Where’s the fun in being a fair weather cyclist?

Cycling through a Scottish winter throws up a whole raft of challenges. Gone are the long, balmy summer days when heading out on your bike was a simpler affair.

In winter there are many things to think about above and beyond the usual emergency kit, such as a spare inner tube, pump and some cash for cake and coffee mid-ride.

Now I find my preparations for a ride can often take as long as the journey itself – making me wonder why I bother at all. Firstly there is my eternal bête noire of actually finding all my kit. No matter how much I try to keep my gloves, leg-warmers, lights and so on in one place it’s as if my cupboard has exploded and all that kit finds itself scattered around the four corners of my house.

Preparation is also a fundamental component of a successful winter ride and one that must take place hours in advance: lights, clothing, mudguards, tyres and route – all appropriate to the conditions – must be taken into account.

There have been times where I have been looking forward to a ride after dark, only to find my front light hasn’t been charged, leaving me standing in the hallway of my house dressed in several layers feeling utterly fed up.

Perhaps the hardest part of riding in the winter is finding the motivation to do so. However, once you’ve cleared all the hurdles and are actually on your way, the effort becomes worthwhile.

Some of my favourite rides have been done in the winter: in snow and ice; in darkness without street lights; and in howling gales and driving rain.

One such occasion, several years ago, saw me trying to come up with every excuse not to ride that night.

I was planning to meet some friends for a winter mountain bike ride.

It had been snowing, the temperature was -10C, I was tired and I had to be up early the next day.

I forced myself out the door and within an hour found myself on top of a hill above Pitlochry.

We descended that hill, over ridged snow drifts set like concrete, by the light of the moon and to this day I still remember every detail.

There have been many such occasions. Some have been memorable for their extreme weather, others for their camaraderie and the laughs we’ve had on the way; many have stood out for their self-induced feeling of sensory deprivation and isolation on a solo ride on a dark country road.

Whatever the reason there has never been a time I’ve regretted going out to ride in winter, but there have been many times I have wished I had just pulled my finger out and not made excuses.

If winter riding to you means spending hours on an indoor trainer then try something a little different this year.

Embrace the winter – trust me, you won’t regret it.