Blizzard conditions - advice and planning help needed

[Area54]

I'm heading to Chicago in a few weeks for work and play. With the weather they are having in NY and DC right now, I;m planning for the worst should the snow and blizzards head west to the windy city. I know it's not really an adventure city, but the adventure is what you make of it - even a walk in the park with 10m visibility can be a challenge and lots of fun!

I've no REAL cold experience (I'm a QLDer remember ) and they are getting -10 degrees C in Chicago right now. The only snow I've seen was some cake icing at Stanthorpe about 25 years ago. My boss has been a font of knowledge, having spent a lot of time in Nepal and similar over the years, however it is always good to cast the net and get a variety of responses from different experiences. I've got plenty of kit to get me through, what I'm after are those little tidbits/hints, tips and fine details that make the difference.

I'll be doing a fair bit of riding and walking around (riding in the extreme weather is an aspect of my job), backpacking the whole time in Chicago. If it was a normal winter there - no problem as good old common sense would prevail. However, should I be out on a long ride/walk and the weather turns nasty well thats just how it is, I need to be able to get back under my own steam and have a bit of fun along the way.

Experience will be a good teacher, but what tips will minimise those noob mistakes?

[Jellybean]

Hi,

The following are pretty basic tips which you may have already heard, but in case you haven't, 'hope these help!:

1. Wear lots of layers - for temperature control (particularly important when moving from indoors to outdoors and vice versa).

2. Include insulating as well as windproof/waterproof layers.

3. Ensure your gloves are insulated as well as windproof and waterproof, ditto for your boots (you can probably buy snow boots over there way more cheaply than here - if you'll get the opportunity).

4. Don't forget your head, ears and nose - ensure they're covered. (We used to always get told - if your hands or feet are cold, put on a hat! You lose alot of heat through your chest and head if they are not covered correctly, result - cold extremities.

5. If it's really cold and/or blowing, goggles are much better than sunnies. (Keep in mind that glare from snow can be significant).

6. If you have anything that is battery operated, keep it in a warm pocket, close to your body (cold temperatures will cause your battery charge to reduce quickly).

7. The small disposable packet handwarmers and feet warmers can be useful for providing extra warmth to cold hands or feet.

8. Carry an emergency shelter if you'll be some distance from permanent shelters.

9. Taking Gingko (herb) is supposed to help maintain circulation to your periphery and decrease the risk of frost bite (is also supposed to improve your memory, but we failed to see any evidence of that!)(we took this in the lead up to and during two trips to Nepal - one to 3500m for two weeks, the other to nearly 6500m for just over three weeks).

10. Be aware of the signs of and treatment for hypothermia and cold injury and take appropriate action if required (remembering that prevention with the other tips mentioned here) is better than cure. There's an excellent chapter on this in "Clinical Sports Medicine" (by Brukner and Khan et al, published by McGraw Hill) or try Googling for info.

11. Remember that weather conditions can change quickly - be prepared for everything.

These simple tips can help keep you comfortable and safe.

Have a great trip!

N.B. The worst conditions I've experienced were blizzarding and minus 20 degrees C in the mountains of Nepal (Mera Peak), Canada (Kimberley, Alberta), USA (Snowbasin, Utah).

[Area54]

Cheers JB, good advice is something you can never hear enough times.

I've got a wide variety of gear I'm taking with me, Goretex and Entrant jackets and overpants, Icebreaker base and mid layers, Macpac interwool leggings and my ancient angora leggings, 550 down zip-in and a 700 vest, Merrell thermo 6 boots for the legwork and some insulated boots from Shimano for the bike, powerstretch inners and some Netti waterproof outergloves - in fact so much I've hardly used together in anger here in a QLD winter, it'll be a buzz to mix and match it to suit each day and really get some good test data!

Will have a 30L pack with me everyday so will be easy to carry what I need. Will be interesting to see how my GPS and EEEPC handle the cold, daresay the temps will affect them in some way. Solid state hard drive, both Li-polymer. Camera...hmmm careful there as condensation is an issue. Goggles are a good tip, makes an easier seal against the balaclava and neckwarmer.

What sort of water consumption should I be looking at? I know it depends on exertion, however I don't want to be dragging a full 3L camelbak along each day if I could get away with a 600ml bottle.

What about vitamin loading?

[Jellybean]

Hey,

‘Seems like the average low in Chicago in January is – 8C and they apparently get around 15 days per year less than – 18C. Could potentially get colder with the wind chill factor thrown in (especially on the bike!)

‘Sounds like you’re sorted re your clothing. I actually really enjoy being in those conditions – with the right gear! (Yep, I’ve also got a stack of gear that never sees the light of day in a Sydney winter but I wouldn’t be without in colder places – it’s nice to get the opportunity to use it!). (Includes a thermal winter cycling jacket which only ever gets used in sub zero temps in Canberra winters – I often work down there – but keeps me toasty when required!)

