Arctic flunkies

(Yes yes, apologies for the ridiculous pun in the title but it's that kind of afternoon.)

Based on (very recent) experience, I hereby proffer some tips for avoiding certain death from hypothermia when cycling. If one must insist on biking to/from work/pub/cinema/mate's houses when it's sub zero out, there are some key things to bear in mind...

1. Layer layer layer. Recommended are one (or all) of the following:
- knee high furry boots over woolly socks over woolly tights (if one must insist on wearing a skirt)
- jeans over tights (or long johns for the boys)
- woolly jumper over t-shirt over normal vest over thermal vest
- mittens over gloves
- earmuffs over ipod headphones and hat
- coat over fleecy top over rest of outfit

2. Pace oneself. It's all very well thinking "oh I'll cycle faster to warm up quicker" but it is infinitely more difficult to breathe in cold air and one will end up winded after about five hundred metres (ahem).

3. Choose appropriate music to aid with point 2. Fact: listening to quiet music will reduce one's body temperature. Loud guitars/beats are the way forward.*

4. Avoid shortcuts and bits of path/bike lane that seem less popular. Two words: black ice. Three more words: ow ow ow.

5. Last but not least, wussing out and taking the tram is nothing to be ashamed of. Honestly. One may get some funny looks due to the attire outlined in point 1, but it's almost as quick, infinitely warmer and really, pounding away on the treadmill while watching Made on MTV is just as valid a form of exercise.

--

Maximum temperature forecast for the rest of this week: minus 2
Likelihood backpedalbrakes will actually use her back pedal brakes for the rest of this week: 45-55%**

* Of course, one can be sensible and not listen to music while cycling, but really, it's not half as much fun.
**Depending on whether or not it snows. Cycling in the freezing cold is one thing, but cycling in six inches of the powdery stuff... er, no thanks.