Cold Weather Bike Riding

Dust off your bike, check your brakes and tires and with these warm clothes you're prepared to ride on the days when mother nature is giving you all the cold weather she has to offer. I ride on days when the temperature is below the freezing point and I'm able to stay plenty warm and I'm confident that with the proper clothes you will too!

Just because the wind is blowing and you'd rather stay inside and keep warm is no excuse to let your bike collect dust all winter long. There are many advantages to riding the trails in the winter time that many mountain bikers haven't realized yet. Once I get my warm clothes on and get on my mountain bike in the winter time, one of the first things that I notice is the cool crisp air along with being able to see my breath every time I exhale. Another great part about mountain biking in the winter time is that the trails are less crowded from other bikers. Depending on where you ride, the trails may even have the snow packed down so it's still somewhat easier to ride on. The fresh blanket of snow makes it a little bit easier to roll over obstacles that may be in your way.

There are many different types of clothing options that you can choose from so that you will be able to enjoy the benefits of cold weather bike riding. When it gets cold enough that just a pair of cycling shorts and jersey isn't enough, I first put on my arm warmers along with my knee warmers and that does the trick. I really like having those two items because it's great to have for days when it's just cold enough that you need a little bit extra clothing, but not freezing outside where you would need very heavy clothes on. The great part about owning something as light as a pair of knee warmers and a pair of arm warmers it that if you get too warm, they are easy to take off and put in your back pocket. If your really good, you'll be able to take off the arm warmers while your riding. When the temperature gets below 50 degrees though, is when I put on my long tights and they keep my legs nice and warn and toasty even when it gets down below 30 degrees.

A few of the more important items to own is a pair of shoe covers. I own a pair of shoe covers for my mountain bike shoes and also another pair for my cycling shoes. They are great to have so that your feet and toes can stay warm on those chilly winter days. Also, one of the most essential winter clothing options is an excellent pair of gloves. I've noticed that my fingers are normally the first thing to get cold while riding. Having a good pair of gloves can either make or break your mountain bike ride. Even though there are many different clothing options to choose from when mountain biking in the winter time, I never head out on my bike without putting on something on my head. You'll be able to find something that fits comfortably on your head as well as underneath your helmet.

So after you are done dusting off your bike, checking your brakes and tires, I am confident that wearing these types of warm clothes, you will be prepared to ride on the days when mother nature is giving you all the cold weather she has to offer.