Nothing will toughen you up more than the Great British winter. Blistering cold temperatures, howling headwinds and torrential downpours – if you can endure these conditions on the bike, you can endure anything. None of us would choose to ride on roads caked in mud and littered with water-filled craters, but this is Britain, where we live, so we’d best get on with it.
After thousands of miles of suffering out in the elements getting the hours in, I’ve had plenty of time to think about crafty ways to make British winter riding just that bit more tolerable. In this feature, I want to share with you some of the ‘hacks’ I’ve tried and tested. They are simple yet effective, and you’ll wish you had tried them out sooner. So pour yourself a brew, sit down, and prepare to brighten up your winter training forever.
1 The petrol station gloves
For British cyclists the petrol station is our winter version of the oasis in the desert. The trusty attached shop has saved me, and probably most of you, from the bonk at one point or another. But the merciful grace of the fuel station doesn’t end with its calorie-dense snacks. There is another blessed gift awaiting you at the pumps: namely, the plastic gloves. When you’re caught out by unexpected rain on a cold winter’s day, a set of these gloves popped on either underneath or over your own, can be a saviour. The extra waterproof layer makes a real difference. You don’t need me to tell you, there are few tortures worse than desperately struggling to shift down the gears with numb fingers as you hit a climb late in your ride. Petrol station gloves, don’t underestimate them; they’ve saved me many times.
2 Sort that glove-jacket junction
この記事は CYCLING WEEKLY の February 10, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は CYCLING WEEKLY の February 10, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike