Winter cycling in Mallorca Vs in Chicago
I swore I’d be more outdoorsy this winter, and I’m sticking to it. But honestly? I’m not sure I’m cut out for this Chicago winter cycling. This is our second winter here, and it already feels colder than last year’s frosty affair – and it’s still autumn!
Cycling in Mallorca during the winter was tough enough. Believe me. But at least I wasn’t facing sub-zero temperatures (negative Celsius). Back then, I’d inevitably get the layering wrong, either overdressing and sweating or shivering due to underestimated cold and humidity.
Here in Illinois, I’ve learned a brutal lesson: there’s no such thing as overdressing. Yesterday, I donned my warmest winter cycling bibs (specifically bought for low temperatures). Initially, I thought I’d be smart and layer my Columbia thermal pants underneath. But my husband wisely intervened, pointing out the potential for chafing.
That got me second-guessing everything. Can I even wear underwear with these bibs and thermal pants? Are winter cycling bibs meant to be the only layer? Should I just admit defeat and hibernate for the winter?
Adding extra layers to your winter cycling outfit
I decided to trust the design and wear the bibs solo. Huge mistake! I could feel the cold seeping in through every stitch, especially the thin lycra around the ankles. Apparently, even the best Spanish cycling gear, designed for milder winters, isn’t quite cut out for this Illinois deep freeze. Back in Mallorca, these bibs were more than enough, and I’d often even overheat.
So, here’s my burning question: If bibs are designed to be worn without underwear, how does that work when you need extra warmth? Is the second cycling layer supposed to go over the winter bibs? Please enlighten me, or I might just regret this sudden burst of winter cycling enthusiasm.
