Winter bikers have the outdoors to themselves. This is because most bikers tighten their radius of action when the temperatures drop towards freezing point: the roller in the cellar, the gym round the corner. But experienced year-round bikers know all about the magic of a winter tour: stalking along crunchy trails through snow-covered forests, lonely and deserted, has its own special charm. There is hardly anywhere better to switch off. Instead of panting on the treadmill next to indoor athletes in a musty fitness centre, you can enjoy the subdued atmosphere on the snow-covered trails and watch your breath condense. It only takes a little effort to prepare your bike for winter service. You should always fit tyres with good grip and a good tread pattern; studded tyres are generally only necessary on icy tracks. Flat pedals can also be an advantage on slippery surfaces. That's it in principle. For the rider, on the other hand, the right clothing is all the more important. Cold toes or frozen fingers can ruin the romance of a winter tour. Read here how you can prevent this.
FIVE TIPS FOR BIKING IN WINTER
1. Short and crisp Instead of rolling along shivering for hours, you should really step on the gas in winter. You burn at least as much energy on a short, fast lap. After a good hour, you are often really frozen through, even in the right winter clothing. Caution: Cold starts are prohibited in winter. Slowly bring your muscles up to operating temperature on the way to your home round, otherwise you risk strains.
2. after the tour When you get home, get out of your wet clothes and do it quickly. After a strenuous session, the window to your body is literally open to bacteria and viruses ("open-window effect"). You should also avoid taking longer breaks during the tour. Take a warm shower at home and recharge your energy stores.
3. Drink enough Cold reduces the feeling of thirst. Many people will have realised this themselves when they come back from a tour with a half-full water bottle. Nevertheless, the body still loses a lot of fluid in winter, which needs to be replenished by drinking regularly. But not in the form of mulled wine and hunting tea. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and warm blood reaches the surface of the body. This draws additional heat from the body.
4. bike care is almost more important in winter than in summer. Road salt attacks your material, so you should wash off your bike immediately after the tour. This also applies to transport on the roof or rear rack. The best way to lubricate the chain in winter is with low-viscosity oil.
5. cure If you do catch a cold, the first thing to do is to get back on the couch and give your body time to rest and recover. If you get back on your bike too quickly, you run the risk of the illness really taking hold in your body. Then lie flat for a really long time. You should never get on your bike if you have a fever, as this can cause life-threatening myocarditis.
THESE PARTS KEEP YOU WARM
Sledging in jeans is only fun until the first shovelful of snow turns your calves into popsicles. It's a similar story on the bike: only with the right equipment can a frosty ride become a winter wonderland. You can find the right clothing here.
Stefan Frey
Editor
