Last night

[Claire Petersky]

There was rain mixed with a little snow during the commute on the way home,
coming down pretty hard, with gusts on the Floating Bridge. Visiblity was
really low. I was surprised that Dane Buson could recognize me in the
evening gloom, coming the other way. I was surprised and delighted that he
just happened to have in his bike bag the spare bulbs I was going to buy off
of him to put in my Shimano generator hub light.

I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
chilblains on the ankles.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

[smn]

Just like here in Surrey, BC. first snow I believe. Ice everywhere.
should go really cold on Thursday night. Wear your woollies.
this too could be the flavor of the month. the right price?
http://www.bikesax.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RWLK301&Category_Code=ACC-RWR

Motorcycle apparel that is heated too might be right for some folks here.

[Stephen Harding]

Claire Petersky wrote:

> There was rain mixed with a little snow during the commute on the way home,
> coming down pretty hard, with gusts on the Floating Bridge. Visiblity was
> really low. I was surprised that Dane Buson could recognize me in the
> evening gloom, coming the other way. I was surprised and delighted that he
> just happened to have in his bike bag the spare bulbs I was going to buy off
> of him to put in my Shimano generator hub light.

First snow bike ride here in W. Mass earlier last week. Very
wet stuff but only an inch deep at most.

I opted for the bike path most of the way home and really enjoyed
the quiet that comes from riding in snow. Coming down really hard
a good part of the day.

Got to use my "wire brush" generator drive wheel that came with
the Dymotec S6 generator. Snowy stuff causes the contact between
drive wheel and tire to become intermittent, and the light goes
on and off as you ride.

That little wire drive wheel worked like a charm!

I think constant use would probably wreck the tire sidewall in
short time though, even on a tire with a dedicated generator drive
strip along the edge.

As long as the plows aren't speeding by, bicycling along the road
in snow during a heavy snow fall is quite enjoyable! It's only
after the cars have packed the stuff down to ice that the studded
knobbies are really needed, and the fun diminishes.


SMH

[limeylew@gmail.com]

On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com>
wrote:
> There was rain mixed with a little snow during the commute on the way home,
> coming down pretty hard, with gusts on the Floating Bridge. Visiblity was
> really low. I was surprised that Dane Buson could recognize me in the
> evening gloom, coming the other way. I was surprised and delighted that he
> just happened to have in his bike bag the spare bulbs I was going to buy off
> of him to put in my Shimano generator hub light.
>
> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
> chilblains on the ankles.
>
> --
> Warm Regards,
>
> Claire Peterskyhttp://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
> See the books I've set free at:http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

Hi, Claire, I always enjoy your posts but this time I got enjoyment
AND a surprise.

Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.

I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
when' very well.

I hope they quit irritating you very soon.

Lewis.

*****

[D_Frumious_B@ndersnat.ch]

Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:

> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
> chilblains on the ankles.

Just got home from my first ride like that this season: seven miles
home from the local Costco [1] with groceries and Christmas junk. Had a
great time, just wish I'd remembered my anti-fog.
Just think - some people will gladly pay $75 a day or so for lift
passes wo that they can get cold, wet, and tired. You and I get to
accomplish the same thing for free!


Bill

__o | REALLY support the troops
_`\(,_ | Ride a bicycle!
(_)/ (_) |


[1] This Costco has a bike rack just outside the door. Down the street is
the only bike shop in this part of town, which does NOT have a bike rack.
Go figure.

[Dennis P. Harris]

On Tue, 27 Nov 2007 07:54:56 -0800 in rec.bicycles.misc, "Claire
Petersky" <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:

> There was rain mixed with a little snow during the commute on the way home,
> coming down pretty hard, with gusts on the Floating Bridge.

in SEATTLE? where it hardly ever snows?

meanwhile, 900 miles to the north in juneau we've been having
balmy 40 degF weather, while i wait to make money cleaning
neighbors' walks and driveways. last year at this time we had
about 5 feet of snow on the ground.

[Dane Buson]

Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:
> There was rain mixed with a little snow during the commute on the way home,
> coming down pretty hard, with gusts on the Floating Bridge. Visiblity was
> really low. I was surprised that Dane Buson could recognize me in the
> evening gloom, coming the other way.

Well, I was going slowish at that point. Additionally I was keeping an
eye out for you, and that section is well lit.

> I was surprised and delighted that he just happened to have in his
> bike bag the spare bulbs I was going to buy off of him to put in my
> Shimano generator hub light.

