what to do in the winter?

M

m.cruz

New Member
So I know it is still summer, but what do we do when winter hits. I am very new to this ( 1 month) but i was thinking what do I do in the winter. Is there winter riding gear? Indoor training? Or am i just SOL and just have to ride the bikes in the gym to get my fix.
 
winter riding is the best. cold crisp air in the lungs! the only thing to stop you from riding is when the trails are snowed covered/ icy. each winter is different in that regard - there are good winters (little snow) and bad winters (trails are out of commission for a month or more). the trails generally are more rideable in central/southern NJ vs. the north.

when conditions are perfect - there is no better time to ride then during a light snow storm. sublime.

as far as gear: you need warm pants (tights), wool socks and warm booties (covers over your shoes). some people get winter shoes but they cost a ton. you'll need a warm upper, gloves and a skull cap (wool cap that an fit under the helmet).

you'll learn from experience how much to wear at different temps (e.g., at 40 degrees, at 30 degrees, at 20 degrees. generally youll find you need to wear less than you think (you dont want to wear too much and sweat too much).

obviously keeping your toes, hands and head warm are the most important. generally, people over-do it by wearing too much on top.

also, dressing in layers is always good, but particularly at first when you dont know how much to wear.

winter rules (as long as the trails are rideable).
 
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When the snow is too deep to ride, thats when you grab some cross-country skis
 
this was the first winter that I really "rode" a bike in and I totally enjoyed it. ...trying to convince yourself to get up early and get out into freezing temps is another task in itself though. Im glad that I did stay on the bike throughout the winter, I would have probably packed on an extra 20-30+ pounds and not been able to enjoy any of the super riding that I am now.
you definitely want to make sure you take care of your hands, face, and feet. dont pack your shoes with big socks, you want to have a little room in there to move. Layers, layers, layers is the way to go clothing wise, you can always remove stuff when you get warmer.
just get out there and keep going
 
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wonderturtle said:
winter riding is the best. cold crisp air in the lungs! the only thing to stop you from riding is when the trails are snowed covered/ icy. each winter is different in that regard - there are good winters (little snow) and bad winters (trails are out of commission for a month or more). the trails generally are more rideable in central/southern NJ vs. the north.

when conditions are perfect - there is no better time to ride then during a light snow storm. sublime.

as far as gear: you need warm pants (tights), wool socks and warm booties (covers over your shoes). some people get winter shoes but they cost a ton. you'll need a warm upper, gloves and a skull cap (wool cap that an fit under the helmet).

you'll learn from experience how much to wear at different temps (e.g., at 40 degrees, at 30 degrees, at 20 degrees. generally youll find you need to wear less than you think (you dont want to wear too much and sweat too much).

obviously keeping your toes, hands and head warm are the most important. generally, people over-do it by wearing too much on top.

also, dressing in layers is always good, but particularly at first when you dont know how much to wear.

winter rules (as long as the trails are rideable).
Click to expand...

+1. Down to 30 degrees, I was wearing a balaclava, cold gear shirt under a winter weight jersey, insulated tights, winter gloves, wools socks and winter shoes. I rode down to the teens with only a fleece vest over the above clothing and was fine. Finding the right socks and gloves for me was the hardest time I had. You need to balance warmth with dexterity and I found every one is a little different in that regard.

The key is: If you start off your ride and you are a little cold, about ten minutes into the ride you'll feel "just right". If you over do it and you sweat through your layers, you'll get the chills and that sucks.
 
Thanks for all the advice. Can anyone suggest good winter gear I want to stock up now before winter comes.
 
Gore. Its expensive, but its one of the best. Buy it now if you can. Im sure its all on sale. Do a search on here and you will find many threads on winter gear and winter shoes.

But really... come on. Its 90 and its June. Dont worry about winter. your bringing me down... 😛
 
Take a look around the sale racks at the bike shops. You'll find some winter pieces there. You'll have to take some guesses as to what will work for you but you will find some good prices. To start, look out for some winter tights. That's pretty universally needed for the cold.
 
I bought some gore stuff in the spring on close out but last year I was out in 20degrees in 2 layers on the bottom and 3 on the top plus the turtle neck and a wool cap.
most time by the end of the ride I had to peel a layer off...
 
I was on a ride yesterday that included 20 or 30 short sections of snow covered trail.

Enjoy summer while it lasts.

I have tons of Lake winter shoes on hand if you want some.
 
I much prefer the summer for riding. I love hot weather, but I still ride all winter and have a great time doing it. It's easy to stay warm offroad. Feet and hands are the only parts that you need to worry about. Can't help with feet if you ride clipless but with flats it's easy. With pogies even light gloves will keep your hands warm on the coldest days. Pogies aren't needed here unless your hands get cold easily.

bruce.b
 
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