How to keep cycling through the winter
This guest blogpost was written by Fikir Assefa
Four months ago I started cycling on the road for the first time, and my friends now have to listen to me go on (and on) about how much I love it. I spent the summer jumping on my bike, popping across the city with a moment's notice, or being out all day without having to think much about bringing any kit with me. However, as it starts getting colder, darker and wetter, there are a few things I am doing to make sure I can continue to enjoy my new favourite form of transport.
1. Looking after my bike
My bike is due for a service so I have booked it in ahead of the winter. I want to make sure I am safe on my bike, and stop any undue wear and tear. Before I set off on a ride, I'll also check my tyres, and will keep an eye on my chain in case it needs greasing. And if my brakes ever feel different than usual while I'm riding, I'll check these.
2. Finding some friends to ride with
Autumn is such a beautiful time of year to explore, so I am planning regular longer rides at the weekends. They're a great way to visit new places, build up your confidence on the road, and at the moment they are an activity you can keep doing wherever you are in the country. The National Cycle Route website has routes all over the country that are easily searchable by location, traffic-levels and distance.
If you'd like to go on organised rides instead of planning one with friends, there are local cycling groups you can get involved with. I found a local group by searching on Facebook, where members organise all levels of rides. This is also a great way to meet other riders and make friends. As a woman of colour, I also love the Womxn of Colour Cycling group, which supports riders of all levels around the UK.
3. Staying warm and dry
Something I have learnt very quickly is that, like running, if you wear too many clothes when you set off on a ride you will almost certainly get too warm once you get going. However, unlike running, I find that the breeze on a bike can feel quite cold. It's a bit of a fine balance so it might take a few goes to get it right, but as long as you have the basics, you won't need to worry about expensive technical wear.
I've found that a pair of gloves (you don't need fancy gloves - just a regular pair that don't restrict your dexterity); a pair of waterproof trousers (again, don't need to be fancy - just a pair that you can get on over your clothes easily); and a good cycling jacket will cover you. It is worth finding a cycling jacket that is windproof (this will help with the breeze), breathable (this will help with not getting too sweaty), and bright enough to keep you visible in dull weather.
4. Always remembering my lights
When I first got on my bike in the summer, I always managed to get home before dark, but as the days draw shorter and mistier you'll need lights to stay safe while out and about. If you have a battery powered pair, keep some spare batteries in your bag, and if they are USB powered, remember to charge them regularly.
5. Staying on my bike
This one might sound a bit silly but it is easy for a few cold and drizzly days to pass, and before you know it you’ve fallen out of the habit of riding. When this happens, it can feel like a bit of a faff to get back on your bike, especially now that commuting might not be part of your daily routine. To combat this, on top of my longer weekend rides I make sure I ride most week days, even just short local journeys or a few laps around the local park, to help me maintain my cycling legs.
