If Old Man Winter hasn’t found you yet, he’s on his way, which means it’s time to think about how to winterize your cycling routine.
Prep Your Bike Just like some vehicles need snow tires, your bike needs proper maintenance.
- Get a tune-up at your local bike shop before you start riding.
- Clean your bike, chain, gears, brakes, and wheel rims on a regular basis.
Dress the Part Staying warm from head-to-toe is a given, but knowing how to dress for the elements is the key.
- Head: Wear a balaclava under your helmet.
- Hands: Wear long fingered gloves or mittens.
- Torso: Wear cycle-specific clothing including a lightweight, breathable outer jacket (water and wind resistant); and fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin.
- Feet: Wear thermal socks (double up if necessary) and use thermal shoe covers to keep the wind off your feet.
Be Seen A combination of inclement weather and diminishing daylight makes it imperative for cyclists to be visible.
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- Outfit your bike with reflectors and lights (e.g., headlight, rear flashers).
- Charge your lights (or you have fresh batteries) before every ride.
Fuel Your Body Keeping your body properly fueled is always important, but even more so as the temperatures drop.
- Eat before and during a ride; keep an energy bar somewhere warm so it doesn’t harden during the ride.
- Stay hydrated with a warm or cold beverage to replace the fluids you’re losing.
- Stop along your route if needed to grab food or drink.
Remember to ride similar to how you would drive your car in winter conditions: slow down, anticipate turns, and try to keep traction. Happy cycling!
Ready to plan your own winter cycling event and put these tips to good use? Start creating your next event on Events.com.
