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Riding in snowy weather can be quite a bit of fun. I spent 5years commuting by bike in Michigan which meant snow regularly.
I have also done some long distance racing off-road in the snow, again alot of fun, also a lot of work.
Here are a couple of quick tips for cold weather riding.
(1) Layer for cold weather cycling. Layers roughly will include, wicking/comfort - your shorts and jersey; warmth - wool or fleece; & windstopping material. If you are riding hard, your body will provide plenty of heat, you just need to cut the wind, that is the MOST important part of cold weather cycling.
(2) Stay away from cotton - wool and fleece work much better. Cotton retains moisture from your enviroment or your sweat, then you chill. Wool and fleece both retain warmth when wet.
(3) Your LBS (local bike shop) should sell (in northern climes) very specific clothing for staying comfortable in cold weather, if you ride alot in cold weather it is well worth it.
(4) If you are working on the cheap, here are some good tips. Plastic sandwich baggies (non-ziplock type) over your socks, under your shoes provide warmth for your toes. Usually it is your torso, face, fingers and toes that have problems. Block the wind on your torso with newspaper or plastic bags under your outer layer of shirts. Better yet, if you have a breathable rain jacket, wear that over your fleece shirt or hoodie, zippers are great, slide them up or down to allow more or less air to your torso as needed.
(5) Take precautions in extreme conditions. Even if you are dressed warm enough to ride, what if you break down, usually warm enough to ride is not warm enough to walk. Make sure someone knows where you are riding and when you will be back, you don't want to die in a ditch.
(6) If you well experienced riding outdoor, but still fighting some extremes, petroleum jelly on exposed areas of your skin will also block the wind, it's no fun to clean off later though and some people react to it.
Lastly about traction. Sliding in snow for bikes can be a problem, an even bigger problem is for the cars driving around you. Give them lots of room and expect them to slide. On ice, you can buy chains for your bike tires or studded tires if your bike has enough clearance.
Enjoy the silence and beauty!
Your Brother in Christ,
Keith
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Keith A. Hannah Jr.
Thankfully serving God as a Master Guide and Area Coordinator in the Indiana Conference.
We are the clay and You are our Potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
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I don't like driving on the ice much but my dad's like you need to learn how to do it. So I'm like ok whatever you say.
