Many bike owners want to keep cycling in winter, yet are stopped by the fear of getting sick. To avoid and not part with your bike when it’s cold outside, you just need to adhere to a few useful practices.
Dress properly
In winter there is always a desire to dress warmer. But in the case of cycling, this does more harm than good. The tips regarding preferable winter attire of a cyclist can be listed quite precisely:
- Dress in layers.
- Do not use excessively warm clothes, but favor cycling or hiking apparel.
- Don’t be guided by the initial sensations. At first you may feel a little cold, but that’s normal, after 10-15 minutes you may not feel that way anymore. If you still do, just put on an extra piece of clothing.
- If you plan to skate in severe frost, get a special protective mask.
- Keep your feet warm – usually they freeze the most. At the first sensation of freezing feet, dismount and walk for 5-10 minutes.
- Use cycling goggles.
Carry insulating clothing
It is very advisable to carry a windbreaker, an insulated sleeveless jacket, spare thin gloves and socks in your backpack. You can put on a windbreaker in case of increasing wind, snowfall or if you sweat and your clothes become very cold. It’s not the ebay idea to wear a windbreaker from the start, as you will start sweating early.
You should wear an insulated sleeveless jacket during stops or if you feel that you start to get very cold and riding does not give you a chance to warm up. Use spare gloves and socks if the main gloves get wet or if they are not enough.
If you get sweaty or wet, don’t try to wait it out
If you sweat and decide to just stand there for 10 minutes or so, it can be quite difficult to warm up afterwards. The only sure method is to put on a windbreaker and keep going without stopping. If the road is long and you are far from home, it is better to find a warm place, dry off and warm up.
In case of freezing, try to find a warm room
It can be a gas station, village store, post office, in extreme cases you can ask some locals for help – there’s no need to be shy. Sit for an hour, dry your clothes and move on.
Drink something warm
Always carry a thermos with hot tea. If you go for a short ride, 16.9 oz (500 mL) will be enough, but for longer rides it is better to carry a liter thermos. Brew some black tea, add mint, St. John’s wort, lemon and honey to it – this will be of help to you.
No alcohol
To assume that drinking alcohol warms you up is one of the most common misconceptions, sometimes costing lives. In fact, alcohol not only does not warm you up, but accelerates freezing, dulls your senses and puts additional strain on your cardiovascular system, which is unnecessary during physical activity.
Don’t be afraid of getting sick
The right attitude is very important. What fun is cycling if you are constantly afraid of getting sick? Always remember that in addition to all the fun you get through it, winter cycling is a great way to improve your health and strengthen the immune system.
Conclusion
Cycling is all about having fun and improving your health, so it’s frustrating if you start feeling unwell because of it during winter. The tips listed above are essential for those who want to preserve or even boost their health!
By the way, note that in New York City, Central Park bike rental allows you to enjoy this means of transportation whenever you wish without purchasing the whole vehicle. This is a very appropriate option for those who prefer bikes for certain moments and moods.
