Tips for Better Winter Cycling

We’re talking about Texas, so snow, ice, and freezing weather are rare. While that makes year-round cycling pretty easy, it can still be hard to motivate yourself to get in the saddle when it’s cold out.

If you’re prepared, cycling in the winter can even be more pleasant than during Texas summers. These eight winter cycling tips can help you enjoy your winter rides.

Dress Properly

To stay warm during a winter ride, it’s important to think in fours. Let’s break it down and consider your head, hands, feet, and torso.

Most of your body heat escapes through your head, so using a balaclava or thin headband under your helmet will help keep the warmth in.

Wear either long-fingered gloves or mittens to protect your hands and thermal socks to keep your feet warm. If it’s really frigid out there, consider wearing two pairs of socks, plus thermal shoe covers, to keep the wind off your feet.

Throw on a lightweight, breathable outer jacket that is both water- and wind-resistant to keep your torso warm. Consider wearing fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin, as they will help keep you both drier and warmer. It’s also good practice to use leg warmers to protect your knees when the temperature drops below 60° F. Looking for more information? Check out this video.

Start Warm

Bicycling creates its own wind chill, making you feel colder. It’s imperative that you’re good and warm before you start your ride. Avoid icy extremities by warming yourself up before you depart for your ride — get perhaps even a bit too warm. Have a hot drink in a warm room just before you step outside. This will allow you to warm-up on the bike more comfortably.

Be Visible

In many locales, drivers do not expect to see cyclists on the road during winter months. Wear brightly colored clothing and use reflectors and lights, even if you won’t be riding after dark. It can be difficult to spot cyclists during twilight hours, and a good set of bicycle lights (e.g., headlight, rear flasher) will make you more visible to motorists.

Plan Your Route in Advance

Roadside debris is an unavoidable reality for cyclists. And, it can get even worse during winter months.

Determine your route in advance, and make sure it is relatively clear of debris and safe for cycling.

If possible, shorten your route during the winter. Otherwise, you may run out of energy and yourself uncomfortably cold and too far from home. Identify a circuit near your residence that allows you to cut the ride short if necessary.

If it’s really cold out, plan a mid-route stop to warm up. Maybe even get yourself a warm drink.

Consider sharing your winter cycling routes on Strava or MapMyRide, so others can learn from you.

Pay Attention to the Wind

A strong headwind can be a nasty obstacle during the winter months. When possible, plan your route so you’re encounter headwinds early in your ride. Then, on your way home, you can ride the tailwind to warmth.

This is especially important during winter because it allows you to avoid an icy wind during the second half of your ride when you are sweaty and tired.

Ride with Friends

They say misery loves company, but winter riding doesn’t have to be miserable. Instead, reap the benefits of riding in a group. Rider groups can take turns shielding each other from biting winds and sharing conversation to make the time go by faster. Sharing the road with fellow riders also makes it safer and more convenient in the event of a mechanical problem.

Take Care of Your Bike

Winter riding can wreak havoc on your bicycle, so pay attention to its care and upkeep. Clean the bike, chain, gears, brakes, and wheel rims on a regular basis. In wet conditions, that means after every. It also means lubricating the chain and gears on a more frequent basis. Consider getting a tune-up at your local bike shop at the beginning and end of winter to make sure your bicycle is in tip-top shape.