I've found that a good thermal jacket with a functioning zipper and a single base layer of varying sleeve lengths and/or thicknesses works well for keeping me comfortable in almost all cold weather riding conditions. The second I feel like I'm heating up too much, I zip down and let the cold air keep my sweat in check. (Yo son, keep your sweat in check!) There are usually multiple panicked moments where I'm like, "am I cold and dry or cold and wet?" during this dance. A zip up and a few minutes later, if I get warm and toasty, I know that I haven't crossed into the wet-zone-of-death-and-destruction.

I find that the more common "layering" advice doesn't work well for me...because the more layers you layer with the less room you have for over/under dressing. And let's face it, you can't easily stop to take too many layers off beyond an extra wind jacket or vest, etc. So that's why I believe in the "too warm" thermal jacket/zippering technique.

One other consideration for Winter Riding is the slush/muck/salt will beat the sh*t out of your components; so whatever your routine of cleaning/maintaining your bike is, be prepared to kick it up a notch.

Marc Bertucco said:

I've found that a good thermal jacket with a functioning zipper and a single base layer of varying sleeve lengths and/or thicknesses works well for keeping me comfortable in almost all cold weather riding conditions. The second I feel like I'm heating up too much, I zip down and let the cold air keep my sweat in check.  .

.

You have brown fat at the base of your neck. Brown fat is responsible for burning energy and generating heat in other mammals (e.g., mice). My theory is that this is also key to regulating our temperature. And that its location explains the evolution of our clothing to include an open/adjustable neck. Poly propylene neck gaiter is essential for really cold days.

Anything with camphor does the trick.

I find it most useful for quick post-ride cleanup; the oil serves as a barrier that comes off quickly.

@Gwynna - it's all kinds of stuff.

(They used to sell variety-packs)

For cross racing I really like the Mad Alchemy medium. Keeps your legs feeling warm but you can stand around in jeans later and not feel like you're wading in a deep fryer.

jim_nelson said:

For cross racing I really like the Mad Alchemy medium. Keeps your legs feeling warm but you can stand around in jeans later and not feel like you're wading in a deep fryer.

Just be sure to obey Whitey's Law...

DZ Nutz In Heat is good stuff. I would give it a very similar description as Ian gave his. Which actually makes me want to give the Qoleum a try.

I haven't tried the others much, but I've had good luck with the stuff from Chomper Body.

Jeffrey White said:

To add to what Jules said:

1. apply your chamois cream before your embrocation

2. put on your bibs before applying embrocation

3. keep latex or nitrile gloves at home and in your gear bag for embro application

I have documentary proof (photos) of this process done incorrectly.  Sadly only photographs; the scream-moans were quite spectacular as witnesses @Chiles will attest...

hey gang, sorry to derail the ongoing thread above. Question regarding winter training for race day: 2014 will be my first race season experience. I was wondering what is a good first local race to have on my radar come 2014?  When does race season actually start?  Before I decided to race and join the club, my quality miles didn’t start until late February. Let me know if there’s any event in the spring i should not miss as a first time category 5 rider... I'm feeling that I need to have some kind of target in mind to help lift my lazy ass out of bed and face the winter. Much appreciate it!  

@Joel - Your world is about to get rocked to its foundations. I'm always jealous of people who are about to race for the first time. Here are my thoughts. (I'm sure others will have other ideas, which you should also consider. Except if it's Myles, unless you're OK with a completely random outcome except a really nice bottle of wine at the end.)

@Joel. I agree with Jeff about skipping the first, maybe even second Spring Series race (though I don't think they go to Prospect Park until a bit later). Everyone is so amped up by the start of the season, that stupid stuff happens. I think the decision should also depend on the weather. No reason to do your first races when it is really ugly out. I'm not so sure about Grants Tomb. Do they even have a cat V field? This is a seriously fast race. Consider Branchbrook Park races in Newark. They are pancake flat with sinuous curves and pretty high speed. The first goal should be to get out there and do a few races in different venues and get comfortable with the scene. I think it would be hard to have any kind of realistic plan until you have a feel for what the races are like and where you fit on the fitness spectrum.

awesome and awesome, Jeffrey!! Great insights, Mister. I appreciate your thoughtful input - especially the tip about Myles  I'm as green as they come with racing, so I'll be asking more as we get closer to the events. So, thanks ahead of time. Im super excited and nervous, the good kind of nerves. Gwynna, nothing is logical not even math. It's true, just ask my 6 year old  

dstokes said:

Consider Branchbrook Park races in Newark. They are pancake flat with sinuous curves and pretty high speed. The first goal should be to get out there and do a few races in different venues and get comfortable with the scene. I think it would be hard to have any kind of realistic plan until you have a feel for what the races are like and where you fit on the fitness spectrum.

good stuff, dstokes. I should really ease into it, especially in the event I don't start my quality base miles as late as end of February. Its helpful to know, you guys are dubious of these early first races. I'm glad i asked. 

joel, i haven't ridden with you, so maybe my advice isn't appropriate for you.  but let me share my experience so that you can draw your own conclusions.

Last wheel is a great place to break into racing...you can sit back there and draft and watch....no one can chop your wheel or knock you over.

twoyacks said:

Last wheel is a great place to break into racing...you can sit back there and draft and watch....no one can chop your wheel or knock you over.

But tailgunning has its own woes.  Accordioning could take your entire group off the back and end your race early.  And if you're not paying attention, the guy in front of you will open a gap you can't close.  And, of course, crashes will always be ahead of you--you might not stack it, but your race could end if you have to slow or stop before getting around.

@Joel don't overthink this.  If you want to race, race.  There are dozens of early season races to attend and some (like branchbrook) actually let you race back to back.

Once I'd been racing for awhile I chuckled about how much stock I put into one race. My goal before my first year was "do four bike races." Now I race at least 20x a year if not more.

Once I'd been racing for awhile I chuckled about how much stock I put into one race. My goal before my first year was "do four bike races." Now I race at least 20x a year if not more.

^THIS

This isn't marathoning or triathlon. While I'm not suggesting jumping into racing before you feel comfortable, you don't need to be ready to have a peak performance in order to compete and learn something.

I'd suggest asking an experienced rider or mentor to evaluate your skills on a group ride to see if they think you're ready.

Winter is really here, yo.