bikes

Today I went for my daily ride in the Blue Mountains - a thirty-kilometre loop with the temperature hovering at 4 degrees celsius in early May. The westerly blew stronger than usual and dropped the wind chill down to 1 degree. In the coming months, it�s only going to get colder. It�s time I penned a few thoughts on what to wear in this weather. I�ll start from the top. Apart from the compulsory helmet, I wear my treasured Fausto Coppi headwear - it�s a fabric tube that can be turned into neck warmer; bandana; ear warmer; head warmer or full-kit balaclava. I bought it for 10 euros (A$15) at the summit of Passo Dello Stelvio after a lovely three-hour climb from Bormio. At six o�clock in the evening, with two-metre high snow drifts beside the road, I knew I was in for a chilly descent. Fausto kept me snug and warm. The material is thin enough to hear approaching traffic, yet offers optimum warmth and stretches comfortably over my fat head. My favourite winter item. Wanker alert: Most of t...