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Cycling News
Cycling in Winter
By Joe Landry
Jan 6, 2006, 15:29
Cycling
in the winter can be an enjoyable, albeit challenging, task for any athlete. The
trick is to stay warm and comfortable. Besides the upper and lower body, there
are three distinct areas that deserve special attention to keep you going on
those cold winter days.
Feet
Keeping
your feet warm begins with a properly fitting pair of shoes. Restricted blood
flow can occur if the shoes are too tight. You’ll need a thicker-than-usual pair
of socks. Polypropylene sock liners work well as they transport sweat away from
the skin in addition to providing warmth. On severely cold days, consider a pair
of wool socks. Booties are a common accessory for cyclists. Their added layer
buffers wind and moisture and gives added warmth to the feet. For extreme cold or
sensitive feet try Sorelsä or neoprene boot
covers.
Hands
Because
of reduced circulation, keeping the fingers and hands warm can be difficult.
Mittens provide the most warmth but at the expense of dexterity compared with
gloves. Lobster gloves provide a happy medium—slightly better grip but a little
less warmth than mittens. Some models feature five inside fingers slotted into
separate pockets allowing you to steer, brake, and hold on simultaneously.
Regular glove liners also work well in providing protection from moisture and
increasing warmth.
Head
Maybe
the most important thing you can do as a cyclist to keep warm is to cover your
head underneath your helmet. When the weather is mild, consider a cap or
headband, and when it gets considerably colder look into a thin winter hat made
of fleece or wool. A balaclava is a great way to protect your entire face and
head for those bitterly cold days fraught with low wind chills. Not only does it
wick moisture, but also protects your face and mouth, keeping your breath warm.
Another important task is eye protection. Look into a quality pair of
wrap-around shades to protect the eyes entirely and keep out the wind and debris
common on cold, windy days.
Although
riding in the winter takes a little more motivation and preparation, it’s a
season any cyclist can ride through with the proper gear and clothing. Just
follow these tips for a good-quality ride next time it’s cold and windy
outside.
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