Brr it's cold outside...okay not really here in the Lowcountry, but it's definitely 'colder' than it was a few weeks ago. And even though winter will be here before we know it, we're lucky we can ride our bikes all winter long. Yes, you heard me, all winter long. Now is not the time to take the 'off-season' as a totally off-of-doing-everything season. There are a lot of options available to keep you on your bike, either outside or inside, so you can continue to work on your cycling skills and be ready to crush race season next year.
What to wear?
When thinking about winter riding - or really riding any time of year - the first thing you should consider is the weather condition -- cold, hot, raining, or windy --You will need different types of clothing for these very different conditions. In general when it's cold it's important to keep your chest, knees, hands, and feet warm. Keeping these areas warm will help keep the rest of you warm.
*if it's cool and dry best to have layers and things you can remove easily
Here are our clothing must haves:
1. A vest is the most versatile piece of clothing especially if it is a convertible vest where you can take off the sleeves when you start to warm up
2. Knee warmers - this is another versatile piece of clothing that can be taken off when the temps start to warm up as you ride. It's important to cover you knees as you start a chilly ride, especially if you're older. I know another ding of us old folks.
3. Toe covers - these are a great addition to your cycling gear as they are great almost all winter here in South Carolina. That added bit of protection against the wind and cold will hep you enjoy you ride and not focus on that warm up of coffee waiting for you at the end of the ride.
4. GOOD cycling gloves- full gloves will keep you help you feel you fingers and hand the entire ride and not want to cry from the intense pain from the cold. The best gloves are wind resistant too. We want you smiling, not crying as you ride around the low country. It looks better for all the tourists and keeps us high on those awesome city lists.
Temperature Based Clothing Recommendations:
55-60- will warm up quickly
-feet usually first to get cold
-cover hands
-wool sock good to keep feet warm
-wear a shell or vest
-arm warmers a good option
50-55 – time to get warmer midweight gloves
-toe warmers good
Below 50 – heavy weight gloves, wind resistant best
-booties
-headband for ears
-long sleeved warmer jacket
-consider base layers
Happy Riding all! Unless you're reading this and you think "No way am I ever riding outside when it's cold". Luckily we have a solution for you too. Get a great indoor bike trainer and you'll stay on top of your game all winter. Come in to the store and try out our Wahoo bike trainers like the
KICKR or the
SNAP.