While you might be able to stumble on a few romantic images of a cool cyclist pedaling serenely on an empty country road, surrounded by snowy fields…the reality is far more like the above image. Grungy, wet and occasionally dangerous, winter cycling is not for the faint of heart. As the organizer of a community bike group, I’m struggling to come up with fun winter events that involve the bike. Indoor cycling is great for fitness but it isn’t what I’d call “fun”. But outdoor rides, well, let’s just say, we’re a recreational group, not hard core cyclists.

With that said, it is POSSIBLE to ride in the winter, you just need to be prepared and be far more aware of your surroundings. There are a few prep steps you can take to help up your safety and make the ride itself more enjoyable. First off, consider buying a “winter” bike. If you live in a snowy/icy area, both the snow itself and the salt/road grime will take a toll on your bike. Even if you rinse off every time and keep your bike indoors, it’s going to take a beating. Secondly, thicker, grippier (is that even a word?) tires are key (and keeping a lower tire pressure will help traction as well). This is the whole reason cyclocross bikes became popular back in the day. High quality brakes, even an upgrade to disc brakes, will help you feel more comfortable out on those slippery roads. Make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing as most drivers won’t expect a cyclist out on the roads. Orange is widely assumed to be the most attention grabbing color.

Keep your bike in tip top shape while riding in the winter. A flat or chain break is a bummer in the summer, but in the winter, it’s far worse. Think changing a tube is hard? Try doing it with numb fingers. Fenders and/or a bike rack can keep slush from kicking up onto your back end. Nobody wants a wet butt while riding.

Lastly, be aware. Snow banks can make previously nice roads more narrow. Bridges, grates, manhole covers, etc can be frozen danger spots, even with the road itself is pretty nice. Keep an eye out for the same things that you would if driving, such as black ice. And remember, you aren’t racing…keep the speed down, it could save you if you have to a make a quick stop or turn.

Hopefully I haven’t scared or turned anyone off of winter riding. It is possible, it can even be fun but remember, safety should be your first priority. After all, those awesome spring and summer rides are around the corner (sort of).

Good luck out there and I’d love to get some winter activity ideas in the comments, please share!