Winter Cycling Motivation

There is no doubt about it, someone as definitely left the freezer door open in recent weeks. It’s that time of the year where I wake up and despite all best intentions, I can head downstairs and see ice on the decking, plants, grass, cars and think right what’s the plan for today?

Winter Cycling Options

There are always options, here are mine:

1. Stay in bed – I mean let’s face it that is always an option #justsaying.
2. Gravel/MTB – take it off road, especially if you are cautious of road conditions during the winter months.
3. Road cycle – some people have the luxury or a summer and winter bike (I am grateful that I do) so swapping bikes is an option, if not you may want to look at swapping tyres especially if you have slick or race summer tyres. Just because it is winter does not mean you cannot ride if the conditions are ok. It does, however, usually mean there is more cleaning/maintenance required just because of the conditions but remember if you look after your bike, it will look after you.
4. Turbo trainer – if you have a turbo trainer then this can be a great option and means you can continue with training from the comfort of indoors!
5. Strength training/Yoga – because not all bike training sees benefits from just being on the bike and the off bike work has many benefits in itself to compliment the on bike training.

How To Stay Motivated

There will always be barriers, but there are almost always solutions too:

• It is too dark! Good lights and visible clothing make all the difference, charge before your ride so they are ready and good to go.
• It is too cold! Layer up! There are some amazing kit choices out there. I cycled last weekend and it was 2 degrees so fair to say it was chilly! I wore thermal bib tights, base layer, winter cycling jacket, buff, winter cycling hat, full fingered gloves and toe covers. Despite the temperature I was absolutely fine whilst riding – naturally any stopping time is when you can feel the cold more but layers that wick the sweat are great for these conditions.
• I don’t want to go out! If you have a turbo trainer this is an option, there are may plans online if you are using certain programmes ie I use Zwift and there are many plans available including Active Off Season which is geared towards maintaining fitness during the off season/winter months by providing some structured sessions.
• Do I need to? Make a note of what your goals are and what you need to do to maintain fitness or initiate the build phase. Having your focus goal in mind helps put in the necessary structure required at that time.
• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! This is easier said than done but there is no need to start the year thinking I have a century ride to do in six months time and so I should be doing that sort of mileage beginning of January – doing too much too soon could have a negative impact if you have not trained to build to that stage.
• I’m too tired! Listen to your body – winter months are the time of year with more cold/flu bugs going round, and in addition to this Covid is still around, so if you feel low on energy or fatigued then pushing yourself too much is not productive. I mentioned above about strength training and yoga so you could use the opportunity to switch things up.
• I want company! See if you can rope in a fellow cycling friend to join you – I do and makes a lot of difference. With the right clothing once you are out you will enjoy the ride and be glad you went.

I do have another blog post about winter cycling specifically around kit choices and bike set up changes that you can find here.