Turf Zone – ParkOfSteel
The Turf League, some love it and embrace it with both hands. Some hate it with a vengeance. And some love it and hate it in equal measure both at the same time. I guess that last one at the moment. Normally, I don’t have any problem with the League, managing to hold my position in Group 3 without any problem. However, when the temperature drops to freezing, I have a problem, with my toes.
Regular readers will know that I get very cold toes when cycling in freezing weather, developing very painful red patches on the tips of my toes which makes walking very uncomfortable. However, I’ve stops wearing my Scarpa shoes – which are fine during the summer – which has helped matters somewhat and bought a pair of over-sized thermal insulated boots which have made a difference, albeit together with thick thermal socks. Yet, still not enough for cycling when the bird bath freezes over and I need to scrape the frost from the car.
So, now I’ve invested in a pair of heated socks and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they will a) make a difference and b) keep working for long enough. Reviews seem to vary widely about their effectiveness and durability. I’m hoping these will allow me to get out on the bike no matter what the weather and get some points on the table. Keeping the body warm is never an issue when cycling, even in winter. In fact, keeping cool is usually the real issue. Cold fingers I can manage but cold toes are not good. I guess this might be one of those things you get with age. Back in 2012, I recall riding my fat bike up to Bowbeat wind farm in the Moorfoot Hills, when the temperature was around -5 below and didn’t have any problems.
By the wonders of Amazon next day delivery, the heated socks arrived and later in the evening I was out on the bike to take a few zones around Dalkeith and Eskbank, and to test them out. Temperatures had risen slightly during the day and was now sitting at around 3 Degrees, up from zero at the start of the day. Would have preferred colder for the test but this will have to do for now. Trying on the heated socks they are reasonably comfortable, at least okay for cycling but perhaps not so for walking. The batteries have indicators for charge and temperature levels and can also be controlled by Android app on the phone.
And the result? Well, toasty toes would be a good description. I started on level 2, which was nice and toasty. Level 1 was not quite so good but still effective and level 3 was a little on the hot side. I was also wearing my insulated boots as they had enough room for the thicker socks. To be honest, it’s relief to know that my toes will not suffer from the cold when cycling in low temperatures and no follow-on painful after effects for weeks after. Need to do more testing but looking good. Back soon.
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