Layer Up!

As we come out of hibernation, don’t forget these key elements to dressing comfortably when getting out for a cool spring ride. You may be tempted to bundle up in your warmest gear on the brisk spring days, but resist the urge!

 I vividly remember a day training in California in 2014. The morning started around 35 degrees, and was going to be 65-70 by lunch time. I was starting a 5hr ride early, at the crack of dawn. I was young and lazy back then when it came to dressing. I was too lazy to think through my apparel, let alone the 30-degree temperature shift I'd experience on my ride. I put on a winter cycling jacket over my standard kit, as well as some leg warmers. At first this was warm and toasty…. But soon, as the ride progressed I got warmer and warmer with the rising temps. Sure enough I was sweating like I was in a sauna. Even unzipping my jacket wasn’t enough… and now I was in the middle of a ride with a heavy sweaty jacket. It wasn’t fun.

From that point on I was gonna get “smart” about dressing for temperatures appropriately. I remember a golden rule my dad gave me while playing hockey…. “Moisture is the enemy…Stay Dry…” Combating moisture is the single most important part about staying warm. I read somewhere that moisture take 20 something times more energy to warm up ***Don’t quote me.

That’s why when we break a sweat, and stop for a moment, we are instantly chilled. So let's talk about how to fight moisture, stay warm, and dress SMART for cooler temps.

3 Layer Rule of Thumb

Use this 3-layer strategy on your next spring ride.

1. Base Layer
1. The Moisture Wicker!
2. Compression/Snug Fit
3. Shirtsleeve typical
4. Wool or Poly
2. Mid Layer
1. The Insulator!
2. Looser but fitted. Not Constricting
3. Long Sleeve typically
4. Keeps lofted and warm air close to your body
3. Outer Layer
1. The Shell/Windbreaker!
2. Gore Tex and wind resistant material
3. Vest or Jacket
4. Sometimes also an insulator on those really cold days

Let’s not forget about those legs! 

The trend is almost always knee warmers under 60 degrees, Leg warmers if it is 45 degrees and below. If you are fortunate to have different “weight” material leg warmers, you’ll be able to fine tune your comfort.

The final step to successful layering is to control temperature through unzipping, zipping up repeatedly to keep a stable temperature that is low enough to prevent sweating!  Unzip before going uphill! Zip up before descending! 

Peter’s Personal tips and tricks

●     Experiment and keep a log of what combinations of garments work well for you

●     Remember…you are gonna be a little cold the first 10 min before your body warms up!

●     Consider wind chill, wind direction, sun/cloud cover, and even dew point as you dress. A dry 40 degrees feels WILDLY different from a damp 40 degrees

●     Invest in an ultralight vest or jacket that you can pack in your pocket for emergency purposes

●     Options! Stock up on a variety of garments, short sleeve, long sleeve, tanks, jackets, etc. Remember your ski layers and apparel work for cycling too! I have about 6 different short sleeve base layers of different weight, material, and breathability I have acquired over the years. Allows me to further tailor my combinations for the right weather.

●     Bring a spare set of gloves with you. In case you need dry ones or layers.