Following the clothing theme of this week, I thought I would share a mail I just sent to my folks who wanted to be more active in the colder months, but werent sure how to dress. This topic comes up every year as the weather shifts from warm to cold and vice-versa. So here it is-

Bottom line here is its about 
moisture control- keeping it away from your skin is key so your base 
layer is your most important piece. You will likely need one for both 
hot as well as cool conditions. I like the stuff from Craft best, but 
Under Armor works well too. Dont go too heavy with your 'cool' base 
unless you want to also do a mid-temp piece as well because it will 
limit your options to dress for the weather. Your second needs to be 
something that wicks moisture away as well, so choose something with 
wicking technology. My brands of choice here are Craft, Sugoi, and Louis 
Garneau. For all-year layering, you will need both a short sleeve piece 
and a long-sleeve piece. The long-sleeve piece can be used as an outer 
layer on days where it is borderline between short/long sleeve weather 
with the short sleeve underneath it. Next you will want a thermal layer 
of some sort. I like wool- preferably merino. There is a company called 
Portland Cyclewear with the best prices on these pieces, and even though 
there is a rear pocket, these are 'casual' enough to wear on their own. 
If you can find something cheaper elsewhere let me know about it, but 
this piece is a go-to piece for me. I can wear it with my cool base on 
borderline days, or with my warm base on cooler days, or it can be used 
as a mid-layer on really cold days. This piece is key after your base 
layer. Next piece would be a heavy thermal layer like a fleece vest. I 
prefer fleece with wind-protection at least on the front panel. Look for 
things like Gore Windstopper or similar- there is a range of this kind 
of thing on the market. I have also found that this layer is best served 
as a vest because it is more flexible in terms of latering and 
conditions than a full jacket. Your final layer should be a shell- 
preferably breathable/waterproof and convertible to a vest.  For your 
legs, the rules are similar, but I rarely go more than 3 layers. Usually 
a base of lycra shorts for cycling or those under-armor briefs you got 
me for christmas, then a thermal if necessary, and finally a 
windproof/water resistant breathable top layer. Summer is just wicking 
shorts. If you want to get specific conditions leggings, look to Craft 
or Sugoi- they both have a broad range of pants and tights. I also like 
knickers for transitional weather but thats just me. Hopefully this 
helps you out.

 Ride fast- take chances-

/Dan