Layering looks scrumptious when it comes to desserts. Layers are even more important when it comes to dressing for a ride in cold weather.

The temperature isn\’t the only consideration. How strong is the wind, and how long can you expect to have to ride against it? How long a ride do you plan to do in the first place? Are you going to be doing an easy recovery ride, or do you plan to ride fast and hard? Is it raining? Snowing?

Part of knowing how many layers to put on is plain old experience. With time, you\’ll learn what your tolerance for cold is, and what you\’ll need to wear. I, for one, want leg warmers once the temperature starts to go below 70. In fact, it\’s recommended to use them, or at least knee warmers, if it\’s less than 75 degrees.

The market is loaded with cycling clothing made from high-tech fabrics that wick away perspiration. On that subject, how often have I read: do not wear cotton! Cotton holds the wet, and you could end up getting chilled. Wool, they say, it the preference of \”retro-grouches\”; and wool at least still keeps you warm if it gets wet.

I keep around an undershirt; a vest (which is really an old cycling jacket sans sleeves); a cycling jacket; leg warmers; helmet liner; and extra socks.

Keeping warm is a bigger problem in a humid climate. The dampness makes the cold penetrate right down to your bones. I especially have trouble with my hands and feet feeling the cold. Our cold season is relatively short, though. Soon I\’ll not only be able to stop layering; I\’ll be griping about the heat.