With winter now in full force in the Northern Hemisphere it is a good time to share eight tried-and-true pro winter riding tips to help make any outing in the elements a bit more enjoyable.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

  • LAYER UP. “More is better” when layering clothing, so try to look like Bibendum – The Michelin Man.  Remember that speed is of the essence when adding layers, do it quick and get outside else you will overheat. Since I own lots of vintage cycling clothing from “back in the day,” I wear wool jerseys, wool shorts, ski gloves, silk undershirts, wool tights, neoprene booties and a balaclava to keep my head toasty.
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  • ENJOY THE SIGHTS. Winter is a beautiful time of year to relax, ride and enjoy the view.  Maybe even find time to take a few pictures.
  • ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN. After a long winter ride without sunscreen your face will look like a raccoon or an Olympic Super G skier. So even in winter, always wear sunscreen – trust me.
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  • SLOW DOWN. Some cyclists ride hard all winter. They usually burn-out and mysteriously disappear from group rides before cycling season starts back up in Spring.  Just ride a steady tempo to generate enough heat to stay warm.
  • LEARN TO SUFFER. Only hardcore cycling addicts ride in Winter. A few years ago on a New Year’s Day I rode with another addict, Matt Seagrave, a former pro and Belgian hard-man. For three hours we rode side-by-side six inches apart into headwind on ice covered roads while frozen spittle stuck to our lips.  It was epic fun.
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  • REWARD YOURSELF. Stopping for a hot cappuccino mid-ride, enjoying homemade tortilla soup afterwards and having a glass of wine in front of a warm fire are my ride perks. Make sure you have some too.
  • AMAZE NON-BELIEVERS. Over the years, I’ve given up trying to explain to people what I do on the bike. They can’t handle the truth. It’s easier to say “I worked out today” and let them be amazed with that simple truth, rather than telling them I rode a bike in -1C for 4 hours while it snowed.
  • THAT WONDERFUL FEELING. Whether riding solo or with a group, cycling in winter provides riders with a wonderful sense of accomplishment while preparing us to crush whatever events are on our bucket list next season.
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Photos: stock