Hey Cycling Fans, we were just reading Davis Phinney's Winter riding tips on Road Bike Rider Review and thought that they were good enough to share with y'all. Of course, we would also add that you should really get some Bar Mitts from the accessories section of the Global Cycling Supply Online store too!!! They are super toasty, comfy and warm.
1.Ride with a friend or group. Sharing conversation as well as a draft helps the miles go by. But group rides must be cohesive. Don't let them degenerate into hammerfests. You shouldn't do any hard, fast riding when the temperature is below 50F degrees (10C). Instead, use winter to accumulate base miles.
2.Don't overdress. If you're not chilly in the first few minutes, you have probably worn too much and will overheat.
3.Start with hot drinks in freezing temperatures and use insulated bottles or covers to increase the time before liquids turn to slush.
4.Be wary of shaded corners, which may hide ice.
5.Wear light, bright colors to help motorists see you on dim days.
6.Install rear reflectors or carry reflective ankle bands for times when dusk catches you a few minutes from home.
7.Carry two tubes. Patching a tube with freezing fingers isn't easy, should a second flat occur.
8.Don't stop for long, if at all. Resumption of the windchill will make you cold, and you may be unable to shake the shivers for the rest of the ride.
9.Ride short on frigid days. As a rule, you can be fairly comfortable for 90 minutes in subfreezing temperatures. But things may deteriorate quickly after that, particularly if you have raised a sweat.
10.Take time to recover after riding. Winter takes more out of you. Because of the elements and your lower fitness level, a 50-mile (90-km) winter ride feels like 80 miles (128 km).
11.Be extra careful when you've been sick. Don't try to make up a week of lost training by riding before you're completely well. There is plenty of time to get back on track when spring arrives.
12.Even if you live where winters are mild, you still need to go easy. Use winter for recovery. Don't get caught in the flying-in-January, dead-by-June trap.
That's all for now cycling fans, remember to keep riding, do some cross training and also remember to support your local cyclocross races...they are a blast to watch and if you have not done one before, think about it!
Fantasy Cycling
Hey super cycling fans...big news...we are coming out with a FREE fantasy cycling website, with game functions found nowhere else...also look for the iPhone Fantasy Cycling Application to come out this spring. Go mobile with your best cycling fantasy team...more details to come so bookmark www.myfantasycycling.com and keep checking back for details on how you can play the soon to be "Best Cycling Fantasy Game on the Market" that's at least according to Harry Baggins (the cycling guru to end all cycling guru-ship arguments.)
Twitter - @GlobalCycling
Remember to sign up for our Twitter feed @GlobalCycling for updates on product give aways, beta testing, cycling concepts, new products, free shipping announcements, and race information, gossip, etc. Good Stuff
Bar Mitts Are Now Available!
Attention winter riders: Bar Mitts are now available for order in our Accesrrories section. Get 'em while they are hot (even though they kind of always are hot).
Cold Weather Riding Tips
It's getting to be that time of year again cycling fans :-( Winter, the cyclists worst enemy. All is not lost though...winter time can be a good time to get a little more low key, have some fun on the bike and do some more cross training than we are used to. With the cold weather fast approaching many of us,(it's already here for some of us), we thought that we would include a couple cold weather riding tips. br>>br>>
Head: Wool cycling caps like we carry are a very nice luxury to have on your nogin. Even if wool gets wet it will still keep you very warm. On very cold days use a wind blocking device in addition to the wool cap. Helmet covers or wind stopping skull caps work too. br>>br>>
Legs: ALWAYS cover your knees when riding in 60 degree F temps and below. For very cold weather use a wool based base layer and wind proof tights or cycling specific wind breaking pants. br>>br>>
Feet: Wind covers, Toe covers, winter shoes, or neoprene booties all work great; we would also suggest getting agood pair of waterproof socks or wool socks too. Wool always keeps you warm even if you are wet! Another good tip when the feet get cold is to get off the bike and run beside the bike for 30 seconds or a minute. All the blood goes right to your feet; they should warm right up!!! br>>br>>
Upper Body: Wear 2, 3, even 4 layers to keep warm. A vest or wind breaker as one of those 3 or 4 layers will also be key. Layers are great because they can be removed and added in a few moments. br>> br>>
Hands: Hands are among the most important to keep warm. A decent pair of gloves will be needed for winter time. When things get really cold you may even need 2 pair (in case one pair gets sweaty). One of the neatest new products at interbike this year was an item called "Bar mitts". Neoprene brake hood covers that hold your hands comfortably inside a wind-shielded pocket of warmth. They allow you full movement for breaking and shifting and are easy to get your hands in and out of. We will be carrying them very soon!!! Worth every single penny, and highly recommended...
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