From a few years in the Blue Ridge, followed by a few in Portland, Oregon, I quickly learned to dress in layers. Layers keep you warm and you can peel them off as you warm-up along the way. Start with a good base layer underneath, whether long sleeve or short. It also helps to have a good long sleeve jersey with a little warmth to it. Invest in a good set of gloves and toe warmers or booties. Toe warmers are nice because they are not so cumbersome and they are all you need down to 50 degrees. 

 

If your hands or feet get cold, it can get ugly quick, so keep your core and your extremities warm and you will be good to go. Follow with a wind vest to keep your chest warm while getting going and to keep in your pocket if the temps drop again and you are all sweaty. Be sure to invest in a decent set of arm and leg warmers. I wear them any time it's under 65 degrees as I like to start out warm instead of cold, and then undress as I go. Finish with a cycling cap, beanie or ear warmers to keep your head warm when it goes below 50.

 

When it is cold your body burns more calories to help keep you warm. This is a benefit to those who are trying to lose weight, but keep in mind you need to replace them at a slightly higher rate, even though you may be keeping the intensity lower during this time. Also, when you aren't sweating as much you tend not to drink very often. This can backfire as well, catching you in a state of dehydration before you know it. You are still losing water, but it is just getting evaporated more quickly due to the lower humidity. Keep drinking like normal so you don't short circuit the system before the end of the ride. Some other tricks of the trade include using warming oil for your legs as a pre-ride warm-up that lasts as you go along. I use it when I know the leg warmers will need to come off or when I know I won't be putting them on at all, but it's still chilly. It's also a nice way to step out into the cold and be ok with it from the gun. 

 

Like I said in the beginning, embrace the cold weather. The more prepared you are and the less you fight it, the more you can focus on your training and enjoy the ride. After all, isn't that why we are doing this to begin with? And remember, riding in the cold makes you strong and helps you appreciate the nicer weather, so harden up and go out there and get in your miles. You will be glad you did when it warms up again and chilly days are but a distant memory. 

 

Implement these techniques during your upcoming cold days in the saddle and you will have a much more enjoyable and successful experience.

 

Happy riding!

 

~JDS