Given the conditions, the ride was an opportunity to stress-test equipment and apparel, with riders stopping now and again to help one another out. The designated 30km course took them from the Absolute Endurance gym at 115 Merton Street north westwards to Keele, south west to Eglinton, across the Humber River, south on river down to the cycle bridge across the Humber estuary, east along the Martin Goodman trail, diverting to Liberty Village for warmth and coffee and carrot cake at Balzac’s, then north through the U of T campus to St Clair and home to Absolute Endurance. That was the plan.  Things turned out differently.

There was a stiff westerly wind, making for slow going and substantial wind chill. Not long into the ride, wardrobe malfunctions materialised. A pain-sharing protocol was implemented whereby the riders took turns wearing a certain pair of gloves! When the peloton reached The Old Mill the riders diverted to the Bloor St subway station, dug for subway tokens and journeyed home in civilised fashion on the TTC.  They were exposed to the elements for nearly three hours - three cold, tough hours. They tested the limits of their endurance. They had a ball.

The next winter ride will take place on Saturday February 4th. Not sure about what you need for winter riding.  Check out:  http://www.ehow.com/how_5125524_choose-winter-cycling-apparel.html