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endura freezing-point overshoes ii

endura freezing point overshoes ii

i recall robert millar (pippa york) stating that, once past 30 years old, it was necessary to train twice as hard simply to remain at the same level as before. that may have been an oversimplification, or even a slight exaggeration, but there's no denying that, as the years roll by, it becomes harder and harder to retain the same level of stamina and speed as we all took for granted when mere youngsters. phil cavell pays credence to this state of affairs in his excellent book 'the midlife cyclist', providing advice as to how the more earnest amongst us might stave off some of the effects of getting older. but ultimately, the game's a bogey.

endura freezing point overshoes ii

having never raced with a number on my back, nor having any real desire so to do, i can't honestly say that i've not undertaken any serious training regime, ever. there have been occasions on which i've placed myself under duress for the purposes of reviewing a book dedicated to the training process, but never for any longer than absolutely necessary. i figure that's probably why i find zwift such an easy target; why would i subject myself to indoor stress and strain for no real purpose?

endura freezing point overshoes ii

however, the consoling factor in the face of diminishing velocity, is a predilection for going out riding in pretty much any weather you care to mention. granted, if the crosswinds are in excess of 80kph, i'll reluctantly stay at home, for it's really, really hard to remain upright in winds of that strength. however, such conditions not withstanding, i'll ride in gales, rain, hail, snow, sunshine; pretty much anything the hebrides can throw in the direction of an intrepid cyclist. however, this is scarcely a case of unbridled derring-do; it has far more to do with possessing a wide range of weatherproof clothing, ownership of which would be utterly pointless were i to resort to a smart turbo trainer and visions of watopia.

endura freezing point overshoes ii

that said, it's still possible to underestimate certain factors of the prevailing climate on any given day. the past few weeks have varied dramatically between temperatures of eleven degrees and yesterday's three degrees. the danger here is either resembling a mobile sauna, or clambering into the fridge after the bike ride to thaw out. according to common velocipedinal lore, if you're comfortably warm within the first five kilometres, then you're overdressed. by and large, i've found that to be true, but islay is an island of two halves, split almost down the middle by sea lochs both north and south. to the east of loch indaal, it can be as much as three degrees warmer than to the west, a situation that will only reveal itself on reaching the latter side of the water.

endura freezing point overshoes ii

since the parcours on the west side of the loch subsequently skirts the shores of the north atlantic, that's the section for which it is pertinent to dress, even if it does lead to some initial overheating on leaving the croft. however, it's often the extremities that feel it most; face, hands and feet, with the latter being the least likely to recover sooner rather than later.

let's face it, once clipped in, your feet have little opportunity for independent movement that might result in heat generation. you can blow on your hands, move them about, or even stop and clap into the wind for a while. the face too, can be turned away from the direction of impinging hailstones, snow, or even just plain icy wind. and i'm sure many will agree that riding with numb feet, is not high on anyone's 'to do' list.

which is why it's important to plan ahead, donning thick winter socks and covering everything in waterproof and preferably insulated overshoes. like endura's second generation of freezing point overshoes for instance.

endura freezing point overshoes ii

i owned two pairs of the original freezing-point overshoes, both of which offered sterling service until they simply wore out due to continued use. the latest model replaces the outer fabric of the first version with neoprene, a surface off which any water simply rolls to the ground. following two weeks of continued use, with both three-point road shoes and two-point offroad footwear, i have yet to suffer from wet feet. in fact the complete dryness of the fleece lining attests to the effectiveness of the outer surface. and it's that grey fleece lining that makes these stand out from ordinary overshoes.

despite the met office weather forecast displaying temperatures of three degrees, and windchill that makes it feel four degrees colder, my feet have stayed cosy and dry.

endura freezing point overshoes ii

though any pair of overshoes wil eventually suffer from wear on the soles, endura's solution is to feature an aramid fabric, stitched with aramid thread, offering the required amount of flexibility, while remaining sturdy in the face of adversity. the rear zips have now been offset to prevent the zip digging in at the heel and calf muscle, and there's some gloopy silicon around the top to prevent unwanted water ingress. be warned, however, that a pair of these will dispense with any spurious excuses you might concoct, as to why you can't go out in all weathers.

endura freezing point overshoes are available only in black and in sizes ranging from small to xl, with a retail price of £49.99. | endura freezing point overshoe ii

sunday 09 january 2022

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