Just happened! Chance favors the prepared mind! ;-)

Of course if I was really together I would have sent the email to you
about them earlier in the week like I intended. I knew I forgot to give
them to you the last time I saw you. But I did slip them into my bag,
reasoning that chances were favourable I'd see you soon.

Also, did you end up getting any persimmons?

> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
> chilblains on the ankles.

Ick. Thankfully I actually had almost my full winter kit with me that
day since the morning was chilly. The only thing I was missing was knee
warmers instead of full tights.

Visibility being totally bog awful was my main complaint about Monday.

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
OpenLDAP, at least, seriously sucks. If it weren't better than all the
alternatives for our setup, I'd be tempted to find all of the authors
and go back in time to kill all four grandparents of each one, just to
be sure. -- Zed C. Pobre, in the monastery

[It's Chris]

No snow here (South Carolina). not for the last three years. anyway. I
miss it :-3(>

- -
Compliments of:
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

If you want to E-mail me use:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

My website:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

[Tom Keats]

In article <WpY2j.12644$B21.4846@trndny07>,
Stephen Harding <smharding16@msn.com> writes:

> Got to use my "wire brush" generator drive wheel that came with
> the Dymotec S6 generator. Snowy stuff causes the contact between
> drive wheel and tire to become intermittent, and the light goes
> on and off as you ride.
>
> That little wire drive wheel worked like a charm!
>
> I think constant use would probably wreck the tire sidewall in
> short time though, even on a tire with a dedicated generator drive
> strip along the edge.

I recently replaced the worn-out (rubber) drivewheel on one
of my favourite generators with a Coke bottle cap.

It works beautifully, even in rain. I guess since the
bottle cap is hollow & flexible, it conforms to the
contour of the tire nicely. I dunno how long it'll last.
But it'll be no sweat to replace it with another Coke
bottle cap. What's really notable is the lack of drag,
and the pleasant buzzing noise it makes.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Claire Petersky]

<limeylew@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:f1229aec-18aa-4fab-93fb-a90ed63191ca@t47g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com>
> wrote:

>> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
>> chilblains on the ankles.


> Hi, Claire, I always enjoy your posts but this time I got enjoyment
> AND a surprise.
>
> Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
> complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
> anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.
>
> I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
> for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
> ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
> when' very well.

I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

[DVarnau]

> On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" wrote:
[snip]
> > I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
> > chilblains on the ankles.


<limeylew@gmail.com> wrote
> Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
> complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
> anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.
>
> I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
> for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
> ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
> when' very well.

It *must* be true- it's on Wikipedia :-o

Self-medication can be provided by urinating on affected area and leaving to
absorb for approximately 30 seconds. This should be repeated regularly
during cold months.


Regards,
Don

[Dane Buson]

D_Frumious_B@ndersnat.ch wrote:
> Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:
>
>> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
>> chilblains on the ankles.
>
> Just got home from my first ride like that this season: seven miles
> home from the local Costco [1] with groceries and Christmas junk. Had a
> great time, just wish I'd remembered my anti-fog.

I've finally succumbed and joined Costco. They don't have too many
things we will buy, but I was getting a large electronics purchase and
the extended return and warranty was totally worth it. Next time I go,
I will definitely be doing it by bike. The parking lot is full of
zombies and is precisely the sort of driving I hate.

> Just think - some people will gladly pay $75 a day or so for lift
> passes wo that they can get cold, wet, and tired. You and I get to
> accomplish the same thing for free!

Skiing is okay I guess. It involves too much falling over for my taste,
but I'm sure other people are less clumsy than I and have a glorious
time. I think I also never cottoned to it much since most skiing
available to me is pure sport with zero utilitarian value.

> [1] This Costco has a bike rack just outside the door. Down the street is
> the only bike shop in this part of town, which does NOT have a bike rack.
> Go figure.

I'll have to check on the bike rack situation at my Costco. That is
really odd about your bike shop.

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
We'll try to cooperate fully with the IRS, because, as citizens, we feel
a strong patriotic duty not to go to jail.
-- Dave Barry

[Bill Sornson]

Claire Petersky wrote:

> I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.

I get them in my toes most winters. Painful as hell.

Bill "waiting on that folk remedy" S.

[Dennis P. Harris]

On Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:45:47 -0800 in rec.bicycles.misc, "Claire
Petersky" <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:

> I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.
>
i get'm too, if i don't protect my shins. raingear can help keep
the chill wind off, and i've found that a pair of fleece pants
under the raingear helps.