Re your bike – not sure if you are taking your own or borrowing one over there – but make sure the tyres are suitable for the conditions!

Re your GPS and EEEPC – check the instructions for the operating range for your gear – the main problem seems to be slowing down with cold temperatures and sometimes dimming of screens (rectified when they warm up again) and needing more charge to operate (which subsequently drains the batteries more quickly). Have spares available in a warm place. Not sure re the camera (not an avid photographer) although a friend has had issues with condensation.

Re your water consumption – hard to say – I know at lower altitudes I drink less when it’s colder for the same level of exertion. (At higher altitudes I drink more to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness). ‘Might be a case of “suck it and see” (pun intended). If you are getting sub-zero temp’s, get an insulated drinking tube for your Camelbak (or if you are using a bottle get an insulated holder)(outdoor stores should have both) – otherwise the contents may freeze and you’ll find yourself without any water!

Re vitamin loading – I generally just try to ensure I am eating a healthy, balanced diet (sometimes easier said than done in the US!). I add Gingko if we’re going to altitude and often CoQ10 (increases cellular energy production, stamina and endurance and aids recovery)(but that’s not because of the cold or altitude, more for any trips that will require a lot of physical exertion). I use Endura Magnesium Rehydration Formula as a drink (recommended by a sports nutritionist friend) and, in really cold temperatures gels, not bars (nearly broke my teeth once on a frozen Powerbar!). (And with my dodgy knees, I take Fish Oil and Glucosamine/Chondroitin religiously). All help.

Don’t forget the sunscreen too!

Cheers,

JB

[Jaxter]

I'm curious about where you're going to be riding and walking in Chicago. It's a huge sprawling, urban city with huge sprawling suburbia from Indiana to Wisconsin. If the cold gets to be too much for you you'll be able to get out of the cold and into a nice overheated building pretty much anywhere! I lived in suburban Chicago for 10 years and thought the winters were insanely cold (or the people were insane to live there through the winter). I'm not sure how interesting you'll find it in winter - the area is flat as a tack and the countryside (when you finally get to it) is boring. Chicago has some interesting architecture and museums and the blues clubs are worth a visit, but the state doesn't have much else going for it.

With regards to managing cold, I ran 6 miles a day through summer and winter for a few years there. The sorts of things Jellybean talks about are right on - feet, hands and face are the ones that suffer first. When running I sometimes wore a neoprene facemask - makes you look like Darth Vader, but staves off the frost. The cold weather in Chicago is actually a really dry cold - it will suck all the moisture out of your skin and cause electrostatic shocks, so keep your fluids up.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the experience - extreme weather can be quite exciting to live through.

[Area54]

JB:

I'll be hiring a bike over there, just not worth taking one of my bikes over. I hadn't thought of the 'bak drinking tube sleeve or bottle cover. Might cut off a leg from one of my old wetsuits and fit it over the nally.

Last time I was in the US I was stuck out the back of nowhere with just a 7-11 type gas station for sustenance, surprisingly I ate quite well, they stocked fruit, cereal, yoghurt, cheap/decent frozen dinners and these high calorie chocolate cookies and sickly sweet rice desserts that got me through some massive days in the saddle. I use Endura, powerbars and gels here at home - was planning to take some powerbars/gels along with me but the endura is a bit dodgy, I don't know how they handle powdered products in unsealed packages. Endura is really only useful to me in high sweat loss situations, can usually get by with a balanced diet - agreed this is not always easy in the US. Should be able to find a big bag of GORP in a grocery somewhere. Ah yes, sunscreen, good reminder and great tip. I always use marcalan (high quality lanolin) for stopping chapped lips, but in colder weather the tube gets pretty solid until warmed up.

Jaxter:

First I'll be out near Rosemount for a conference, then heading in via train to a hostel near Millenium Park. Here is when I'll hire the bike and meet a few people from a local cycle commuter forum, head out for a wintry ride along the lake shore. Plan to see a few comedy shows and some good blues. Sears tower and a lot more I'll make up on the plane once I get a lonely planet guide. Honestly though, I think it will come down to making it up as I go along, just too many variables. Any highlights would be appreciated to narrow down my options

Some specialized clothing/kit I'll buy over there - far cheaper and more common than the kit we have in store in local outfitters. Will no doubt get to use it on future trips to Tas/NZ.

