Winter cycling

[gavroche]

How much does your cycling suffer in winter? Are you, like me, very dependent on the weather and only goes when it is dry? Does your motivation dip when days are shorter and the weather unkind? I suffer from all of these in winter time and become lazy. I have bought some rollers and intend to keep some sort of cycling fitness by spending some time on it. I have an old bike which is permanently set on the rollers but still find it difficult to actually ride it. Roll on spring time!

 

[Drago]

Best time of year for it. Roads are quieter, cooler climate, weather is more challenging and interesting.

Indoor cycling is all well and good but your roadcraft and bike control skills degrade if that's all you do during the dark months.

 

[Mo1959]

It's the cleaning and drying of bike and clothing that bugs me more than the actual riding in bad conditions. I try not to put the heating on until next month so two or three wet, mucky days in a row has me struggling to get stuff dry.

Have ridden in the rain the last couple of days.

 

[uclown2002]

I probably do as just much during the winter as other times but turbo gets more use.

 

[Iainj837]

Doesn't suffer at all

 

[DCLane]

I keep going; over 1300 miles to go to my 10,000 mile target.

It'll be close but I'll be trying until midnight on December 31st

 

[Adam4868]

only the wind really stops me,i love the rain and cold to ride in.Once your "wet" its great !

 

[gavroche]

only the wind really stops me,i love the rain and cold to ride in.Once your "wet" its great !

I admire your determination but to me , rain = danger.

 

[ColinJ]

Yes - already suffering! I was supposed to be heading out to Cheshire to do a 100 mile audax ride tomorrow but I can't face the high winds and heavy rain which are forecast. @DCLane will be out there doing over 130 miles towards his remaining 1,300 miles.

I probably won't do it this year, but I am seriously considering taking late autumn and late winter cycling holidays in the future somewhere warmer and drier like the Costa Blanca.

 

[midliferider]

There is nothing call bad weather, it is wrong cloths.
(Did Billy Connelly said that?)
The only problem is that you can not go too early in the morning and need to come home early as it is too dark.
Otherwise just carry on as usual.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

I have to go out this winter, I've spent a bloody fortune getting winterised. Mudguards, lithion tyres, Uberbike tri compound brake pads, Castelli trasparente ls jersey, Castelli duluvio gloves, sealskinz socks, sportful noRain bibtights, overshoes to name a few after recommendations from the forum

I MUST GO OUT.......

 

[Brandane]

only the wind really stops me,i love the rain and cold to ride in.Once your "wet" its great !

Each to their own, but that is my idea of torture!

There is nothing call bad weather, it is wrong cloths.
(Did Billy Connelly said that?)
The only problem is that you can not go too early in the morning and need to come home early as it is too dark.
Otherwise just carry on as usual.

Why not get some good lights then? I like cycling in the dark; but the rain? See above. It doesn't matter what you wear; the rain will always find it's way in eventually. Even in good quality Goretex motorbike waterproofs (I speak from experience. My motorbike is also a magnet for rain ).

 

[Slioch]

It's all about the gear. If you've got decent gear appropriate for the conditions, then cycling in winter can be very rewarding.
2 or 3 fleece base layers, plus a waterproof top, a decent pair of gloves/hat, warm socks & a pair of overshoes, and away you go.
If anything, I enjoy my winter riding more than summer. It was the same when I was a hill walker in Scotland.

 

[Cuchilo]

Getting the gear on pisses me off . I just want to ride my bike not get dressed up to do it . Winter training got kick started today , i closed the workshop doors and went for a lap of RP in jeans and a baseball cap on the defy 5 . Now fitted clip on bars for the next rainy day .

 

[Adam4868]

I dont really dress for it (rain) i just enjoy it.Like i said only the wind stops me,literally ! I dont commute on a bike though so all my riding is for pleasure.No matter what time of year i try and get out at least 4 times a week.Never have i got home and thought i wish id not bothered