Cycle of life

How to enjoy a bike ride even when it’s cold outside...

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your bike has to stay left unused in the shed. But finding the motivation to ride when it’s cold can be tough, so we asked Harvey Downard, head of cycling at tour operator Cycling for Softies, for his tips on hitting the road.

STARTING OFF

It doesn’t need to be anything too strenuous – take it at your own pace – and if you set yourself a goal of a certain amount of time in the saddle per week, you should see improved stamina within a fairly short period.

If you don’t have your own wheels, most cities now have contactless bike hire systems. If you’re thinking of buying, cycle shops are usually considered an essential business so are allowed to stay open.

So long as you are dressed for the elements, the fresh air keeps you cool and allows you to maintain a steady pace.

PEDAL PREP

You’ll need comfortable multi-activity shoes and Lycra padded cycling shorts or leggings, not forgetting gloves and perhaps a light windbreaker jacket.

If you’re heading out early, or are likely to be out once the light starts to fade, do make sure that you’ve got effective lights front and back.

Hi-vis jackets are a great idea to increase your visibility to other road users. A helmet is essential.

You might also want to fit a set of mudguards to your bike, especially if you prefer to cycle on off-road trails or you’re going out in the wet.

Take a water bottle and a snack with you – it’s important to keep energy levels up, and with many pubs and cafes closed there will not be many chances to grab something while you’re out.

WHERE TO GO?

Sustrans.org.uk has details on routes included within the National Cycle

Network, as well as a useful search to find them based on location, distance and type. That way you can seek routes that are on or off road.

You could also take advantage of the cycle paths that have been created in towns and cities to explore a new area.

Many cycle paths have been built on disused railway lines which is great for riders who aren’t keen on steep hills.

Away from designated cycle paths, diminished traffic on the roads while many people continue to work from home makes road cycling much less daunting.

HOW TO GO

Whatever your route, it’s worth checking the wind direction to plan your route in order to start off heading into the wind but end up with the wind behind you, so it’s easier on the way home.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or getting on a bike for the first time, now is a great time to build up your strength and energy in the saddle. And if you want to give yourself an extra boost, regular yoga practice will give you greater flexibility and some core strength, both of which will help to make you more comfortable when out riding.

A solid base of cardiovascular fitness will mean you can cycle further or faster more easily.

All types of cardio workouts are good, but you can’t beat cycling to simply get better at cycling!

With less traffic on the roads as people work at home, it’s less daunting

MORE INFO

Cycling for Softies offers tours around the British Isles, France and Italy, with recommended itineraries that average around 20 miles of cycling a day and feature stops at places of interest.

cycling-for-softies.co.uk

COVID AWARE

Check local restrictions on how far you can travel for exercise.