Winter Bicycling

Be prepared for winter Bicycling

I have bicycled during all seasons of the year, and winter time is no exception.  

A small under the seat (saddle) carrying bag is needed to carry the bare essentials for bicycle repair.

Inside the carrying bag should be an extra tube, tire changing tool, and an emergency CO2 tube for inflating.

I always carry some tape, an adjustable wrench, and a few bungy cords.

A bike helmet is a must.  I like attaching the third-eye mirror to view any oncoming traffic.  I use this type of mirror because the mirror is close to my eye, enabling me to have a large field of view without turning my head.

I carry at least one water bottle and  two are preferably better.

When I have an attachment site on my bike, I like to carry a manual air pump for tire inflation.

It is very important to try to keep your hands as sanitary as possible.  Many of the port-a-potty bathrooms are not as sanitary as you would like, and it is easy to pick up the Norovirus from its use.

I use a neckerchief to help keep my neck from getting cold.

A good pair of wool socks will help to keep your feet dry and warm.

I am not a proponent of a cleated-type biking shoes and peddles.  I like the toe-clip type  peddles because I can, in case of an accident, remove my shoes from the peddles in a hurry.   If I break down or if I want to sightsee an area, it is easier to walk in non-cleated shoes.   Cleated shoes are good for racers, not for touring or trail riding. 

A good wool jersey will keep you warm and dry.

Biking tights will help keep the wind chill factor from making you cold.  Most winter tights have two layers of synthetic and wool material.

I usually like to wear three-fingered mittens with an inside glove liner.

 Leg or arm warmers may also be added if you are biking in freezing temperatures.

 Boots may be added over the biking shoe to keep the chill factor down.

A good wicking base layer shirt under the wool jersey will help to keep moisture from building up under your coat.

A balaclava head covering is good to keep the ears and neck warm.

To keep the wind chill factor down a peddle hoodie can be placed around each peddle.

It is important to wear reflective  gear when cycling at night.   

Reflective vests are also available. 

I bicycled to and from work--a distance of twenty miles for ten years--in all kinds of weather.   When I was training for a triathlon I ran seven miles at 4 AM, bicycled to work, swam at lunch time, and then bicycled home.  Sometimes I had to bicycle during a hail storm, and the pieces of ice passed through the slots in my helmet, hitting my head.   Snow and ice on the roadway made it slippery and difficult to peddle.   I was struck by an automobile twice and managed to walk away,   I always bicycle with a helmet and rear view mirror.