So this is my first post on my first blog! Take a look...

It's a few months into 2017 and I hope winter decides to skedaddle soon. I know most of you in the Dayton area are not keen on riding your bicycles in the winter but it can be done. So for my first blog, I will post some tips for bicycling/commuting in the winter and keeping you in shape for warmer weather riding.

Tips for winter bicycling:

Layers: Yes, layering your clothing is your best friend. Get too hot, take the layer off and store it. But if you didn't bring it when you're too cold, you can't put it on. Invest in some cheap workout clothing that is non-cotton because it will dry out even when you sweat through. Don't break the bank, just go through your workout clothes drawer that you already have. Under Armor and other similar style polypro materials are what I mean

Head Cover: What do I mean by this? Well, when you are riding your bike you will feel the wind through your helmet. This is refreshing when it's warm out, but when it's cold outside, it feels like you will turn into a popsicle. So I recommend a thin fleece hat, skull cap, or a full balaclava (face mask with head covering, face covering, and neck covering). You can just use a hat you already have under your helmet, but it might not fit. I find it helpful to wear my mountain biking helmet which is slightly bigger than my road helmet so my hat fits. Go to any local bike shop and take a look at options for your head. Bring your helmet with you to make sure it works.




Gloves: These little life-savers will make or break your ride so get a good pair. There are theories out there about mittens versus full finger gloves and materials. Again, go to the local shop, tell them you are looking for something windproof, and ideal for bicycling in cold temperatures. I love my mitten style with two free fingers, commonly referred to a lobster mittens. I can control my breaks and keep my hands wrapped around the handles bars. I will admit, sometimes I get sweaty inside the gloves but they are water and windproof. I have a short commute to the office from where I live, so it's a trade off I can tolerate.

Change of clothes: If you're like me and commute to work in the winter, a change of clothes and socks is a great thing to have, especially if you need to look super professional for meetings. I have a somewhat relaxed dress code at work, so I tend to bring a nice blazer or blouse and ride in a T-shirt to change out of at my destination. Socks are a huge concern for me, my feet are always cold. I feel like other women may or may not have the same problem. Either way, you will want to prepare a change of clothes the night before and decide what minimal layers you're riding in wearing. If you commute from a longer distance this means riding in bike shorts and bringing full undergarments into the office (Pro tip: or already having them there waiting for you all warm). Allow yourself time to cool down a bit before putting on your nicer work clothes and slipping out of the potentially sweaty ones.

Ride often: Keep riding through the winter as much as you can. I know I arrive to work happier, healthier, and in a much better mood than I would commuting in my car. The more you ride, the easier it gets, and planning for cold weather riding becomes a habit. So take up a new habit for the rest of the cold months.
- Happy riding!