The thought of winter cycling is often enough to put off even hardened road riders — surely it's dangerous, how do you even ride on icy roads? A turbo trainer or lie-in can seem like a preferable alternative to battling through ice, sleet, rain or a freezing wind trying to stay warm and upright on your bike.
- Complete guide to winter road cycling
- Best winter cycling clothing
- Prepare a road bike for winter riding
But with the right winter cycling kit and these essential safety tips you should still be able to get out there and enjoy the same health and fitness benefits you did in the summer. Many coaches and veteran year-round riders even say that braving the elements can give your mental toughness a boost, a benefit you’ll really notice when you’re in need of some determination during a sportive, race or demanding summer ride.
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How to ride on icy roads
- Pick your road carefully – stick to those that have been treated
- Be wary of exposed sections of road – the wind chill can create extra ice
- Go around icy patches if you have time and it's safe to do so
- if you can't avoid the ice, don't make any sudden moves – try to ride it out
Lingering frost or black ice can catch anyone unawares, especially given that crisp winter days and blue skies are so inviting for a bracing ride. Stunning cloudless days go hand in hand with sub-zero nights. And when the sun does come up it stays low in the sky and relatively weak, with long shadows.
Add to that the time-poor training cyclist’s preference for early morning rides and there’s a high chance some of those shadows will be icy and make your wheels lose grip.
One of the biggest causes of black ice is when a big freeze follows a partial thaw, so that rain water or meltwater is frozen before it can drain off the road completely, leaving a thin layer of transparent ice.
How to ride in the wet
- Take into account the longer stopping distances required
- Be careful riding on road markings, drain and manhole covers, especially when turning
- Apply your brakes in equal measure when it's raining – 50 percent on the front, 50 percent on the back
How to ride in windy conditions
- By far the best way to beat the wind is to ride in a group (but don't shirk your turn at the front)
- If you're on your own, avoid the wind by seeking out natural windbreaks such as hedged lanes
- Reduce your frontal area by rounding your shoulders and bending closer to the handlebars
- If it's a blustery wind, grip on a little tighter so you don't lose control
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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