Old-timer here. I'm in training for the Tour de Canal and stumbled on an odd phenomenon.
I sometimes ride with a group of fire-breathing roadies out of Warrenton, VA, after work. In a rush, it was my habit to change to my cycling clothes except to just fold down my crew socks. Dorky? Yeah, and occasionally resulted in some jokes, but I've never been very interested in fashion and it should not make much difference.
But a few weeks ago I picked up a package of no-show socks and figured I'd at least avoid a little ribbing. First day out with them I picked up 0.2 mph. The next time out I picked up 0.3 mph over the previous day. Third day out I picked up another 0.2.
Now, I know some wag might notice that those three days were pleasant and in the 80's, instead of 95 and code orange air quality, but hey, the air resistance is lower in hot weather so ...
Anyway, yesterday I forgot to bring socks so I rode in folded-down crews again, My speed dropped an alarming 1 mph even.
I just got back from the night's ride, in no-shows, and picked up most of that lost speed, back up 0.8 mph. The temperature was pretty hot.
I suspect I'm actually tracking thngs like temperature and my caloric intake at lunch and afternoon snack. I'm trying hard to ride consistently. But does anybody here actually think socks can make a difference?
I sometimes ride with a group of fire-breathing roadies out of Warrenton, VA, after work. In a rush, it was my habit to change to my cycling clothes except to just fold down my crew socks. Dorky? Yeah, and occasionally resulted in some jokes, but I've never been very interested in fashion and it should not make much difference.
But a few weeks ago I picked up a package of no-show socks and figured I'd at least avoid a little ribbing. First day out with them I picked up 0.2 mph. The next time out I picked up 0.3 mph over the previous day. Third day out I picked up another 0.2.
Now, I know some wag might notice that those three days were pleasant and in the 80's, instead of 95 and code orange air quality, but hey, the air resistance is lower in hot weather so ...
Anyway, yesterday I forgot to bring socks so I rode in folded-down crews again, My speed dropped an alarming 1 mph even.
I just got back from the night's ride, in no-shows, and picked up most of that lost speed, back up 0.8 mph. The temperature was pretty hot.
I suspect I'm actually tracking thngs like temperature and my caloric intake at lunch and afternoon snack. I'm trying hard to ride consistently. But does anybody here actually think socks can make a difference?