Five days of solid rain has seen a bit of a shift at the Broken Spoke. Hot chocolate sales are rising daily and fenders are flying out the door. Bike sales are always trickier in a deluge though. If someone cant test ride a bike, its hard for them to get excited about the start of a new hobby. However all the staff continue to cycle in and we've suited up sufficiently in our winter gear to keep going right through the year. Here's our take so far.
I've got a relatively short journey to make by bike so i don't need anything too waterproof. Windproof however is essential as i set off at 7:00 am. Keeping me snug beneath the layers are merino wool base layers. Merino wool has really come into fashion in the last few year and understandably so. Its of fantastic quality, warm, breathable and durable. Its been around in skiing circles for a while now where the high price point is a not such a big factor but i'm pleased to see it's being marketed at commuter cyclists and not the really high end of cycling. We have socks, tights and long sleeve shirts at the store and i've been rocking a combination of the three this week.
We're also getting into winter glove territory. Todd is insisting on the lobster gloves (he has a sizable commute). These gloves keep your fingers in pairs where the contact between them aids to warm the glove up. Its a strange position to get used to (think vulcan salute for all you trekkies) but it warms you quickly and effectively. As for me i'm busting out the 3 in 1s. A removable fleece glove inside a waterproof shell. You can wear one, the other or both. Or give part of them to a companion who has forgot theirs. no names need mentioning.
All the best for those who continue to ride, we'll help you out any way we can
Mike