Winter Riding

Well the winter has well and truly kicked in with the Arctic blast making it’s way across to the UK resulting in plummeting temperatures and icy road conditions, not ideal for the road cyclist, yet more suited for some fun on the trails for the crazier MTB’ers. I personally, will head out on my road bike in any conditions apart from when the ice appears! I’ve done it before and met with the road, which isn’t a happy experience! The bike can be repaired but as I age it takes my bones that wee bit longer to heal than they used to do! Lol

Yesterday we experienced a break in the icy conditions, it was dry with strong icy winds but the roads were clear of ice. I sure as heck wasn’t missing this opportunity to get back out on my bike and get some miles under my belt. The recent cold snap had kept me off the roads for the best part of two weeks and I was itching to get back out, although having just replaced my worn Ultegra shifters 3 weeks ago I wasn’t taking the gamble going out on icy roads!

There was a distinct icy cold wind in the air so it was time to look out my winter clothing to keep me warm and comfortable during the 48 miles which was afore me. A mixture of SealSkinz, Altura and Endura products was the choice of the day.

First off to cover up was my head, this gets cold due to the distinct lack of hair, so I opted for the SealSkinz Windproof Skull Cap. This thin and lightweight yet warm skull cap does the trick and keeps the windchill away. The thin construction allows for comfortable wear under a cycle helmet.

With my head sorted it was time to think about my legs, I opted for the Altura Night Vision Bib Tights. I opted for these bib tights over my other ones due to the warm fleece like lining and reflective strips all down the legs.

Legs sorted, head sorted, time to keep those toes warm now. Being such a cold day I opted for my SealSkinz Socks and Endura Road Overshoe combo.

Next I opted for the Endura Stealth Jacket. You can read my review of this jacket by clicking the following link: Endura Stealth Jacket.

Only thing left now is to keep my fingers warm, for this I opted for the SealSkinz All Weather Cycle Gloves. These gloves are warm and keep your hands dry in the wettest of conditions. Unlike some all weather gloves these are not big bulky gloves, yet they do keep you warm and dry.

So that was me all kitted up and ready to hit the elements, 48 miles later and a tough days climbing I was home again, warm and dry, albeit shattered!

Don’t let the bad weather stop you getting out on your bike, get wrapped up in your winter kit and out you go!