I talked with my dad yesterday. He said that the transmission does not shift into fourth gear. He believes that if I turn my “overdrive” button off that I can drive my car. Of course, I wouldn’t get as good of gas mileage or power. The car would be perfectly drivable for short trips around town.

Right now Frank Sinatra the Elantra is at a dealership about fifty miles away. I have to square up with them for the last diagnostic they ran. As soon as I do my dad is going to drive the car to his driveway. He will turn off the overdrive and let me know how the car acts. If it’s drivable I am going to have it towed to my apartment as a beater for around town.

I have to be honest. I kind of hope that it doesn’t drive right. I was just gearing up for this experiment. I realize I could continue it even if I had a car, but there is no motivation like necessity.

Purchasing bike gear for winter is interesting. A lot of the gear is for racing cyclists. Since I am a commuter with a relatively short distance I don’t see the need to get all geared up. I like the ability to show up where I’m going without having to do much changing. So here are a few of the items I think I will need. I’m trying to start light and add on as I find I need something.

• Bike Jacket for winter wind and rain
• Wicking base layers
• Wind proof pants (preferably to put over jeans or long underwear)
• Headband for my ears (I have a non-biking balaclavaa for very cold days)
• Gloves (I’m going to try the non-biking pair I have for now)
• Wool socks (a few pairs)
• Another front light
• Another rear light
• Thinking about pogies (moose mitts). A wind blocking fabric over the handle bars
• Thinking about sewing wind blocking material over the clips on my pedals

Late last week I purchased a Gore Bike Wear jacket. It’s waterproof and windproof. It is bright yellow and reflective. The sleeves zip off to become a vest. The jacket arrived today. From what I read it’s comfortable down to freezing with only a wicking layer underneath. I’ll let you know how it holds up.

Speaking of wicking layers. I purchased 3 short sleeved Army wicking t-shirts. The Army shirts are considerably cheaper. I also purchased one long sleeve wicking shirt.

I think I have what I need to get through the cool mornings of the fall.

Do you have any tips on what has worked well for you while riding in the winter?