Top 7 Winter Cycling Mistakes

In the cold and wet winter months you want to make sure you get things right. Here are 7 winter riding mistakes you want to avoid

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Coming up are GCN's tips on how to avoid winter riding mistakes.

The first and the most obvious mistake is not wearing enough clothing, or at least not wearing the correct clothing, and therefore getting cold and wet. We've got some good news for you. These days you shouldn't need more than a base layer, and a thermal jersey up top until it gets below freezing point. A skull cap always comes in handy to keep your head and your ears warm, and some modern winter shoes like these will keep your feet warm and snug.

An equally easy mistake to make is the complete opposite. And that's wearing too much clothing. That's right. It is tempting to want to feel nice and cozy as soon as you leave the door. But the reality is that if you're immediately warm, you're soon going to be cooking. So actually what you should feel is quite chilly for the first few minutes of a very cold winter's ride.

Here's one that we're sometimes guilty of ourselves. And that's a lack of visibility. The more you stand out as a cyclist, the better. So, aim to wear bright clothing and always have lights on, even during daylight.

Despite indoor training advancing light years in terms of entertainment over the last few years, there are still people who will avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, that can mean they put themselves in danger out on the open road. Most the time, if you wanna brave the elements when it's cold and it's wet that's fine, but if there's any ice, we'd advise that you give it a miss altogether.

Admittedly, you don't need to drink as much as when it's sweltering hot, but you'll still be sweating, even when it's cold. And also losing fluid through your breath, so make sure you replace them.

We have read studies which suggest that your body burns more calories to keep itself cool in the summer than it does to keep itself warm in the winter. But, it is our own personal experience which suggests you need to eat more in the winter to prevent the dreaded knock. Yeah, so make sure you take some food with you out on your ride and some money as well.

Now don't worry, we are not going to suggest that you completely stop stopping a mid-winter ride at a nice cafe for sociable chat. But there is distinct risk in the winter months. You're going to get cold. Maybe not in the cafe itself, but certainly when you resume your ride. But we have a handy little solution for you. And it's this, something I used to do back in the day, is carry a spare undervest with you wrapped up in a plastic bag.

Let us know if you've got any winter riding tips to avoid in the comments below 👇

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Watch more on GCN...
How to stay motivated in the winter http://gcn.eu/wintermotivation 📹
The GCN wet ass challenge http://gcn.eu/MudguardChallenge 📹

Photos: © Bettiniphoto / http://www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / http://www.tdwsport.com

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