[smn]

"Claire Petersky" <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote in message
news:13kpehnlgs8tu26@corp.supernews.com...
> <limeylew@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:f1229aec-18aa-4fab-93fb-a90ed63191ca@t47g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
>> On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" <cpeter...@mouse-potato.com>
>> wrote:
>
>>> I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
>>> chilblains on the ankles.
>
>
>> Hi, Claire, I always enjoy your posts but this time I got enjoyment
>> AND a surprise.
>>
>> Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
>> complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
>> anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.
>>
>> I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
>> for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
>> ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
>> when' very well.
>
> I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.
>
> --
> Warm Regards,
>
> Claire Petersky
> http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
> See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

Sorry, I am right about the warming up procedure.
What are chilblains and what causes them?

Chilblains (sometimes called pernio) are small, itchy, painful, red
swellings on the skin. Chilblains are thought to be caused by an abnormal
skin reaction to cold. They tend to occur on the 'extremities' that more
easily become cold. That is, the toes, fingers, nose, and earlobes. However,
other areas of skin sometimes develop chilblains when they become cold. For
example, the heels, lower legs and thighs (especially in horse riders).

Chilblains are common. It is thought that about 1 in 10 people in the UK get
chilblains at some stage in their life. It is not clear why some people get
chilblains when their skin gets cold. It is probably due to 'poor
circulation' in the extremities (toes, fingers, etc). The tiny blood vessels
under the skin narrow (constrict) when the skin becomes cold. The blood
supply to areas of skin may then become very slow. As the skin re-warms
there is some leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the tissues. In
some way this causes areas of inflammation and swelling leading to
chilblains.

The speed (rate) of temperature change may play a part. Some people get
chilblains if they warm up cold skin too quickly. For example, with a hot
water bottle or by sitting very close to a fire.

Some people with poor circulation and with other problems of their blood
vessels are more prone to developing chilblains. However, most chilblains
occur in people who are otherwise healthy.

What are the symptoms of chilblains?

Chilblains occur several hours after being exposed to the cold. You may get
just one chilblain but often several develop. They may join together to form
a larger swollen, red area of skin.

a.. Chilblains are very itchy. A burning sensation is also typical.
b.. They are usually red to start with but may become purple.
c.. Pain and tenderness over the chilblains often develops.
d.. In some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay
healing.
e.. Sometimes the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone
to infection.
Each chilblain typically lasts about seven days, and then gradually goes
away over a week or so. Some people get recurring bouts of chilblains each
winter.

Can you prevent chilblains?

If you are prone to chilblains then trying to prevent them is sensible.

a.. Keep your hands and feet warm when out in cold weather by using warm
gloves and socks. Consider special heated gloves and socks if chilblains are
a recurring problem.
b.. If possible, exercise vigorously before going out into the cold. The
theory is that this will improve the circulation to the hands and feet.
There is no clear evidence to confirm that this works but it is traditional
advice.
c.. Do not heat the skin quickly after being out in the cold with hot
water bottles, etc. Gradually warm up.
d.. Side-effects to some drugs may constrict (narrow) tiny blood vessels.
This may be enough to make you prone to recurring chilblains. For example,
beta-blocker drugs can have this effect. Tell your doctor if you become
prone to chilblains since starting any medication.
What is the treatment for chilblains?

a.. Keep the affected areas warm. This means staying out of the cold, or
wearing warm gloves, socks, etc, when outdoors.
b.. No other treatment is normally needed as they usually go away by
themselves.
c.. A range of soothing creams and lotions (such as calamine lotion) can
be bought from a pharmacy. These may ease the soreness until symptoms go.
d.. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and
soreness.
e.. Medication is sometimes used to prevent chilblains in people who have
recurring chilblains. A drug called nifedipine can dilate (open wide) the
small blood vessels and may help to prevent chilblains.

[smn]

"Bill Sornson" <askme@ask.me> wrote in message
news:474ce51c$0$28869$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> Claire Petersky wrote:
>
>> I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.
>
> I get them in my toes most winters. Painful as hell.
>
> Bill "waiting on that folk remedy" S.
Just warm the area up slowly. any blood rushing in from being too warm too
fast will hurt more than the freezing. cold to warm water progressively.

[limeylew@gmail.com]

On Nov 28, 3:50 am, "DVarnau" <don...@varnauREMOVETHIS.org> wrote:
> > On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" wrote:
> [snip]
> > > I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
> > > chilblains on the ankles.
>
> <limey...@gmail.com> wrote
>
> > Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
> > complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
> > anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.
>
> > I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
> > for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
> > ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
> > when' very well.
>
> It *must* be true- it's on Wikipedia :-o
>
> Self-medication can be provided by urinating on affected area and leaving to
> absorb for approximately 30 seconds. This should be repeated regularly
> during cold months.
>
>
> Regards,
> Don

Given the choices, I think Mother would have suggested Calamine
lotion. :-)

Lewis.

