Beginning in Winter

[BrynCP]

I've just posted in the "what bike?" forum about choosing my first bike; basically I have not ridden since a child, I am now 30 and doing this to get fit, as I am a lot overweight.

However, I am interested in people's experiences about starting in winter, do you think this is a particularly good idea? I know it's going to take more will power to actually go out in the cold, but bearing in mind my level of fitness is low, would I be better holding out until Spring/Summer? (I am actually hoping for reassurance rather than reasons to wait, but any honest feedback would be good!)

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Start now, if you wait until spring you will come up with another excuse. As long as you are dressed correctly there are very few days during the winter when you cannot safely ride.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Go for it.
I started a couple of weeks ago and am already into a routine.
I thought that I'd probably stop cycling in the winter months but I've already been out and bought myself some base layer clothing - next on the list are overshoes and a jacket!

 

[helston90]

Do it now- whilst you're keen.
Plus you'll be surprised what passes for 'spring' in Feb/ March once it hits 10 degrees and the sun comes out!

 

[LimeBurn]

When I got back into cycling a couple of years ago it was about this time of year, by february I had lost over 2 stone (i was over 18 stone) The only time I stopped was in ice and very thick snow even though I know some people carry on I didn't want to risk injury. Get a waterproof and get pedalling and don't give yourself excuses. It'll take a few weeks to get into it and will be difficult to commit at first but after that you'll grow to love your time on the bike.

Good luck!

 

[Saluki]

Go for it

 

[Nigelnaturist]

The advantage to starting in winter is you wont like cycling in the summer to hot . as Chris says there are not many days you cant cycle, looking at my data from the last quarter of last year and the first of this year I rode at least every other day on average, though in honesty I know I took up to two weeks off in Jan.

 

[nicholas]

I have just started in the winter and love it so come on join the fun

 

[Inthecup]

Just do it.

My wife thought I was mad buying a road bike at this time of year (got it 3 weeks ago) but I've still managed out in it every other day so far!

 

[GreigM]

Be plenty of decent days through winter to get out I imagine, just make sure you keep warm and it will probably be nicer than summer

 

[400bhp]

Winter is IMO the best time to start. If you can get through it then you are more likely to carry on. You will also be more likely to get out in "bad" weathertoo.

 

[Doyleyburger]

No time like the present. Start now and you'll be bang on it for spring !

 

[MikeW-71]

Do it. I started riding seriously at this time last year, so I was commuting and getting in longer rides throughout the winter. Get the proper clothing and it's no problem at all. The only thing that will stop me is ice.

The best bit about starting now is that colder conditions become "normal". When summer rolls around it's like paradise

It's surprising how long cold conditions can linger for. I did my first sportive in March in Leeds, at -1C . There were about a hundred riders crowded into the start area, freezing their bits off at 8am desperate to get going so we could warm up

 

[Archie_tect]

What a great thread... happy cycling Bryn!

 

[steve52]

doitnow doitnow doitnow doitnow