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Baby, It’s Cold Outside
By Matt Bodziony
Tips on Bike Riding in Winter
So, you’re trying to do the “green thing” and ride your bike a little more, drive your car a little less, and now the weather is changing and it’s not as much fun anymore, right? Well, I’ve got a few tips to help keep the fun in your rides, right through the winter!
We all trade in our t-shirts and flip flops for sweaters and boots when the New England weather changes, so why should it be any different for bike riding?
The key to being comfortable is layering. A good base layer is worn close to the skin and should be made of a thin, wicking material that will keep your body dry if you perspire, thus, keeping you warm. Then you should top that off with an insulated layer that will vary in thickness depending on the temperature, and should also be made of a wicking material. These two layers should be followed by an outer shell designed for cycling, that blocks the wind without trapping moisture.
On the lower half, you’ll need to cover your regular cycling shorts with winter tights. These are available in different weights depending on the temperature. For the coldest of temperatures, wind-stopper panels on the front of the tights will block the wind due to the added wind chill while you’re riding.
Don’t forget your extremities! Booties or shoe covers worn over your shoes will keep your feet warm and dry. And, if you haven’t already been wearing cycling gloves, now is the time! They are made from the same moisture management material as the cycling clothes with padding in the palm and are designed so that you can easily reach the brakes. Gloves vary in weights depending on your needs in different temperatures; everybody is different in that way. Finally, there are a variety of head coverings from headbands and skull caps to full face balaclavas which all fit under your helmet to block out the cold!
See and be seen.
Along with the change in temperature comes shorter daylight hours. Simply adding a headlamp and tail light to your bike will extend your riding time in the fall and winter. The lights are equipped with powerful LEDs, are easy to use, and are highly visible. Lights come in a variety of levels determined by their power output, how long the batteries will last and how easy they are to maintain. All of these variables give you the ability to ride whenever and wherever you want without relying on the sun. Mounting hardware is included with the lights and they are easy to install on your bicycle. Reflective vests and leg bands are also a good way to be sure that motorists can see you.
And don’t forget…
The most important accessory of all is always a smile! Remember why you started doing this in the first place - to do your part to save the planet while doing something healthy for yourself and always, always, ride for the fun of it!!
Matt and Narragansett Bikes/NBX participate in the Go By Bike initiative with Trek Bicycles program, 1 World 2 Wheels. You can check out the program at www.1world2wheels.org to learn more and take the Go By Bike Challenge.
Matt Bodziony
Matt Bodziony is the owner of Narragansett Bikes – NBX in Narragansett, RI. Matt’s been involved in the cycling industry for more than 18 years in retail and both the competitive and promotional sides of cycling.
For more information on NBX shop rides or the local racing scene and other exciting stuff, please check out www.nbxbikes,com – or give Matt a call at the store at (401)782-4444.
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