5 Tips for Planning a Winter Ride

Dark clouds carrying rain or snow can ruin a sunny winter day in a hurry. And if you're out on your bike, things could get ugly quick.

But cycling during the winter doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

With a little preparation, it's possible to spin through winter without any trouble. By planning your route and making good decisions before you head out, you can have just as much fun and be just as safe cycling as you are during the summer months.

Use these five tips to plan a worry-free winter training ride.

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Pick a Simple Route

Choose routes that are close to home and familiar to you during the winter months. Since the weather can change quickly, riding a short loop multiple times is a good option. This way you can cut your ride short if it's too cold or starts to snow, and you'll never be too far from home.

Pick a familiar route that you've ridden multiple times. When it's cold out, you don't want any surprises. New routes can serve up unexpected terrain, detours and routes that are more difficult than planned, which could mean spending more time out in the conditions than you've prepared for.

Make the Workout Manageable

Winter rides don't need to be too long. Your primary goals during the cold months of the year should be maintaining fitness and building a solid aerobic base.

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Three or four rides a week during the winter should be plenty. During the other days of the week, concentrate on cross-training and strength training to build aerobic and muscular fitness.

If you plan to do one long ride per week of 3 to 4 hours, remember that it doesn't have to all be outside. Ride for an hour or two outside and jump on the indoor trainer for another workout when you get home.

Be Prepared If You Ride Alone

A training partner can be a good way to stay motivated to ride when the weather isn't so pleasant. A partner will hold you accountable and make the miles go by quicker. He or she can also lend a helping hand if something happens on the road.

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But a good partner can be hard to find, especially during the winter. If you're riding alone, you need to be even more prepared. Make sure you have a map, a phone, money, a raincoat and all the tools you'll need to make a roadside repair. You won't have anyone to depend on, so make sure you'll be able to get out of a jam if you need to. Getting stuck in the freezing rain when you've punctured twice in the winter is a lot bigger deal than it is during the summer.

Check the Weather Forecasts

Before you head out, make sure you look at a detailed weather forecast. This doesn't mean just checking for rain or snow—it's a good idea to look at wind direction too.

If possible, ride your route into the wind first and save the tailwind for the ride home. Heading into the wind after you've been riding for a few hours will not only challenge your fitness, it'll also make you colder because of the sweat you've accumulated on your clothing.

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If showers are forecast, check a weather tracker to determine what direction the storm is moving. You might be able to miss the rain all together if you time it right.

Take a Break

If you're going on a long ride, treat yourself to a break at a cafe midway. This will keep you motivated during the first half of your ride, and it's a good way to fill up without having to carry extra food or drink. A caf? will also provide a much-needed break from the elements. Once you're warm and toasty, you'll be ready to conquer the last half of your ride.

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