Mmmm, Nice day for a ride
Lloyd Alter
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It is snowing outside; it has been snowing for days. But that hasn't stopped a lot of people from riding their bikes all winter, snow or no. Here is a roundup of some of the best tips from Planet Green and TreeHugger.
- Dress properly.
Cycling is exercise, and you can get pretty warm. On the other hand, your extremities can get really cold. I once had a long winter ride in one of the coldest days in our City in years, I think about 20 below; I had my heaviest mittens and boots on but neglected to wear extra shorts or underwear, and you can guess what part of me almost got frostbitten.
Andy provides an excellent guide on the intricacies of dressing in layers and regulating temperature with zippers. He also points out that you "want to feel just a tad chilly when you start the ride, because you will invariably warm up over time. This does not hold true, however, for your feet, hands and face or neck—those areas should be well protected and warm from the start."—and those other extremeties that caused me so much embarrassment. More from Andy at Use Your Jacket Zipper to Regulate Temperature in the Winter - Protect the skinny bits
Get a pair of Lobster Gloves—they are much warmer than regular gloves where your fingertips are going to freeze (I think the pressure of your hands on the bars must reduce circulation to the fingers, because they are far colder on a bike than they are when I run) but they provide more control than mittens. I use heavy ski mittens on the coldest days and confess that changing gears can be a chore. Consider two pairs of socks, gaiters or neoprene socks to protect your feet. And don't forget the underwear! Balaclavas and neck gaiters are also great for keeping the neck from freezing. - Be Loud, Ugly and Obnoxious
You want people to see you. Many drivers are not used to seeing cyclists on the road in winter and there is a lot less light even if it isn't dark yet, and you don't want to be in dull drab clothing. You really want to be in loud fluorescent vests and covered in reflective tape, like Canadian Member of Parliament (and year round cyclist) Olivia Chow, as seen in this video here.
Continue reading "Seven Tips For Winter Cycling."
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