What's good about winter cycling

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Cyril Haearn
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Cyril Haearn »

I think that in recent years there have been more days in summer that were too hot to go cycling than days in winter that were too cold

Often in summer even the late evening was too hot. Not tried getting up at 04:00 to try cycling early
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mjr
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by mjr »

Oldjohnw wrote:I'd love to travel north in the morning. But the pollis are waiting at the Border!

Lucky you. After 9 miles, I'd need a lot of air in my tyres to stay afloat!
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
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Mike Sales
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Mike Sales »

You can carry your bike through snowdrifts impassable to cars.
It's the same the whole world over
It's the poor what gets the blame
It's the rich what gets the pleasure
Isn't it a blooming shame?
mattsccm
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by mattsccm »

Best thing? The wood burner is going when I get home cold and soaked like yesterday.
Less tourists :D
More subjectively, a back road ride over mucky surfaces, maybe a lake or two across the road can, if are sound minded, feel some how "heroic and satisfying. A bit like those pictures you see of pre WW1 TdF riders after 400km of muddy roads.
As for the summers being too hot. Ha,ha. Can't ever remember seeing 40 degrees here. 30 is just right.
peetee
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by peetee »

For sure it’s the sense of well being from making the effort to get out and ride when others would not bother and you really didn’t feel like it yourself. To get back to a cosy house (it even feels cosy when it’s not heated after a cold or wet ride), have a hot bath and slump on the settee with a big mug of tea.
Whilst out the low winter sun can be a bit of a worry when you are struggling up a climb on a fast road or round a blind bend but the trade off can be a totally amazing look to a view you thought you knew.
Even the wet roads can be a godsend round here. Puddles and running water are invaluable when your brakes and rims are caked in highly abrasive grit and debris.
The older I get the more I’m inclined to act my shoe size, not my age.
Oldjohnw
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Oldjohnw »

mjr wrote:
Oldjohnw wrote:I'd love to travel north in the morning. But the pollis are waiting at the Border!

Lucky you. After 9 miles, I'd need a lot of air in my tyres to stay afloat!


:)
John
Jamesh
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Jamesh »

Not having to choose which bike to take - it will be the winter bike 501 steel and 8spd.

Not worrying about pot holes on 28mm tyres.

Not worrying about spray with mudguards...

Don't like getting clothing wrong - too warm or to cold.

Don't like really difficult to put on overshoes.

Don't like riding with lights

Cheers James
Stradageek
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Stradageek »

Jamesh wrote:Don't like really difficult to put on overshoes.

Yup, I used to find that a pain but it's one of the joys of moving to a recumbent that wet feet are a thing of the distant past - just Northwave winter shoes and fluffy socks to keep the feet warm

Also sitting in a comfy seat and holding onto 'hamster' bars means that I'm in a nice cosy aerodynamic huddle.
alexnharvey
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by alexnharvey »

Traction_man wrote:
Ride-sleep-repeat wrote:All of the above!!
I find riding in Autumn/Winter makes me feel better mentally.
It beats sitting inside any day 8)


That's a good point, for me it's sometimes difficult to get the motivation to head out (esp now doing the same old routes locally) but once I am out and assuming the weather is half-way decent then I always come back feeling pleased with myself, even if it is only a shortish spin.

Plus when the sun does come out and the wind drops it's a real bonus to otherwise dark days and long nights...

strangford lough.jpg


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mercalia
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by mercalia »

You dont get hot. I have problems in keeping cool in the summer & I over heat easily, The best time for me is the autumn or spring
markjohnobrien
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by markjohnobrien »

Jamesh wrote:Not having to choose which bike to take - it will be the winter bike 501 steel and 8spd.

Not worrying about pot holes on 28mm tyres.

Not worrying about spray with mudguards...

Don't like getting clothing wrong - too warm or to cold.

Don't like really difficult to put on overshoes.

Don't like riding with lights

Cheers James


Exactly - if it’s going to be wet and muddy, it’s the Dawes One Down, Reynolds 631, for the job. I’m not precious about this bike.
Raleigh Randonneur 708 (Magura hydraulic brakes); Blue Raleigh Randonneur 708 dynamo; Pearson Compass 631 tourer; Dawes One Down 631 dynamo winter bike;Raleigh Travelogue 708 tourer dynamo; Kona Sutra; Trek 920 disc Sram Force.
simonhill
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by simonhill »

What's good about winter cycling?

Nothing.
markjohnobrien
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by markjohnobrien »

Cold, crisp, and sunny days are brilliant in winter.

On the converse, I hate rain.
Raleigh Randonneur 708 (Magura hydraulic brakes); Blue Raleigh Randonneur 708 dynamo; Pearson Compass 631 tourer; Dawes One Down 631 dynamo winter bike;Raleigh Travelogue 708 tourer dynamo; Kona Sutra; Trek 920 disc Sram Force.
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Mick F
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by Mick F »

Stradageek wrote:Low winter sun - long shadows enhancing the contours of the landscapes producing wonderfully dramatic views

What sun?
Not seen it for weeks.

simonhill wrote:What's good about winter cycling?
Nothing.
Plus one!
Mick F. Cornwall
francovendee
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Re: What's good about winter cycling

Post by francovendee »

simonhill wrote:What's good about winter cycling?

Nothing.

++++1
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