Challenges of winter cycling
I guess most of us are cycling a bit less given the snow and the arctic conditions of the past few weeks! I've still been getting out once a week (no snow here but it's very cold!), and I have been wearing so many clothes I can hardly bend my arms.
Four layers seems just about enough for the upper body, also with both gloves and 'under gloves' and two pairs of socks (and sometimes over-shoes as well) and I'm OK down to about freezing point (see also winter cycling). Temperatures below that I don't even try, since hitting a patch of ice and falling into a freezing ditch isn't very appealing.
I don't much like wearing a balaclava when I'm cycling, so I wear a thin hat under my helmet - and then try not to breathe too often, since the cold air is a challenge for the lungs. Unfortunately not breathing isn't always practical...
My rides are also shorter - I'm OK for about an hour and a half but find I lose motivation (or maybe energy) with rides much longer than that - and I can't say my speeds are very impressive either...a good few percent slower than summer speeds. I'm hoping the excesses of Christmas don't slow me down even more.
In any case, I went out this morning and my water started freezing so cycling at colder temperatures would have additional challenges - perhaps I should take a flask of tea next time instead of a bottle of water?
The main changes I've made for this winter: someone bought me Scott under-gloves a while ago for my birthday - it's the first time I've had 'under gloves' but now I'm a convert - they are very warm and comfortable without being too hot. I also happen to have changed my tyres for Michelin Pro-Race 3 tyres recently, and they seem to have pretty good grip, always useful in the winter.
Still, there's not many other cyclists out and about so fingers crossed that my small efforts are standing me in good stead for next season.Funny thing is, I have no idea who the other cyclists I see are - since they are also 'disguised' by being wrapped from head to toe in multiple layers.
Obviously people with 30 cm of snow aren't going to be doing much cycling but how is everyone else coping? Are you braving the cold? Using a home trainer in front of the TV instead? Given up on cycling for this year and making a start on the mince pies instead?
Any great tips for cycling comfortably in the freezing weather very welcome!
snowman makes this comment
Monday, 20 December 2010
speedster makes this comment
Friday, 31 December 2010
I'm lucky enough to bike hills most of the way so it keeps me quite warm at a pace of 15km/h. Downhills aren't too bad either due to the layering even at 50+ km/h.
Dressed properly the winter weather isn't too bad, it sure beats the cold rain. And with the proper clothes movement isn't a huge issue.
Terry makes this comment
Saturday, 01 January 2011
On my road bike, an insulated cap under my helmet, Buff tube pulled up to cover back of head & mouth/nose.
HH undershirt, thick fleece then insulated jacket & longs bib with undershorts. 2 pairs of socks, plus booties & Sealskinz gloves.
2 hours was enough in an icy wind though (on hills)...great to get out again & get eveything moving again!
Cameron makes this comment
Friday, 28 January 2011
Eleanor makes this comment
Friday, 04 February 2011