How to gear up for a subfreezing ride
When you head out for a wintertime pedal, leave your subarctic apparel behind.
"Most people overdress - they show up wearing a parka," said Karl Mechtenberg, owner of Seward Bike Tours in Alaska. "Once you get moving, you heat up pretty quickly."
He recommends layers such as a thin windbreaker over a non-cotton base layer and a lightweight fleece. Also helpful: gloves, winter boots, wool socks, a thin stocking hat and sunglasses or ski goggles.
Fat-bikers swear by pogies, or bar mitts, which fit over the bike's handlebar and protect hands from blistering cold. Two companies that offer them are 45NRTH (www.45nrth.com; $125) and Revelate Designs (www.revelatedesigns.com; $95-$225). You can also check out 45NRTH's Wolvhammer cycling boot ($325), a redesigned mountaineering boot with insulation and breathable waterproof features.
Arctic Innovations' HydroHeater (www.arcticinnovations.com, $125) was invented by an Alaska cyclist who couldn't keep his water from freezing. It combines a battery-powered heating element with a drinking tube so riders can thaw their water and stay hydrated. It's compatible with CamelBak and most other hydration bladders.
For warming up after your ride: a neoprene-covered steel growler cage (www.growlercage.com; $55), which fits in place of any water-bottle cage on a bike and accommodates a 64-ounce glass growler filled with your favorite brew.
Some area stores that carry fat bikes include Zion Cyclery, 2750 Sheridan Road, Zion, http://www.zioncyclery.com; Spokes with locations at 69 Danada Sq E, Wheaton, and 1807 S. Washington St., Suite 112, Naperville, spokesbikes.com; and North Central Cyclery, 534 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, www.northcentralcyclery.com.
Remember: Don't drink and ride, and always wear a helmet.