Winter riding season is upon us, which means it is time to hang up the carbon race wheels and dust off the heavy framed winter hack. Winter is the time for long and slow miles in the cool, clean air with a few mates and copious amounts of coffee and cake. Here’s how to do two-wheeled winter just right:
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong kit
There are few joys as great as wrapping up warm in winter kit and setting out on a crisp, clear and frosty morning for a long and steady ride. Just you, the clouds of condensation billowing from your mouth and the sound of rubber on road. To achieve this perfect equilibrium, you need just a few things. One, the peace of mind to disregard any data flashing at you from your handlebars, and two, the right clothing. No winter wardrobe should be without its foundations: an insulated windproof jacket, bib-tights and merino base layer.
No winter wardrobe is complete without a handful of vital accessories. The feet and hands are key areas to protect, as is your neck and head. Prevent numb fingers and toes with gloves and overshoes, and avoid a raw throat with a cosy neckwarmer.
Café riding
The whole concept of winter base miles is founded on long and slow rides over many hours and kilometres. Rather than focussing on any specific goals, winter is the time to build the foundations of fitness on which you can build form the following spring. Data becomes less important just as cake leaps to the top of the priorities list. No winter ride should be without a few mates, neither should you neglect to sample the delights of nearby cafés. Perhaps even plan rides that take your group away from local roads and search out a café in a neighbouring county. Not only do café rides improve the social aspect of bike riding, but they also provide a sometimes much-needed incentive to brave the cold in the first place.
Be prepared
Unfortunately, one of the inevitabilities of winter is the increased risk of punctures due to dirt, water and holes in the road. It’s also likely that there’ll be an almost permanent layer of precipitation slickening the tarmac and your brake surfaces, and coating your bike in a thin splattering of grit and liquid. Then of course there’s the greater risk of riding in low-light conditions due to the shorter days. All this means that you must prepare your bike and yourself for the seasonal conditions.
Your bike and your friends will thank you if you mount a set of full mudguards to the frame, preventing excessive splashing. It’s also worth ensuring that your brake pads are not too badly worn. Finally, you should always carry a light set in case of unexpected storms, low light or finding yourself out after dark.
Just as you should at any time of year, though perhaps even more important in winter, you should always carry the wherewithal to fix a puncture or replace an inner tube on the roadside.
Winter is not a season to be afraid of. Its ‘data low, cake high’ ratio means that you could actually get more consistent enjoyment out of base miles, especially if accompanied by like-minded friends. Approach it with an open mind and your favourite new kit, and winter has all the credentials to be the most fun season of the year.
