Winter cycling

[HLaB]

In the recent past, it (winter) hasn't really affected my cycling as its pretty mild down here; in the more distant past it did a lot as it could freeze for days even weeks and I give ice the miss. This winter though I'll be concentrating on quality mileage and do more turbo work.

 

[slowmotion]

I don't do ice, but rain and cold don't bother me because I've got some foul weather gear. The only thing I can't keep warm/dry are my feet. Overshoes just don't seem to work for me. I get a strange sense of satisfaction about being out on two wheels amongst all the cars with their heaters running at eleven, and their wipers going nineteen to the dozen. I'm sure they think I'm quite bonkers, which is pretty close to the truth really.

 

[Katherine]

I don't mind going out in 'weather'. It's the extra time needed for cleaning of the bike that's the only negative.

 

[fatjel]

I go out in cold, rain , wind etc but do draw the line at ice these days.

 

[3narf]

I used to commute in all weathers, right through winter. I'm too far from work now to cycle in (85 miles each way) so I can only cycle on my days off.

I love a physical challenge, though, so I'm definitely going to keep it up when the weather gets bad! Unless it's icy, obviously.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

Once the shorts and short sleeved tops are no longer needed, my riding really drops off. Every ride I do therefore becomes my first ride in ages, I go like a dog and motivation drops still further. As I write I can't even remember when my last ride was.

This winter I have decided to fight back. I have struggled epically to fit mudguards over 28 tyres without them rubbing and finally managed it. I have purchased a new front light (a Cateye Volt 1200) and managed to bodge an pod rear light onto the mudguard and another onto the stays. All this is so I can do the occasional midweek ride. This will free up the weekends for more time with the family and maybe the odd winter raid on the rainbow trout of Shropshire!

The weather will have to be OK though. I wouldn't go out if the wind is howling and/or the rain lashing.

 

[Brandane]

I went out in my summer gear this morning, shorts and short sleeved jersey . I passed a cycle club ride and got some funny looks but I was more than comfortable even in the wind & rain.
If possible, I'll go the whole winter in shorts, though I tend to use a warmer jacket.

Your location is given as Gateshead; it all makes sense now! Apart from the jacket, you big Jessie.

 

[Leodis]

Zwift this weekend was a revelation, really enjoyed the turbo sessions. Wouldnt mind knocking winter commuting on the head for indoor sessions as they are safer, warmer, more interactive and more fun.

 

[Milkfloat]

My winter rides end up shorter and slightly less frequent - although strangely I usually fit in a few more commutes by bike. Like others ice is a big no and I am not a huge fan of sideways rain, but those days are rare.

 

[Adam4868]

Must admit the weather here is frustratingly windy !! Went for a quick/slow ride this morning but it really was a killer.Bring on the cold crisp days,even just rain.....

 

[rideswithmoobs]

Rain no problem, trained for years in the depths of winter playing rugby. Long before summer leagues came along. Wife thinks I'm nuts wearing shorts all the time even in December and January but not on the bike !!
Did go out today in endura Baggie shorts and fleece top, woolly hat.
If you don't ride in bad weather you probably hardly ride at all living in UK.

 

[Hip Priest]

Only ice & snow stop me training on the road. Although I still commute, thanks to my spiky tyres.

Worst thing about winter is having to clean the road bike after every ride.

 

[Leodis]

Another reason why the turbo is sounding more and more tempting over winter

 

[ColinJ]

Cool, very blustery conditions here today with air temperatures of about 9-10 degrees. With the windchill, probably equivalent to about 4-5 degrees on the flat and colder than that on fast descents. So I was wearing my 'deep autumn' kit - i.e. my winter gear minus the overshoes, and a gilet instead of the heavy winter jacket. I spotted a younger rider going the other way and he seemed quite happy in shorts, and a short-sleeved jersey without even a windtop or gilet!

 

[rideswithmoobs]

Another reason why the turbo is sounding more and more tempting over winter

Incredibly dull though. Bit like going to a gym and sitting on an exercise bike staring at some mind numbing crap on a tv screen