Riding through the seasons
My riding usually slows down in the winter months, but this year I made a conscious effort to keep riding as much as possible, even when motivation was low. Part of it was about staying in shape for when spring and summer roll around, but it also made me realize that I don’t often think ahead like that. I’m not getting any younger, and after my first-ever experience with cramping a few weeks back, it felt like a quiet reminder to start paying more attention to my body and what it needs.
Once winter really sets in, staying motivated can be a challenge, and I’ve learned that preparation makes all the difference. Having the right bike and the right gear means you don’t have to fight the wet and cold; you can work with it. Layering has become something I think about more deliberately now, especially after discovering how much of a difference good wool materials like merino can make. Whether it’s a solid base layer or a decent pair of wool socks, temperature regulation is key. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting a ride cold, only to find yourself soaked in sweat thirty minutes later because you overdid it.
Mudguards are essential for riding through a UK winter, even if I’m still not a huge fan of them. That said, riding without them in wet, cold conditions is just miserable, and I’ve learned to accept them as a necessary compromise. If you want to go the extra mile, adding a flap to the front guard makes a noticeable difference, especially when it comes to keeping your feet dry. SKS guards are affordable and do the job well, which suits me perfectly since they usually come straight off at the first sign of drier days. For something a bit more refined, VO guards feel like a nice upgrade without stretching to Honjo prices. Maintenance-wise, I keep things simple, clearing mud and grime from the chain and rear mech as best I can, and I’ve found that the rest tends to look after itself.
With the days being short and drier days few and far between, I’ve settled into two early morning laps a week. I head out around 5:30 am, and yes, it’s cold, dark, and completely miserable at first, but that’s part of the reward. There’s no scenic view to distract you, yet somehow finishing even a quick ten-mile loop leaves you feeling accomplished and connected with the bike in a way that only comes from consistency. If time and family commitments allow, I’ll try for a longer ride over the weekend, but that isn’t always possible. Even when it doesn’t happen, knowing I’ve managed to get out during the week is enough to keep me feeling motivated.
I’ve come to actually enjoy how riding feels in the winter months. When a good day finally comes, you appreciate it so much more. I thrive on the commitment it takes to head out in cold and wet conditions; it reminds me why I love being on my bike in the first place. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that pushing myself to do things I really don’t feel like doing in the moment is one of the most effective ways to build resilience and confidence in myself.