However, preparing for your winter ride is a contrasting task to a summer mountain bike ride because the former takes a little more effort. Below are some tips and checks you can do before heading out for your next mountain biking in winter.
8 Tips For Biking in Cold Weather
On those long winter nights, when everything outside gets dark and gloomy early, mountain biking can help you release those endorphins and uplift your mood for the better. Mountain Biking in winter can be a good start or an end to long winter nights.
We all become potato couches during winter as we find no other physical activities to do outdoors.
1. Make up your mind
The initial stage of the winter mountain bike ride is the decision to step outside the comfort of your home and make up your mind to do the ride on cold days/nights.
Stepping out the door can seem very challenging, initially, but once you make up your mind it is all worth the effort.
2. Clothing
Weather conditions are very unpredictable during winters and shifts in temperatures can be very large throughout the day. It is, however, a good idea to layer up with proper breathable clothing for your winter ride. Layering up but in inappropriate non-breathable clothing means that you become wet easily because of all the sweat from riding.
Sweating during your ride and having wet clothes can cause you to fall sick very easily during winter. Therefore, it is important to wear breathable layers. However, as you step out of your door for your ride, all layered up, you should feel a little cold. If not, you will get hot, very fast, maybe within the first five or ten minutes of your ride.
Jackets and Pants
Make sure to wear a proper winter jacket and pants or shorts, whichever you prefer, for your ride. It would be a good idea to invest in a waterproof jacket and pants/shorts so that you can keep off any water, snow, or ice from getting into your body.
Gloves
Investing in proper gloves for winter is essential for those cold rides. During winters, the human body tends to supply or direct more blood towards our vital organs like the heart, liver, etc., which leaves our extremities with low blood supply and they tend to get cold easily. Always wear your gloves.
Shoes
Have those specific winter shoes which are also snow and waterproof. No rider would want to feel cold on their feet while riding the bike. To wear waterproof socks so that any water or snow does not go into your legs.
Goggles or clear Glasses Protecting your eyes while riding during winter can be very worthwhile as it would keep your eyes safe from any mud, splatter, snow, or water going into your eyes. It will help you have a clear vision of your path and be guided along the trail. Also, make sure that those glasses or goggles fit you well so that they can keep anything from entering your eyes.
Knee warmers: It is important to take care of your joints and muscles during wintertime, so therefore, it is a good idea to have proper knee pads so that you can keep your legs moving smoothly.
Skull cap: Having a skull cap under your head will help keep your head warm during winter rides. It can also become an additional safety measure for your ride in case of falls.
Neck Tube: This can help keep your neck warm during winter rides. It can be also worn as a bandana to keep your ears or your head warm under your helmet.
It is very important to stay hydrated during your ride or you can lose your energy very quickly and may experience lightheadedness or dizziness. You should make every conscious effort to drink small sips but at regular intervals. Getting dehydrated can be very risky during your ride as it will result in you becoming unfocused, experiencing cramps, and a decrease in performance which cannot be risked on a cold ride.
4. Nutrition
If planning a long mountain bike ride during winter, it is a good idea to pack up some nutritional snacks in your rider’s backpack to carry around. Prioritize having foods that are high in fats and proteins such as nuts, chocolates, cheese, etc.
5. Lights
Most bikes these days come with rechargeable lights rather than those battery-powered lights. Nonetheless, if your bike has those rechargeable lights then make sure those are properly charged before heading out that door.
6. Gear and maintenance for the winter:
For mountain biking in winter, it is good to lower the pressure in your tires by a few PSIs and have tires with deep tread patterns to have extra grip as you ride. Additionally, having a mudguard in front helps you on those muddy rides. Good and frequent maintenance of your bike gives it a good life. it is important to not pressure wash your bike to preserve its lubrication. Just some warm water and a sponge or a brush can be sufficient.
7. Bag or pockets
What you carry on your ride– a backpack, waist bag, or a jacket with pockets only– depends on the length of
your ride and how long you plan to ride. If going on shorter rides, a waist bag or the pockets of your jacket should be sufficient. Contrary, going on longer rides, it would be a good idea to carry a backpack. For all mountain or enduro longer rides, carrying a backpack provides an extra layer of protection to your back. Keep some extra or spare winter gear in your backpack such as supplementary clothing, food, additional charged front light, etc. Additionally, keep an extra hydration bottle in your backpack.
8. Be Motivated
In winter, mountain bike riding, and being and staying motivated is the hardest part. You could be sitting on your couch and drinking your favorite hot chocolate not realizing how important it is for you to burn those calories. So gear up and push yourself up from that couch to step out of the door.
Hope you have enjoyed reading this post and can benefit from the details. If you have any questions about mountain biking in winter and need any more details then let me know in the comments section below. I will be more than happy to help.
Know what are the best mountain bike brands Which Mountain Bike Should I Buy? Dynacraft Mountain Bike The Best Mountain Bikes for Kids Huffy Mountain Bike and read about mountain bike accessories in these blogs. Best Mountain Bike Pedals Top MTB Gloves Online Best Mountain Bike Racks Best Mountain Bike Bottle Cages & Mountain Bike Crankset
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