Riding in the Rain

It is winter time here in the Northern Latitudes and with winter comes cold temps, rain, snow and ice. We can choose to ride exclusively indoors this time of year and for some way, way up north there really isn't a choice but for many of us where the weather is not so severe we can still ride in the winter. Today for example I went out for a ride and it rained. There are a few things you need to watch out for and you need to make yourself extra visible this time of the year. Remember it's winter and the sun is lower in the horizon, colors do not show up as well this time of the year and vehicle windows are fogged up.

Here are some tips to keep you safe but you will get wet.

Tips for riding in the rain:

1) Wear bright clothes and dress appropriately for a cold winter day ride, shoe covers and head gear.

2) Now is a good time to layer up and carry a light bright rain jacket you can put on in a down pour.

3) Make sure you have food and an energy drink. Your body is burning more calories just to keep warm and if  you get wet you will get cooler and bonk sooner.

4) For commuting now is the time to ride something with fenders for road cycling you will probably get wet.

5) Watch out for cars, make eye contact, pull up to and into the crosswalk, be visible.

6) Avoid riding on any painted road lines and watch out for any thing metal like man hole covers etc they are slick.

7) Your eye protection may get fogged or at least rainy and your visibility will go down be aware of twigs and anything else that was blown into a bike lane or your path.

8) Use lights especially if it is cloudy and dark. These were not so easy to use and maintain in the past but now they are so use them.

9) On long cold wet rides watch out for hypothermia. Wear boot covers and a cap on these days.

10) Drink even if you're not thirsty. It will prevent you from cramping.

11) Take time to warm up before you go all out. It's cold and will take you longer to warm up. This will prevent you from getting a muscle injury which could put you out for a while.

12) Don't ride with chest congestion or lower respiratory infections. Now is a prime time to get bronchitis or pneumonia.

13) In first rains watch out for oil and tree oil slicking on the surface of the road. This will make the pavement slick.

14) Both your bike and clothes will get gritty from dirt, sand and whatever else was on the road surface. So after you get home and are warmed up and settled wipe down your bike, clean and lube your chain and possibly wash your clothes. 

Do not avoid riding outside in the winter if you can help it. Riding in the winter is just as fun. The scenery is beautiful and it's much cooler. You just have to be ready for it.

Good riding

Group Rides 101

A great training and motivational tool are group rides. At first some of these rides will challenge you but that is good because riding on our own leaves a lot of room for going easier that we need too sometimes. There is also the camaraderie and conversations that comes along with it. You will learn to ride in close proximity to other cyclists and your bike handling skills will improve. There is the safety factor, groups tend to be more visible and well organized groups tend to look out for riders. Depending on the level and purpose of the group you will get a chance to test your limits. 

Here are some rules to follow if you are just getting started that will help you out.

Rules:

1) Try and get some information on the group as far as what level of riding or training they do.

2) If you don't know anyone in the group try and get there early and introduce yourself.

3) Get a feel for the pace by staying in the back if you are a newbie or in the middle if you are more experienced.

4) Don't try to be a hero yet, stay in the pack for the first few rides to get a feel for what this group and ride is all about.

5) If you don't feel comfortable with the way they ride or what is going on don't be afraid to leave the ride and go back.

6) Most of all enjoy the ride, the scenery, the feeling of flying on a bike like the first time you were able to ride on 2 wheels!

I have found these rides to be a great training tool. They usually happen weekly and sometimes multiple times during the week. Some of these will be the noon lunch ride, some will be the after work daylight savings time rides and some will be weekend rides. They are free and can help you train for an event, race or just give you someone to ride with.

 Who knows you may get invited to a social gathering after.

 
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