*****

[Bill Sornson]

smn wrote:
> "Bill Sornson" <askme@ask.me> wrote in message
> news:474ce51c$0$28869$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>> Claire Petersky wrote:
>>
>>> I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.
>>
>> I get them in my toes most winters. Painful as hell.
>>
>> Bill "waiting on that folk remedy" S.
> Just warm the area up slowly. any blood rushing in from being too
> warm too fast will hurt more than the freezing. cold to warm water
> progressively.

Good advice, but mine hurt the worst at night. I'll have to get out of bed
and apply Caladryl Lotion to ease the burning and itching. Doesn't matter
whether I was out in the cold (hell, I live in San Diego!) during the day.

My best guess, though, is that I /damaged/ the nerves by not doing what you
suggest when I was a kid. Used to come in from sleigh-riding with totally
frozen feet, and put 'em up against a heater to warm/thaw 'em out.

It was worse a few years ago when I still mountain biked a lot. Now that
I'm almost all-roadie it doesn't happen as often or severely.

Bill "more ailments than a convalescent ward" S.

[Claire Petersky]

"Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu> wrote in message
news:0a6125-fv2.ln1@curare.zuvembi.homelinux.org...
> Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:

>> I was surprised and delighted that he just happened to have in his
>> bike bag the spare bulbs I was going to buy off of him to put in my
>> Shimano generator hub light.
>
> Just happened! Chance favors the prepared mind! ;-)
>
> Of course if I was really together I would have sent the email to you
> about them earlier in the week like I intended. I knew I forgot to give
> them to you the last time I saw you. But I did slip them into my bag,
> reasoning that chances were favourable I'd see you soon.

I also meant to email you. Ah well!

But I need some troubleshooting - the old bulb was sort of brownish on the
side, indicating that it probably did burn out. But the new bulb isn't
working. I know power is going into the light, because the LED thingie is
lit. But the main bulb isn't coming on.

> Also, did you end up getting any persimmons?

Alas, no.

> Visibility being totally bog awful was my main complaint about Monday.

I agree. I pointed one of my lights over to the right, just so I could pick
up the sight of the edge of the bike trail, so I wouldn't go off course. And
then just prayed that all cyclists and peds had on some sort of reflective
or lit-up something on.

This evening was much better - just a little less precip makes a big
difference.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

[Dane Buson]

Claire Petersky <cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:
>
> But I need some troubleshooting - the old bulb was sort of brownish on the
> side, indicating that it probably did burn out. But the new bulb isn't
> working. I know power is going into the light, because the LED thingie is
> lit. But the main bulb isn't coming on.

:-/

I'm assuming the bulbs look the same as the old one in the light? It
wouldn't be too surprising if Shimano used a different bulb, but it
would seem a little silly.

Barring that, I'm probably taking the afternoon off and cleaning the
house tomorrow. So if you're working feel free to drop by and I can
test against known working bulbs/lights.

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"...[Linux's] capacity to talk via any medium except smoke signals."
(By Dr. Greg Wettstein, Roger Maris Cancer Center)

[Stephen Harding]

Tom Keats wrote:
> In article <WpY2j.12644$B21.4846@trndny07>,
> Stephen Harding <smharding16@msn.com> writes:
>
>
>>Got to use my "wire brush" generator drive wheel that came with
>>the Dymotec S6 generator. Snowy stuff causes the contact between
>>drive wheel and tire to become intermittent, and the light goes
>>on and off as you ride.
>>
>>That little wire drive wheel worked like a charm!
>>
>>I think constant use would probably wreck the tire sidewall in
>>short time though, even on a tire with a dedicated generator drive
>>strip along the edge.
>
> I recently replaced the worn-out (rubber) drivewheel on one
> of my favourite generators with a Coke bottle cap.
>
> It works beautifully, even in rain. I guess since the
> bottle cap is hollow & flexible, it conforms to the
> contour of the tire nicely. I dunno how long it'll last.
> But it'll be no sweat to replace it with another Coke
> bottle cap. What's really notable is the lack of drag,
> and the pleasant buzzing noise it makes.

That's an interesting adaption!

I've used grommets from the hardware store to replace the
rubber of drive wheels before. Worked OK although they
are slightly larger diameter changing the "gear ratio"
of the drive a bit.

But they still slip when wet. I'll check out the bottle
cap though. Seems it would be far more gentle to the
wheel than a wire roller.


SMH