Keeping warm on winter rides

This last week of unseasonably temperatures sure gets me a case of spring fever, but we are not yet to Valentine's Day and cold temperatures will be here again in Michigan.

It is tricky to find the right combination for your core and once you find that are you set?  I thought so, but I found that after an hour my hands and feet would be uncomfortable.    This makes sense and I remember many hikes during Boy Scouts that my feet and hands would be cold on the hike.

My first remedy was to use what I had already around the house.  For my gloves I used the gloves that I used for snowboarding, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing. The wind against the hands on the bars may be a little too exposed to the wind. I could use an examination gloves or food service glove as a wind barrier.  These items may not be the most flexible digits to work any levers.  My go to winter street ride bike was my single speed cruiser.

Your bike shop or online will provide a variety of options for your hands that provide greater dexterity.  Test rides will give you guidance for what you are looking for to best meet your needs.

On my feet I used my insulated boots.  These were plenty warm and worked well when there was snow on the ground. The wool socks were perfect too.  I changed my pedals to the flat style.

A fun ride along the groomed trail

What type of riding would you like to do in the winter?  Will you be out on roads, trails, paved or dirt?  Will you enjoy it?  Will you do enough to justify the costs?  Will the temperatures need me to cover exposed skin?  What organized rides are available?  Do I want to take a break from cycling and enjoy a winter sport?