If you’re considering taking up gravel cycling during winter, here are my five tips:
1. Hot drinks
First, make sure you have plenty of hot drinks with you – nothing beats having a warm thermos after an hour or so outside in freezing temperatures... Having a route planned around coffee shops is good too!
Thermos, brew-it-yourself or a coffee shop - pick your option.
2. Tyre check
Before you go, check your tires. Fixing them when it’s cold is much harder than usual - anyone who tried getting a stubborn rubber back on the wheel rim with numb fingers knows what I mean. Also make sure you have a decent tread on your tires - drifting on frozen puddles is a risky business.
3. Clothing
What you wear on a winer ride is super important. Go for layers rather than one warm jacket and have a bag/backpack with you to be able to take some layers off when it's getting warmer. This will help keep your body temperature regulated throughout your ride. And don't forget your gloves!
Riding through frozen puddles is fun but can end up badly if you're not careful
4. Plan ahead
Plan ahead to give yourself the option of cutting your journey short if needed - days are shorter at this time of year so trains may provide more realistic options for getting home again safely.
5. Don't push too hard
Finally don't push too hard; colder weather requires more energy from our bodies so take it easy - enjoy being out rather than pushing yourself too far!
Gravel riding during wintertime offers unique experiences not available any other season – embrace these opportunities by preparing properly before setting off and making sure safety remains paramount throughout each excursion into the great outdoors on two wheels.. So get ready to explore new paths with confidence this winter… happy trails!