Cycling in winter can be challenging, but it also offers unique experiences and benefits. Winter lays the foundation for the upcoming season. With the right preparation and adjustments, you can brave the cold and continue to enjoy your favorite activity, and be in tip-top shape by spring. In this blog post, we share 10 valuable tips to help you cycle optimally during the winter months.
- Proper clothing: It is essential to dress yourself properly for winter conditions. Layers of clothing, thermal materials and windproof garments are crucial to stay warm and comfortable while cycling. As a wise man once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
- Prepare your bike for winter: Give your bike the attention it deserves before winter sets in. Check tire pressure, make sure you have good lighting and consider using wider tires with a coarser tread for better grip on slippery roads. Sometimes it is possible to fit up to 33 mm tires, this makes it easy to turn your road bike into a gravel bike and take to the woods in winter!
- Indoor cycling: If the weather is too harsh to bike outside, consider training indoors. Take advantage of a bike trainer or a spinning class to keep up your fitness and maintain your strength.
Tip, also see our blog post on Zwift & Rouvy: https://cyql.app/zwift-vs-rouvy-what-are-the-differences/ - Basic training + intensity: Keep working on your basic training, but also add some intensity to your winter cycling sessions. Interval training and short, vigorous efforts can help you improve your strength and speed.
- Strength and core training: Use the winter period to work on your strength and core stability. Do regular exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance on the bike.
- Every winter minute counts: Every minute you can cycle in winter adds to your fitness and preparation. Even short rides are valuable, so try to use them as efficiently as possible.
- Always ready to pedal: Make sure you are always ready to ride your bike, even at unexpected times. Keep your bike, clothing and accessories within easy reach, so you can quickly hit the road as soon as the weather permits.
- Winter riding mode: on: Adapt your riding style to winter conditions. Watch for slippery spots, mud and reduced visibility. Be careful and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Be flexible, progressive and consistent with your training plan: Flexibility is important during winter. Adjust your training based on the weather and make sure you stay consistent with your training routine. Even small interruptions can be compensated by progressive and consistent efforts.
- Ride together with the Cyql app: Get together with a group or a friend and stay motivated during winter rides. Riding together creates a sense of belonging and encourages each other to take on the challenges of the cold season. Take advantage of the Cyql app’s handy features to share routes, plan joint rides and inspire each other.
With these 10 valuable tips, you’ll be well prepared to face winter on your bike. Dress appropriately, prepare your bike, train both indoors and outdoors and stay consistent with your efforts. Be flexible and adapt your training to weather conditions, but don’t let the cold discourage you. And don’t forget to ride together with Cyql, where you can enjoy the sociability and motivation of cycling friends.
So don’t let winter stop you from cycling. It’s a season full of challenges, but also full of unique experiences and satisfaction. So put on your winter gear, turn on your Cyql app and hit the road. Discover the beauty of winter landscapes and enjoy every pedal stroke. Have fun cycling!