You seem to be well-referenced there, with those names. Awesome.

I'm so grateful I got to find out about these guys. They literally opened up my mind.

Once I really needed, not just as a therapy, since I was in nature and desperate for a bath. Couldn't go past the knees before shivering the hell back to my warm clothes.

Have you tried doing some warm up exercises before going in? I'm usually doing some jumping jacks until I feel nice and warm.

Also breathing is the key when in ice water. Long, rhythmic and deep breaths - this is how you protect your core from getting cold.

I like to let cold water wash down my legs after taking a post-cycling hot shower; it seems to ease the muscles.

It does ease the muscles. Many professional athletes are doing it for the faster recovery.

Btw. Nice to hear from you and to know you're still cycling :)