[wayner]

A few observations from a guy who started from nowhere a few years ago and now dies centuries thanks to the help of the guys here:

1) as far as gear, experiment and figure out what works for you. I used to just wear a golf shirt. It worked well and had a high collar to protect my neck from sun, but then I got a nasty sunburn on my lower back and realized why riding sorts droop at the back so I got one:-)

2) spares: food, water, inner tube
I always pack a snack even on short rides just
in case. You never know what’s going on inside your body and I’ve used it to help out even experienced riders who bonked after a night out or something they didn’t account for

3) cold weather for me is anything less than 10c. ( 50F)
Below that I actually have to think about what I wear.
Above that just try something light that you’ll probably shed. Below that it varies.
For all weather I wear wool socks instead of booties ( unless it’s snowing)
Wool socks work well in extreme heat, rain and cold. I no longer try to keep my feet dry. Wool is nature’s wet suit.

just ride, you’ll figure it out

As for spin classes, I used to do these a lot
Then I realized ya there good to get your cardio in good shape but once your at a level it’s time for road work

I’ve modified my approach to spin classes now though. I just pick my cadence, stay in a tuck and ignore the class. I’ll join in on the climbs but then drop back into my training cadence instead of resting

The instructor hates it ( your not doing it right you have to listen to me) no I don’t 🙂