Each and every year it’s a similar challenge, one as difficult to uphold as it is to get your head around.
Maintaining a personally acceptable level of bike fitness despite the colder weather, darker starts and half frozen fingertips.
Staying warm, dry, safe and seen is a critical part of cool-season cycling and with the third annual Bowral Classic less than 5-months away, now’s as vital a time as any to continue your training.
With that in mind we have 5 helpful winter training tips along with an offer to go into the draw for over $1000 of winter essentials courtesy of event supporting partner BBB Cycling – You Can Enter Here.
Bowral Classic supporting partner BBB Cycling are currently offering a winter prize pack including $1000 of cold weather essentials – Full details in the article.
Top 5 Winter Cycling Tips
1 – Invest In Quality Winter Kit
Cycling kit has come ahead in leaps and bounds over recent years with many toasty warm yet lightweight and breathable products around – light, thin and comfortable fabrics offering more insulation and efficiency than ever before. Take a look at the extensive range from event supporters BBB Cycling here.
2 – Be Seen Out There
High powered lights such as this usb rechargeable 760 lumen headlight are ideal for darker mornings, early evenings and night riding.
It seems bike light and battery technology is being boosted year on year – there’s simply no excuse not to have front and rear lights fitted to your bike. Day and night running lights are a no brainer, we don’t leave home without them and nor should you.
3 – Layer Up
When preparing for a cold to cool weather ride dress for the expected temperature 20 to 30 minutes into the ride. You might be a little colder when you initially roll out but for the majority of the ride you’ll be far more comfortable (and carrying less excessive gear).
4 – Head, Hands & Feet
Remember your extremities – your head, hands and feet. Headwear such as a thermal scull cap or winter cycling cap is critical – up to 30% of heat is lost through the head. A wide variety of high quality half, three quarter and full fingered cycling gloves are also available and mandatory for not just warmth but hand protection – particularly during the cooler months.
Quality thermal socks are also important as are waterproof / windproof shoe covers that will ensure your precious training time remains far more bearable during the cooler months.
The simply inclusion of rear mudguard can make a major difference in winter. Most bike shops stock ‘ass saver’ type spray and splatter guards – disposable versions are also readily available.
Cold weather cycling getting you down? With the assistance of our advice + quality kit from suppliers such as BBB, you can combat the cold days in comfort. Image: Sirotti.
5 – Retain Your Mojo
One of the major challenges of winter is maintaining that warm-weather mojo. With the Bowral Classic just 5-months away and counting, it’s important to keep training, to retain and maintain fitness and ensure you’re in the finest possible form on event day.
Set weekly targets on Strava, register for distance and altitude challenges and arrange regular rides with friends. You may even want to set a pact with mates that you’ll motivate and encourage each other, all powering on despite the conditions.
What are your winter training techniques? We’d love to hear your comments … Have your say over on the Bowral Classic Facebook page!
