Winter Riding for Training
Hey Frosty! Don’t put away your bike just yet! The ground is still hard and rideable! If the summer passed you by and you just didn’t find the time to get your bike out then try getting your trusty steed out before the snow gets really deep! Winter riding is not just a whacked out past time of adventure racers and bike couriers, it really is a fun way to blow off the winter blahs. Here are a few tips about riding in the winter!
Winter Riding 101
Wear a good shell and dress in layers. You may start out cool, but in a couple of kilometers that snowsuit may be a little moist. If you are warm when you start, then you are probably overdressed.
Change gears often. If you are riding in snow or slush your gears will freeze up. By continually changing your gears you will prevent freeze up. A can of spray lubricant works wonders! Remember to get the salt off by washing your bike.
Cover the vents! Most cycling equipment is made to vent the heat of summer riding. A quick fix is to cover the air vents in your helmet and shoes with tape to keep jack frost at bay.
Start out small. Winter riding can offer some great rewards and challenges, just be prepared to cut it short, due to muscle fatigue or a favourite coffee shop!
