Winter Cycling?

I've yet to be a real winter cycler.

I have all the layers, and I've done all the research, but I'm still just not up to the task of riding my bike through the ice and snow, at the mercy of all the out of control drivers, chilly weather, and wrath of nature itself.

But I understand that I am not the only opinion in this regard, and it is worth discussion.

Winter cycling is usually composed of two parts: winterizing the bike, and winterizing the cyclist.

We can prepare our bicycles by fitting them with snow tires, fat tires, or other means of getting around in the ice and snow, as well as trying to keep them in good condition with light weight oil.

We prepare ourselves by wearing layers.

Many, many layers are the tour de force, multiple insulating layers on the arms and legs, as well as coverage for the hands and feet, and the head ears and face.

In my late autumn rides, I used to go out with a hat under my helmet, a scarf, gloves, and insulating thermals on my arms and legs either over or under my clothes.

Biking into the Cooler Parts of the Year

attempt to take exquisite care of myself when the weather is cold. I stay protected from the vagaries of negative temperature, and forgo one of my favorite activities, cycling, if the weather does not allow me to do it safely or in relative comfort.

I really respect people that are willing to ride a bike or run outdoors even in sub-freezing temperatures, and since I was not always so cautious, I've assembled a list of  tips to stay warm while cycling or running in the winter cold.

If you don't feel like reading any more, the primary message is to bundle up and stay safe.
I recommend using either a scarf, wrapped around the face and neck, or a ski mask when you are going to be moving through the air at speed. I can routinely end up going 20 miles per hour downhill on my bicycle, and it can be torturous to have that kind of a temperature buffeting your face at 20 mph plus or minus normal wind speed.

I would continue to recommend a helmet for safety, but paired with a knit cap underneath for warmth. I would also recommend glasses to protect from road grit and snow, with an option of going for full ski  goggles for added visibility.
Considering that I often ride in the early morning or at night, investing in goggles without tint is a good idea.

I normally found that if my clothes were sturdy enough to keep in the heat, I could work hard enough to stay warm. I would wear fabrics that acted to break wind, and consider layering if necessary to keep my arms and legs warm, and my chest covered.

Last but not least, the hands. If you're running, then your hands will be fine in mittens of any kind really. But when cycling, it is often hard to decide how to stay warm. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves, but gloves leave your fingers room to work the controls. When I was out and about, I would usually use work gloves, that I bought specifically to be bicycle gloves. With padding, full coverage past the wrist and enough traction to manipulate controls, this was a good setup for me.

Even with all of these tips and tricks, I would usually quit riding soon after the first snow of the year, and start back up in the warmth of the spring.

Rails to Trails

I recently posted a page on Bubblews.com about the Rails to Trails network here in the United States. For the Bubblews page, follow this link.

Here is the content:

I've been a user of the Rails to Trails network for years now, and I'm extremely satisfied. A public-private cooperative, the Rails to Trails network of leisure paths converts old, unused railroad tracks to trails for walking, cycling, horse-back riding and exercise of all kinds.

Many areas are capitalizing on the presence of these trails to bolster local tourism businesses, restaurants, and stores that cater to traveling and exercising folks.

I've gone several hundred miles along these trails, and the mom and pop stores, restaurants, and service shops all seem top notch.

If you're interested in learning more, just look into local options, and research prior to arriving in a town with one of a number of bike or leisure specific sites.

I may at some point begin to flesh out this page with additional content about the businesses and features that I encounter on two wheels, so stay tuned.

First Post

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first of what I hope to be many posts on Just Rolling Through.

As an avid cyclist, with many years and many more miles under my belt and a head full of dreams, I've decided to try and share what little I have learned and all that I love about cycling with people who find such things interesting.

I hope that all of you reading now will stick around with me as I share the details and desires of my cycling life.