It’s been about 30-45 degrees, not including the windchill, where I’ve been riding the past few days. That is in stark contrast to the 55-90 degree weather that’s been the norm the previous several weeks. Once my legs start to feel a bit numb, riding at 75% of my threshold is really difficult. What is going on internally during cold weather that makes riding at high power output seemingly impossible?
blood flow or lack there of… Blood flow to extremities and skin is reduced - to try and keep warm, and you are also probably burning more gas - to try and keep warm. Lung capacity may also be reduced - particularly if you have sports induced asthma… (maybe OK in warm)…
problem with the powertap?
I think it is mental, assuming your measuring with a power meter. I perform much better in cooler temps - heart rate goes down significantly.
If your legs are going numb I have to wonder if you are wearing tights…very bad for the knees to not be in those temps.
below 65 degrees, cover the knees!
If you are zero’ing the torque in the comfort and warmth of your 70F home (even in the 60F garage), when you ride in the cold outdoors, you will likely be applying more torque than the Power Tap is recording. Large temperature swings work both ways…zero in the cold and ride in the heat and values read high…put the bike outside for 10 minutes before zero’ing and riding.
If you are zero’ing the torque in the comfort and warmth of your 70F home (even in the 60F garage), when you ride in the cold outdoors, you will likely be applying more torque than the Power Tap is recording. Large temperature swings work both ways…zero in the cold and ride in the heat and values read high…put the bike outside for 10 minutes before zero’ing and riding.
the bike stays in the car, where it’s been about 35 degrees. i then drive down the hill, and begin my ride at temps of about 50, which drops back down to the 30’s by the time i’m done climbing and ready to turn around. i’m getting the feeling maybe it’s exercise induced asthma that only occurs in cold temps. i notice that as i go to about 90%-100% of my threshold wattage, as i approach the low 40 degree temps, my perceived effort flies through the roof, and my lungs feel irritated such that when i take a full breath i immediately begin to cough at the “top” of that breath.
nature’s way of keeping me from doing too much intensity in the off season, or at the very least when temps aren’t conducive to such activity?
If you are zero’ing the torque in the comfort and warmth of your 70F home (even in the 60F garage), when you ride in the cold outdoors, you will likely be applying more torque than the Power Tap is recording. Large temperature swings work both ways…zero in the cold and ride in the heat and values read high…put the bike outside for 10 minutes before zero’ing and riding.
the bike stays in the car, where it’s been about 35 degrees. i then drive down the hill, and begin my ride at temps of about 50, which drops back down to the 30’s by the time i’m done climbing and ready to turn around. i’m getting the feeling maybe it’s exercise induced asthma that only occurs in cold temps. i notice that as i go to about 90%-100% of my threshold wattage, as i approach the low 40 degree temps, my perceived effort flies through the roof, and my lungs feel irritated such that when i take a full breath i immediately begin to cough at the “top” of that breath.
nature’s way of keeping me from doing too much intensity in the off season, or at the very least when temps aren’t conducive to such activity?
Sounds similar to me. I just learned that I have asthma (or rather EIA). Cold air makes it slightly worse. But my RPE is no higher as temps drop.
Came across this on a mountaneering site, sorta.
http://www.icanbreathe.com/interest.htm
Anybody have experience with a mask that helps heat and humidify otherwise cold and dry air? How brilliant would this look during a race?
you aren’t wearing enough clothes to keep your legs warm. i do 3h outside in single digits temps at times and am able to crank out the power if I’m dressed appropriately. other than that, it’s mental. i always keep my legs covered in anything <65 F. Windrider tights when it gets cold.
below 65 degrees, cover the knees!
For me it’s always been 70 deg (except when racing).
…great minds…?