When it comes to the winter months it can get very cold, unless of course you live some place where it’s warm all year round in which case, fuck you.
For the rest of us cold climate dwelling types, there are a few things you will need to make sure that you are taking with you when out on the bike. To make it as easy as possible for you to stay safe during these cold dark months, here’s a handy checklist:
Winter Riding Checklist
✓ Anti-freeze for pedals, hubs, BBs – if your riding when its really cold some components can freeze up, make sure you apply anti-freeze before but have it on you just in case.
✓ Cold weather baselayers – in winter it is all about layering up, a good baselayer can make a huge difference. Remember its better to have five layers and not need two than have three layers and want one more.
✓
✓ Lights - even in daytime rides it can get dark, better to have lights with you than to be caught out in the dark. A small torch could be the difference between you getting home OK and you being lost somewhere on the mountain.
✓ Glasses/ Goggles – cold wind, water, mud. It all kicks off during the winter, make sure you protect your eyes so that you don’t have to Jedi down the trail!
✓ Insulated waterbottles – so that your water doesn’t freeze (if you’re riding when its seriously, seriously cold).
✓ Trail42 Pack Flask - to give you that vital cup of tea/ coffee/ hot chocolate/ warm brandy when you really need it.
✓ Warm socks, ideally waterproof - wet cold feet will make your ride a misery and will end it faster than anything else
✓ Winter gloves – thin summer gloves just won’t cut it, invest in some decent winter mitts to keep your hands nice and toasty (alternatively, wear latex gloves inside your regular gloves – your hands will stay warm but will be very, very sweaty!)
✓ Hat under the helmet – if you’re follicly challenged or simply get very cold ears, then wearing a beanie or skull cap under your helmet can be a great way to prevent a frozen head
✓ Kneepads - falling off and grazing a knee or worse is five times worse in the cold, if you’re doing any sort of downhill you’ll want to have pads – plus extra layer of warmth for your knees!
✓ Change of clothes – if you don’t normally have a change of clothes back at the car then now is the time to do so. Getting into dry (relatively) warm clothes will make your ride much more enjoyable than driving home in muddy, wet kit.
✓ Space blanket – for an emergency or simply to stay warm when back at the car, it weighs next to nothing and can literally save your life.
✓ Mobile phone in a waterproof case - again in case of emergency or simply to Strava the hell out of the winter, waterproof case is key for wet weather rides.
✓ Mates – riding on your own can be fun, but if you have an accident, a mechanical or simply get lost you need somewhere there to help you out or phone for help.
Anything else?
Think I’ve missed anything or have you got any handy tips, tricks or tales to talk about then get in touch with us in the comments below or over on Facebook, Twitter or Google+!
