I also agree with Eric and would opt for the heavier trafficked route. This is a judgment call on which one of you is right. You won't catch me riding at those temps unless I was out and the weather changed quickly because I would rather be comfortable and enjoy my riding time. I also no longer feel the need to prove how tough I am.

 

How about when riding on expressway when cold, the road is going to be a little warmer because of the traffic moving over it?

 

I prefer to ride slower in cold weather because this minimizes wind chill.

 

I had something like this come up last week going to work it was the temp was 10 outside. I have 10 miles to work. Ride a little faster and a short time in the cold. But I get to work I get a 150 mile trip with the bike. I dress a little warmer and rode a a little slower. You both are right just dress for the cold and you will be OK. But I had heated gear and never put it on and I was still warm all but my toes.

 

Yeah, I agree with the part about busier roads likely being clearer, both of possible icy and residual sand/salt. This is a tough time of year around here, since it is often in the upper 40's (even 50's) later in the day, but when I have to leave for work it can be almost 20 degrees colder. This morning it was 35 at 8 am, but later almost 50.

Generally, I also prefer riding in the warmer weather (minimum 40-45 in the morning) but as long as it's above freezing and the sun will be out it is usually ok.

I really should put this as a request for Mythbusters. Not sure how they'd test it, though.

 

Either way there is a 7 degree difference in riding at 30 versus riding at 60 in 10 degree weather (-12 versus-19). Either way your nuts will be so far inside your body you might spit them out if you cough :O

 

Dress right for the weather, you can always take some clothes off if you are to warm.

 

I think it also depends on how good your gear is and what your threshold for uncomfortable is. It your gear is good enough to keep you comfortable at the slower speeds, but not quite up to the freeway speeds, then I'd take the slow route. However, if your gear is good enough to keep you comfortable at either speed, then the fast route would be my choice. Especially given the comments about the less travelled roads being more likely to have ice, etc.

 

My vote would be

c) turn up the heated gear, and go.....

 

Once I get over 30 or so MPH I don't notice the cold increasing the faster I go. I drive 30 miles to work and when the temps are freezing I'm no colder in the 30 mph zones then the 60 zones. The faster I get there the better for me.