Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let us Bike!

I know, I know.  It's December, it's cold, it's snowy - biking may be the last thing on your mind.  Yet in recent weeks I've seen many brave souls facing the cold on two wheels around our city.  I always feel an urge to cheer them on; winter biking is far too uncommon and should be encouraged.  There's no need to throw away all the environmental, physical and mental benefits biking brings as soon as the snow hits the ground--a few adjustments are all you need to make cycling a year-round activity.

Know Your Roads

Snowbanks can decrease road area.  If your route does not have designated bike paths or these paths have not been cleared, you may be sharing even less road space than usual with the cars out there.  Remain alert and aware of the vehicles around you.

You may have to wait until roads have been plowed to ride safely.  Deeply-rutted routes can give you few options but to ride directly in line with vehicles, making it difficult for drivers to pass you and increasing the chance of a collision.  Check the state of the roads before each ride.  If they look a mess you can opt for the bus and try again tomorrow, but generally if you can drive a road you can probably bike it.

Adapt Your Riding

Give yourself extra time--up to twice as long--to reach your destination.  A slower pace means more control and ability to react on unforgiving roads.

Increase your stopping distance.  Roads are more likely to be icy at crossroads and lights, and snow on your wheels or pads can further hinder braking.  Using the back break instead of the front can provide better control in icy conditions and lessen the chance of skidding.  Occasionally pumping the brakes while riding can help prevent icy buildup.

Beware of turns.  Your warm-weather lean may cause skidding on icy roads--remain as upright as possible and take turns slowly.

Dress Appropriately

Proper layering is crucial than when participating in winter exercise.  A well-selected base, mid- and outer-layer will keep out the chill without overheating.  Many first-time cold weather bikers dress too warmly; once they get moving the exertion causes them to overheat.  A good rule of thumb is that if you are a comfortable temperature when not biking, you will be too hot on the road.

Not sure how to set up a layering system?  Check out our Layering 101 video:

Your extremities have the potential to get dangerously chilled while biking.  Be sure to wear warm, moisture-wicking socks with shoe covers or booties.  A hat and facemask or full balaclava are essential, and may necessitate a larger helmet.

Bicycle helmets are vented to keep you cool.  For the winter season you may want to cover these vents in tape, or move to a full snowboarding or snowmobiling helmet, both of which are designed to keep your head warm.

Your hands suffer from limited movement and increased windchill when riding.  Do not neglect high-quaity gloves and/or mittens.  You may wish to invest in a set of pogies, which protect your hands while still allowing bare-fingered access to brakes, and can be used in addition to a set of gloves for extra warmth on very cold days.

If you are new to winter sports in general remember that lack of heat does not mean lack of sun.  Glare off snow can be distracting and damaging to the eyes.  Be sure to wear a pair of sunglasses or (even better) a set of skiing/snowboarding goggles, which also protect against blowing snow on windy days.

Choose and Protect Your Bike

If you usually use a more lightweight road bike for summer riding, consider buying a cheap "beater" bicycle for winter riding.  The small investment will be worth it if it protects your expensive bike from undue wear.

Mountain biking-style bikes with wider, heavily tractioned tires do well on winter roads.  Special studded tires are available, but will be overkill for most city biking.  Reduce your tire pressure--though you'll travel slower, traction will be increased.

It can be a good idea to bring your bike inside, but only if it will have the chance to dry off completely, as a damp bike will re-freeze during riding.  If your bike has been stored indoors, allow it time to cool down outside before riding - the warm metal can increase slush build-up, which will subsequently freeze.

Clean and lubricate your bike often with a low-temperature grease.  Winter slush, salt and sand can wear away at your bike very quickly; for extra protection consider adding an enclosing case around your chain.

Accessories are a Biker's Best Friend

Remember that it will be dark later in the mornings and earlier in the evenings during the winter months.  Make sure your bike is equipped with lights and wear reflective clothing to help drivers spot you on the road.  Winter bikers are somewhat unusual, and car drivers may not be watching--or be distracted by their own winter driving.  Adding extra lights and reflectors is a good precaution.

As with wet weather riding, front and back fenders can help keep slush and snow on the road where it belongs.

If you lock up your bike outside lock de-icer makes a good addition to your bag.  The last thing you want is a bike you can't access.

Cold-weather excursion still dehydrates.  Make sure you bring along liquids.  If temperatures are too cold for a water bottle, try a camel-back system worn under the clothes.

Cold weather biking is a great way to stay in shape and get outdoors during the winter months.  Join the brave few on the roads this season--at the very least you'll have great one-up-manship stories for your company Christmas party.

Photos via flickr. Bicycles: Ragnar Jensen, winter cyclist: Marc van Woudenberg