Winter can be a tough time for a biker. You’ve got your bike clean and ready, but spring and summer feel so far away. However, there are some ways you can get some winter riding in. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you begin to ride in the colder months.
Winter Riding: Tips For Riding In The Cold
Wear The Right Attire
Winter riding means getting yourself equipped to handle the cold weather. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing for the cold. However, remember you’ll have to consider the wind chill when you’re riding rather than the ambient temperature, which might be below zero. Make sure to layer appropriately to keep your core temperature up.
You’ll also want to protect your extremities as well. Investing in a good pair of gloves is key to protecting your fingers from the cold. Looking for insulated pairs will ensure that they can stand up to the cold.
Eat Before You Ride
As your winter riding will be in colder weather, your body will have to spend more energy on keeping you warm. For this reason, make sure to eat ahead of time. Foods with carbohydrates are good choices, as well as ones with protein for longer rides.
You might think that a hot coffee or tea would also help warm you up, but it’s actually the opposite. Caffeine increases the blood flow to the skin, among other things, causing you to lose heat faster. Instead, it’s best to just stick with water to balance out the increase in your metabolism.
Take Breaks
When riding in the colder weather, you should avoid trying to power through your ride. The longer you’re riding, the more you’ll be effected by the cold, potentially leading to hypothermia. To keep yourself safe, try to take a break every half hour or so. This’ll give your body a chance to heat up again and keep your mind focused when riding.
Watch The Weather
When trying to get some winter riding in, make sure the weather supports it. Avoid riding if the temperature is at or below freezing and there’s rain. Riding in the rain already comes with it’s own set of difficulties. Adding the potential for black ice into the mix makes it all the more risky. Even a light mist can make your clothes damp and the cold more dangerous. It’s best to pick a day where the weather is better than run the risk.
Winter riding might not be the most enjoyable kind of riding, but it’s certainly doable. If you feel that need to get out, make sure to keep yourself warm and safe while doing so.