No-one can deny that cycling in the winter is tough, especially for us U.K. residents. Facing the wind, rain and cold is horrible (and that’s just the summer :)). But winter training is essential if you want to be on top of your game come spring time. Here’s how to maintain motivation throughout the winter months.
Get the right clothing
This is without doubt top of the list. Last year I bought some really nice gear and it just made such a difference! I actually looked forward to facing whatever the weather could throw at me.
Personally, I think the most vital parts are your extremities – your feet, hands and head. Look after these guys and you’ll at least be able to function.
Evans Cycles have a discount code bouncing around at the moment – type the word AUTUMN at the checkout to get 10% off clothing and 20% off battery Lights and light sets.
For my feet I wear these sidi overshoes, they aren’t the cheapest but they are warm, windproof and fairly waterproof too. They are easy to get on and off and extremely well made. Well worth the investment.
Long fingered gloves are essential if you like using your brakes. Sometimes I ride a fixed wheel in the winter, that way I can still brake with my legs. But if you get nice warm gloves you’re onto a winner. Try and get some with some water resistance as well. But don’t go for the really fat ones as it’s difficult to grip and you lose all useful dexterity.
I wear one of these headbands under my helmet. They keep my ears warm which really suffer in the icy winds otherwise. They also cover enough of your head to keep it warm.
Reward yourself
I always find at this time of year it’s a good idea to reward yourself with a nice new helmet or shoes or something that you just plain want! But make it something that you can use throughout the winter so that you feel good about jumping on the bike. Recently I bought a Las Victory Helmet – I cannot recommend it enough! Performance aside, it’s the only helmet that doesn’t make me look like a mushroom. I know I shouldn’t care but I do, simple as that. It fits really well and is so unbelievably comfy. I go out riding just so that I can wear my helmet. OK not quite, but it helps!
Get the right tyres
The roads get pretty messed up in winter (at least in the UK they do). A combination of bad pot holes and sludgy ice isn’t too appealing. So do your self a favour and get some decent winter tyres. Some with good grip and width. I rode the 28C versions of these continental 4 season tyres all winter without a single puncture. They are very comfy and I have absolute confidence in their grip.
Don’t try and do too much
If you tell yourself that this weekend your going to do a 60 mile solo ride and come the weekend its miserable weather – chances are you won’t go. Just set some time aside for going out on your bike. Maybe you’ll do 10 miles, maybe 20, you may only do 5. Whatever you do, you’ll be out on your bike and that’s what builds strength – frequent trips. Bradley Wiggins commented in an article recently that it’s better to do lots of small rides than occasional long rides.
I often find that, if' I go out for a quick 15 miles – it ends up being 25. Once you’re on the bike you’ll be having fun. It’s the getting on it that can be hard.
Try a different type of cycling
Ever wanted to try cyclocross? Well winter is a great time to do it, or mountain biking. Cycling is fun, we all know that – so it’s good to try different kinds if you can.
Ever wanted to try fixed wheel riding? Why not take this time to pick up a bargain and give it a go? Or even convert an old bike into a singlespeed. If you’ve taken the time to put some work into a bike, you will want to ride it – simple as that.
Conclusion - Be defiant
I’ve always put myself down as a bit of a fair weather cyclist. There, I’ve said it. But last year I thought,
screw this – I’m getting on my bike and going out there.
Once I had the right gear, I was cycling in the snow! I kid you not. It was great fun, hardly any cars on the road, certainly no other cyclists. But I loved it.