Cycling Throughout The Winter Can Be

Just As Productive As Cycling In

The Summer & Spring.

Without The Proper Preparation, You Could Be Singing The Winter Blues

This Winter, many die-hearted cyclist will brave the frigid cold and continue cycling throughout the next several months. The upside to cycling throughout the Winter months is that it sets up the cyclist to approach next season with a wider fitness base when compared to other cyclists who hang up their bikes in late October. On the other hand, cycling throughout the Winter months requires a different preparational mind-set than cycling any other time of the year. For example, a cyclist will face the frigid cold most - if not all the time. It takes some getting use-to riding in cold. Here are some things to consider: warming-up takes on an additional importance factor, wind-chill must be considered on every outing, cycling attire must not be underestimated, and the pavement requires an additional level of respect.

 

Individual cyclists all possess their own temperaments when it comes to warming-up. In the winter months it takes on another level of significance. It is obvious due to the cold you will not get warm within the regular miles you use to. As a result, when you first get on your bike, you will need to apply a "spinning" concept. For example, lets say it is 55 degrees outside and you are heading out to do a quick 25 miles. GP Sports Cycling & Fitness recommends starting out with your gear ratio as follows: In the front, slip your chain to the inner crank. The inner crank is that the smaller of the two cranks on your pedal if your bike is a 20 speed bike. In the rear, position your chain on the higher gear on your cassette. This would be the gears that are anywhere from the middle of your cassette heading closer to the bike frame as you shift. Utalizing this approach gives the body time to gradually warm-up without any risk of muscle tear which happens quite freqently during the winter months. Lastly, warming-up is essential to keeping the body temparature up and to get muscles to flex; which will all result in comfort during the ride.

 

It is a fact that the cold will not be leaving us any time soon. However, being selective when you go out to ride is essential. If you are a morning cyclist, you will pay a hefty price. On the other hand, if you ride late mornings to early afternoons, then that would be ideal. That is when the warmest time of the day presents itself. As a result, take advantage of it. Despite this reality, you will have to contend with wind chill factors at all times. Be prepared by dressing accordingly. Here are some tricks of the trade. Your core or mid section will suffer the most from wind chills, so layering-up in this section is needed. You can use a wind breaker or you can use a few sheets of newspaper. Yes, I said newspaper. Once you have gotten dress, whether you are wearing a bib or not, fold the newspaper in your clothing so it covers your chest area. You will be amazed how well it reflects the chill and keep you breathing comfortably. Another trick of the trade is for your feet. Remove the sole of your cycling shoe and put on some thick wool sock. They must be thick enough so you don't realize you are not wearing the sole of you cycling shoe. Combine this trick with some wool insulated booties. Follow these two tricks and you will enjoy cycling in the winter a lot more.

 

Dressing warm is another key to cycling in the winter months. You want to dress warm but you don't want to over do it. You can over dress to the point where you compromise your cycling motion. Apply the tricks we have mentioned before as well as the use of tights, helmet covers, wool insulated globves and face/neck covers.

 

During the winter months, the road pavement takes on a different condition for cyclists. Seeing that the pavement is cold, it is hard and does not flex as much. You may face more resistance to your wheels so inflating your tires to its proper psi is essential. During this time, the element of black ice comes into play. When in doubt, dismount for your saftey. However, develop an eye to identify black ice and moisture on the pavement. Many States pre-salt the roads in anticipation of snow, as a result, the chances of picking up a flat increases. Here is an element many are unaware of or take for granted; the white line. The white line separates the shoulder from the road-way for motorists. Many cyclists have paid the price for not giving the while line its proper respect. The line is made up primarily of a heavy reflective solution mixed with glossy paint. The glossy paint is what adds the element of slippery danger to potentially fall.

 

Team GP Sports Cycling & Fitness wants you to ride at your "Highest Potenial." As a result, your fitness and safety is of high importance to us. Exercise all necessary precautions while cycling.