Damn,
it wasn’t that long ago that I was worrying about staying cool and keeping my
system properly hydrated on my rides…Through trail and error I finally came up
with a cooling system that provided me enough relief from the heat but that
didn’t make look like a suicide bomber with an explosive vest. I found that
placing a frozen gel pack on the seatback worked the best. It is uncomfortable
at first until the rockhard pack begins to thaw.
I knew
enough to avoid the hottest part of the day and forgo riding if the heat index
was too high. I placed a water-soaked bandana under my helmet and wore a
cooling band around my neck. On top of that I kept a wet rag in my tool bag to
wash off my face if I became overheated. Using a commonsense approach of paying
close attention to weather conditions and utilizing cooling tools I wasn’t as effected by the summer weather as I feared.
But
now it is a whole new ballgame as I try to find the proper mix of clothing to
keep warm but not overheat .
For me,
the ideal temperature band ranges from 55f to 75f. My big decision when temps
fall within that range is whether to wear a short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirt.
When
temperatures drop below the mid-50’s I wear a long-sleeved jersey as a base and
then a short sleeved t-shirt on my torso. I also have a pair arm sleeves to
keep my arms warm, which I can peel off once I get warmed-up. My only issue
with the drop in
temperatures is that hands are extremely sensitive to cold,
turning white and numb when temps are below 50. (Raynaud’s Syndrome caused by
MS?) and I haven’t found the optimal glove combination that prevents calluses
while keeping my hands warm. I am certain I will find a solution to this
problem so I can continue to get out as long as the trails are clear of ice and
snow.
The only other thing that has changed is the subject matter of my pictures...From this....
 |
Sconset Fisherman's Shack
|
 |
| Two ladies on a log Nantucket, MA |
 |
| On the trail near Provincetown, MA |
To this....
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| Milkweeds Herrick Lake Forest Preserve |
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Two Ducks Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
|
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| Two ducks Reverse Image Herrick Lake Forest Preserve |
Damn,
it wasn’t that long ago that I was worrying about staying cool and keeping my
system properly hydrated on my rides…Through trail and error I finally came up
with a cooling system that provided me enough relief from the heat but that
didn’t make look like a suicide bomber with an explosive vest. I found that
placing a frozen gel pack on the seatback worked the best. It is uncomfortable
at first until the rockhard pack begins to thaw. 
Didn't know you had Raynaud's Syndrome: Bobo has it in her fingers and my feet have been like that since I was 14! It is weird how the lupus/MS/Auto immune traits all find a way to express themselves. Know you love the cooler temps, but the hands could be a problem. Have you thought of trying those gel packs for gloves? I will try and research some for you. Keep up the good handcycling!!
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