg layer.

Bests,
Sean

It was brutal- I guessed wrong on footwear and was fighting frostbite for half the ride. The ride down the hill into the reservoir was especially painful.

That was a record low for me, 10 degrees.
Amfib gloves + liner— stil couldnt keep hands warm
Thanks to Eric and Barry— would not have done alone
Mark