Winter Training Guide - Route Planning

Just as the right clothing and bike setup will make winter riding that much better, choosing the right route will as well. One simple fact - the bicycle is the most efficient mode of transportation ever invented. Extraordinary speed and distance can be covered with human power and mechanical advantage. This is why we love the bicycle, but also why it is not ideal for cold weather. 

This wonderful efficiency means we can go fast with minimal effort. This is not good for staying warm on a cold day. Generally, bikes can go three times faster than a runner at the same effort (with many exceptions). Three times more wind chill for the same amount of heat generated! Burrr. We can all agree that cycling can be exceptionally chilly, but there are better and worse scenarios. 

Route choice plays a big factor in staying warm. Here are a few scenarios to avoid:

• Long descents. Sitting on a bike on a long descent has increased wind chill and decreased heat production. That downhill will put you over the edge quickly. Bundle up before you start the downhill, or avoid going up there in the first place. If there are any flat or uphill areas on the downhill, do a short sprint to keep your blood moving. 

• Exposed areas. Wind is bad. Ridgelines and open areas typically have significantly more wind than sheltered areas. Low areas with trees are significantly warmer to ride through. 

• Long traffic lights. 

• Big groups*. The efficiency of the bike gets even better with a bigger group size, which means it can be even harder to stay warm.  Groups are generally safer to ride in from traffic, stick with 2-3 partners and rotate frequently. Add in the increased chance of flat tires, regrouping, and tardiness. A large group size becomes impractical. 

The main points include limiting exposure to wind and keeping your engine generating heat (pedaling). A ride over rolling or undulating and protected from wind will be significantly warmer than the alternatives. For more tips on how to have the best ride on the worst day, read about bike setup and clothing choice as well. 

*Follow local guidelines and be selective about riding partners due to Covid-19