James Lowsley-Williams: Now, there's a big temptation to hang our bikes up during the winter,
sit down, eat lots, and slob out. Well, I've got 10 reasons why you should be riding your way
through the winter. [music]
Right, let's kick off with an obvious one, keeping fit. Now, why would you train all through
the summer only to lose all that fitness during the winter? Yes, I know it's really tempting to
sit on the sofa, eat mince pies, a lot of hot chocolate, and just all that nice comfort food,
but no, come on, let's get out during the winter. Let's put in some miles. After all,
you don't need to do the intensity that you do in the summer, but keeping it ticking and keeping
your fitness through the winter will really help. The last thing you want to do is start the summer
without any fitness because that way, you've got a lot more to gain and a lot more hard
work to put in when you want to be fighting fit for the season. Yes, brush off your winter bike,
and after all, put out some winter miles. Yes, winter miles equals summer smiles. [chuckles]
Secondly, you're going to harden yourself up physically too. Hear me out here. If you're used
to riding in the lower temperatures and the cold and the wet, your body's going to get used to it,
meaning you're not going to shiver so much, meaning you're going to save energy. Win-win.
Given it's not the most wintery and coldest day of the year here, but I have ridden through some
pretty wet and cold temperatures. Kind of used to not wearing gloves now. What a beautiful day.
Not only does cycling keep you physically fit and healthy, but it also makes you happier,
too. There's something just heading out the door and-- dark and it's cold, but nevertheless,
spinning those legs just lifts your mood. It's scientifically proven that it can help to relieve
stress, also increase memory, and helps you sleep better. I guess who doesn't want that? Right. Cue
the really relaxing music. Are you ready? [music]
Oh, yes. Are you as relaxed as I am, stress-free, and happier? River, singing birds. Beautiful.
Now, it's worth reminding ourselves why we ride our bikes, and it's because it's fun, we enjoy
it. No, we actually love it. Yes, the temperature during the winter months may be slightly lower
and you might get a bit more rain and it might just not be perfect. Making sure we layer up,
got the right clothing, kit out our bikes with all the necessary winter gear,
we will still have those smiles upon our faces. Just look at how beautiful it is
in the middle of winter. Lovely. Right, let's go, shall we? Winter miles, summer smiles. Yip.
Variety is the spice of life. Now, with this winter season and the winter months,
it can bring some pretty horrific weather, snow, and ice, meaning
the roads can become quite sketchy and it can be a high risk of crashes. Instead of having a day off
and then sitting and looking out the window, why don't you try a different discipline? Head out on
the gravel bike, a cyclocross bike, or even the mountain bike? Go and explore some trails. It's
not only good for your mental well-being, but it's also good for your bike-handling too. Have
a little explore. Go and enjoy yourself. Wooh. Everything looks better in the winter sun. Bold
claim, I know, but hear me out. Think about it. In the early mornings, the frost, the sunrise.
You can see your breath in the air and you feel like you've got a head start at life. Perfect,
I know. It's not just beautiful here in the UK, but all around the globe. To show you that,
I thought I'd bring you in some pictures from the GCN Inspiration which have been uploaded on the
GCN app. Check these out. [music]
Amazing. As I've just said that, the sun has come out. Look how beautiful it is.
[music] Yes, there's one downfall about
riding your bike through the winter, you're riding on wet, muddy roads, so that's going to equal a
dirty bike. That means washing your bike is going to become imperative after every day,
yet your home routine is going to get absolutely nailed to get home, hose your bike off, oil your
chain. Put your lights on charge and then you're good to go tomorrow. If you're worried about
getting your best bike dirty, why don't you get yourself a winter bike? n+1 rule, always a silver
lining. Never can have enough bikes. This one's looking pretty dirty, so I better get home and
give it a good scrub. Right. [music]
We talk about them an awful lot, but café stops are really, really important,
especially when it's cold and wet. Being able to stop at a café and have a warm beverage might
just lift you up that bit more and maybe also warm you up. A hot chocolate or maybe
even a coffee. You can't really stop there, can you? You've got to have a cake also.
I would say it's even acceptable to have two café stops on a winter ride because think about it, you
don't need to have that intensity that the summer brings. You're not training for big races. You can
just cruise along without worrying about efforts. Head to the café, get your coffee, have a cake,
and enjoy yourself. I've got to say those, this is pretty quintessential British, isn't it? You've
got your carrot cake, your lemon drizzle, and your flapjack, and your beverage is down there. Lovely.
There you have it, our top 10 reasons why you should be riding through the winter. I hope we
convinced you. If we have, then let us know in that Comments section below. As always,
if you enjoyed this video, give it a big thumbs up. As for a winter's day like today,
this is pretty incredible. Look at it. Amazing, isn't it? I'm going to enjoy
this ride. I think it's about time I have that second coffee stop. Carrot cake, hot chocolate.
It's endless, endless possibilities. [00:06:55] [END OF AUDIO]