Stay Motivated and Ride Strong!
Hey everyone, Chris Dawson here!
As a professional cross-country mountain biker, I know a thing or two about pushing through tough conditions, and let me tell you, winter in Northern Ireland can be brutal! The combination of cold, relentless rain, and high winds make it hard to stay motivated and maintain your training schedule. But with the right mindset and gear, it’s definitely possible to not only survive the winter, but enjoy it!
One of the hardest parts of winter training is getting out the door and onto the bike. It’s easy to feel unmotivated when it’s cold and wet.
So here are a few tips I’ve learnt to keep me on track:
Gear Up: The right gear makes all the difference. Waterproofs are an absolute must for the rain. I’m not talking about those shower-proof jackets either, you need quality waterproofs to stay dry and (relatively) warm. Don’t forget waterproof gloves and a thermal skull cap to keep your hands and head warm. A snood, windstopper, or cycling balaclava can make a big difference on those icy days when the wind is in your face.
Layer Up: It’s easy to overheat when you’re riding, even in winter. Instead of one big jacket, wear lots of thin layers that you can easily take off as needed. Baselayers, thermal mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell make all the difference.
Warm Feet: There is nothing worse than cold feet, to ensure your feet stay warm, a good pair of socks and waterproof shoes are a must. One of the products I was excited about when I first started riding for Crono was their Winter CW1 shoes. They are internally lined with Primaloft and fleece to keep the heat in. The external gaiter is made from water-repellent lycra, so they keep my feet both warm and dry. The special insoles are also made with Primaloft and fleece, and this has been a complete game changer for me as the drying time of Primaloft is much faster than other materials.
Be Visible: The nights are longer in the winter, so it is essential to be visible to other road users. Make sure to use bike lights, not only when it’s dark but also during the day, and wear high-visibility clothing.
Bike TLC: Winter conditions are hard on your bike, so make sure you give it a bit of attention after every ride. Rinse and wipe down the bike to remove any dirt, salt and grit. Pay particular attention to the chain, gears, brakes and wheel rims. Dry the bike off, and use a spray lubricant to disperse water from moving parts and add bike oil/wax to the chain and gears.
Take it Slow: It takes time for your body to warm up properly in cold conditions, so don’t go all out as soon as you leave the house. Leave extra time for your body to warm up and cycle slower in wet and snowy conditions.
Get a Grip: Make sure your tyres are in good condition, and perhaps inflate them a little less than you would in summer. This will help to increase your grip in slippery conditions. I use the Schwalbe G-One gravel tyre on the roads in the winter to give me extra comfort and grip.
Don’t be afraid to take a break: If the conditions are too bad, don’t be a hero, call it quits and head back inside. If the weather is consistently bad / dangerous then consider also investing in an indoor turbo trainer. I use the Wahoo KICKR MOVE for my indoor training.
Remember, the key to successful winter training is consistency. Don’t let the weather put you off! It can be hard to keep your motivation up in winter, but it’s all about mindset. Focus on the fact that you are getting a workout in, and if you can, train with others. A group is much more noticeable than a lone cyclist, and you have someone to help if you have any mechanical problems.
Keep those wheels turning and remember,
winter miles = summer smiles!
