If you are planning to ride 80 miles, and it’s 35 degrees when you leave the house, and 38 when you return (way too many hours later), here’s what you should wear:

  sports bra:  I suppose guys could delete this layer, but frankly, they might want to consider it, just for insulation purposes–but don’t mention it to anyone!

 a long sleeved base layer–I like a silky-soft wicking V-neck that I got from REI, but I’ve also been known to wear Patagonia’s midweight capilene

bike shorts (liberally doused with chamois butter–I was trying to train myself to go without, but 60 miles seems to be the upper limit of what my butt can tolerate unlubricated)

tights–mine are a plain sugoi model, but I think I need to upgrade to an insulated or fleece-lined version.  Before my next cold ride.

long-sleeved jersey, sort of midweight, with a high neck

a jacket of some sort:  I’ve been wearing a fleece-lined, slightly baggy pullover one that actually belongs to Mr. Helpful.  It’s probably somewhat akin to wearing a parachute, but it’s the perfect weight and warmth, so it’s working for me.

the really thick woolly-bull smartwool socks

mountain bike shoes

over-the-ankle neoprene booties

pearl izumi amfib gloves

a headsweats headband, for sweat absorption

balaclava

fleece-lined knee warmers over the tights, although I haven’t yet found a way to keep them from constantly slipping down (I consider the frequent tugging and re-adjusting to be yet another way to keep my mind occupied on an all-day ride)

large cycling sunglasses (the bigger, the better–to keep the eyeballs from feeling like they’re freezing)

mycoal chemical heat packs:  one in the bottom of each shoe, and one mega-sized one stuck to the front of the base layer, just above the belly button

Luckily, tomorrow’s supposed to be warmer.  It’s a good thing.  I’m aiming for 90 miles.