C H I L L Y

This morning's ride was a bit colder than yesterday. I didn't feel at all weird riding with the hood up. It really helps to keep heat in and, this morning, I needed it.

I wore the mostly the same set-up as yesterday. I did not wear the rain-pants, but will consider them for the rest of this week. The warm-ups that I normally wear are lined with mesh instead of cloth. They have worked well, but I think the extra wind-blocking layer of the rain pants may help.

I also switched out the thinner, water-proof gloves for my winter gloves. My hands were still cold.

The cheap, clear-protective glasses that I got at Walmart fogged up a bit. I usually leave my nose exposed so I can breathe without fogging them up. It was a little TOO cold for that, so I covered it up and promptly fogged my glasses all to hell. I ended up trying to ride that way for a bit and had drifted into the lane a little too much. Luckily, the driver behind me was paying attention. I rode nose-out the rest of the way.

Since posting the trunk-bag review over the weekend, I've been able to use the rain-cover in fully-deployed mode and just on the trunk. The ride in yesterday with a full load of notebook, clothes, towel and food supplies stretched the limits of the rain cover. It fit very well, with room left-over on the top, but took a bit of stretching to fit it around the top fully loaded panniers. The bottom of the panniers fit easily. The ride home was much lighter, as I opted to leave the notebook. I was able to fit my work clothes and lunch containers in the trunk. This made fitting the rain cover much easier.

Of course I didn't see a drop of rain going to work or coming home. But it would have poured from a clear sky if I hadn't used the rain cover.

I got up a little earlier today and made it to work right around 8. This gives me plenty of time to shower and get clocked in before 8:30. For the last week or so, I've been cutting it pretty close. Getting my gear ready the night before and getting in the saddle at 7:30 is the key, I think.