Does “icicle on wheels” refer to the bicycle; or to the rider? It could be either; or both.

We’ve got a deep freeze on the way. Tuesday night it’s going to drop to the low 20s; and for New Orleans, that’s freakishly cold! I’m not sure I’ll be able to get up the courage to ride Wednesday morning; but if I do, I’ll be an icicle on wheels. It’s not only the low temperature I’ll have to deal with; the wind will be 10-15 mph. That means a chill factor of 12 degrees or lower!

I don’t own any super-thermal cycling clothing for riding in super-cold weather; and that means plenty of layers. I’ve got some kind of undershirt around here; and I must dig it out. I’ll want the sleeves from a cycling jacket that I kept when the jacket’s zipper went kaput. My arms get cold easily; and those sleeves are a big help.

Hand warmers on such a cold day are a no-brainer; as are heavy gloves. By the time I’m bundled up enough to go out, I might not be able to move!

In addition to the low temperatures, rain is likely Monday night. The forecast doesn’t mention sleet; but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. A little sleet shuts down this entire city! It’s so rare that people don’t know how to drive in it; and the overpasses don’t do anything to help in such weather.

Low tonight, 47 degrees. I’d better ride tomorrow; and Tuesday, too, if I can. Then come Wednesday, I can stay in if necessary. I don’t want to turn into an icicle on wheels.