Winter Training Guide - Dress Code
Riding in the rain. We have all done it, though not always by choice. Let’s discuss clothing choices in cold and wet weather. Core concept - focus on keeping your core warm. There are tons of clothing brands out there that promise big things. With the right combination of layers and quality materials you can be comfortable. Here are the basics:
Keep your core warm first and foremost. The Fun Times are over when your core is chilled. Your body shunts blood from your extremities to your vital organs. Your hands and feet are the first things to get chilled when your body is working to keep your core warm.
Moderate Temperature With Layers. Prevent overheating. Soaking yourself from the inside-out is a bad way to start. Shed layers when you need to. Start with your gloves and hat. Unzip. Shed heat where you can. Bundle up before a downhill, or right when you get a flat tire.
Don’t forget the neck warmer: “If your neck is cold, you catch a cold”. Okay, maybe an old Belgian person said that. Regardless, a neck buff is a crucial piece of clothing to wear <50deg F. Keep the cold air off the sensitive tissues in your neck.
You are going to get wet. Staying dry is not realistic when rain is coming at you at 10-40 miles per hour. There aren’t enough plastic bags in the ocean to keep you dry. But you can stay warm.
Always bring an extra layer.
Necessary items for your closet:
Thermal Bib Tights. Leg warmers and summer shorts are not going to cut it.
Packable Rain Jacket. Plan to bring it on every ride.
Base Layers. Short sleeve, long sleeve. Sometimes both on the same day.
Wind vest + thermal/softshell vest. Versatile thermal properties.
Long sleeve jerseys. Warm, and warmer ones. Everyday item.
Medium and heavy weight shoe covers and gloves.
Buffs! You know this.
Dressing for cold weather is a tough decision. Sometimes it is obvious (rain/cold), and sometimes it is more variable. The random weather days can be the worst experiences because you weren’t prepared. Ultimately you will have to experiment with different clothing combinations. Did I mention to focus on your core?
Example:
November 14th, 2020. High of 47 degrees F, 1’’+ rain forecasted.
Starting wardrobe:
Velocio sleeveless + longsleeve baselayer
Velocio Thermal Long Sleeve
Velocio Softshell Vest
Velocio Signature Big Tights
Velocio Zero+ Booties and gloves
Neck buff.
Back Pocket: Velocio Signature Rain Jacket
The clothing combination was perfect for the first 2.5 hours when I reached the top of the last climb of the ride. With some exposed rolling terrain and downhill to come, I put on my rain jacket. By the bottom, I was chilled. Over a few small hills I was warmed up again. (Rain forecast was correct)
Note: I am a Velocio Ambassador and completely recommend their products! Contact me for discount code at velocio.cc