I've been watching the weather and the humidity is so low (relative to QLD anyways) I might have to go metro and apply moisturiser

You've got it in one Jaxter - the extreme weather will be very exciting. Of course I'm viewing it with all the niaivety of a QLDer sitting in the warmth of a 34 degree summer

[Jellybean]

Jaxter:

I chuckled when I read your description of Chicago - particularly the very cold, flat, boring countryside part. I was offered a scholarship to do a PhD at the University of Illinois (Champaign campus) a few moons ago. Apart from the fact that I was over studying and itching to get out in the real world, the thought of a temperature range of - 40 to + 40C and the flat, boring countryside put me off. (I made a visit there in March one year when the countryside was at its bleakest - snow melting, brown sludge everywhere and no leaves. The guys also told me that if they wanted to do any hill training they had to drive to Indiana to do so! Otherwise, if they wanted to get stronger - outside the gym - riding into their horror headwinds was the other option!).

Yep, agree, the neoprene face masks are great in really cold conditions. I picked one up really cheaply over there. The moisturiser is also a really good tip - meant to mention that before.

Area 54:

Re the lip balm - yep, definitely a good idea. I usually use Blistex - need to keep it in a warm pocket - or Lucas paw paw ointment. The one you mention sounds good too.

Re the Endura in an unmarked container - that's how I normally take it os and I haven't had any problems - was asked once what it was. You can also buy it in individual sachets if need be. (I buy my Endura powder, bars and gels from these guys: http://www.sportrecovery.com.au/. They seem to be very competitively priced. Certainly cheaper than buying from the local bike store).

In terms of things to do, if it was me, in addition to the comedy and blues (I'm a sports nut), I'd also be looking to catch a Chicago Bulls game if they are in town and maybe some top level ice hockey!

Have a good time!

Cheers,

JB

[Area54]

Chicago bulls game would be high on the list, but don't mention the Cubs I'm told

I had a misspent youth at the local ice skating rink, didn't think about a hockey game.


Just had an update on the trip - a good friend of mine has a brother in law in Arizona, keen to have me drop by and do some local mountain bike trails with him. Oh great. He is ex US special forces guy that keeps in shape by competing in 48hr mtb enduro races. I have to keep very fit as part of my job, however I feel I'm gonna hurt a bit on these rides. I CAN"T WAIT!!!!

I"m hoping there'll be enough room in the Strezlecki for all the gear.

[bluewombat]

but don't mention the Cubs I'm told

No baseball in winter
bw

[Drifting]

My ex-GF is from Chicago- on the really cold days you need to make sure you have a good scarf to cover your mouth and nose, as you can inhale freezing air and do some considerable damage. Lovely place in the Winter..... Make sure you pay for the excess reduction on your rental car!

The Field Museum and the Art Museum are amongst the best in the World- I could spend weeks in either of them. Make sure you watch The ghost and The Darkness before you go to the Field Museum- the lions are on display in the foyer- the real ones!

Chicago's an amazing city- definitely the first choice for a "real" US city to visit. Just make sure you don't get too risky in where you wander- some of the areas away from the CBD make Redfern look like playschool.

[jcr_au]

I have no experience of Chicago, or anywhere with extreme cold, so can't comment there, but if you were thinking about replacing any of your gear in the near future, do it over there.

Bushwalking (and I guess bike) gear is so much cheaper in the US its ridiculous and if you need to send things home the USPS, despite being universally looked down on, does have some reasonably priced snail mail options. Having said that you will need to know what you're after going into the post office as the service is non-existent.

John r

[Area54]

Thank you all for your help, back from the trip and it was a fantastic experience with a lot of knowledge earned in the field. On the riding days I ended up using only my icebreaker liner socks - plenty of warmth (very surprised) with my insulated boots - but the powerstretch liner and so-called 'waterproof' Netti riding gloves were anything but. The gloves got saturated riding in the rain and my hands froze, all other kit worked faultlessly. Coldest was -12C and like I say, good experience for a lifetime QLDer.

After Chicago I spent a few days in Tucson with a mate riding his local trails, desert and high country fun.

[kanangra]

Far out! How did you ride that sastrugi.

[Son of a Beach]

Wow... where do they moor their yachts during winter?

[Jellybean]

Great to hear you had a good trip and that almost all of the gear worked well!

There's something weird about seeing moorings frozen over (or cacti and snow in the same area)! (I remember flying over the Grand Canyon one March and seeing it in snow - hadn't expected it).

Cheers,

JB

[Area54]

That ice was over the bikepath near the Oak St beach, it ran very close to the waters edge and the wind/wave action blew the floes onto the path. Further up the path were scenes from a Norwegian harbour, frozen spray on handrails and breakwater.

I must admit the areas of failure were items I didn't place enough attention to. The gloves were a regular set used at home, I was planning on picking up some when I got to Chicago but couldn't find the ones I wanted - a set of lobsters.

I ended the afternoon with a visit to REI, got a nice cycling cap and a windproof darth vader clava, my earth sea sky one was a bit thin for the wind.