In the summer, you can get away
with a mistake or two when you're out on a ride.
Just lay down and sunbathe and wait for
someone to come to the rescue.
But in the winter months when it's colder,
you really wanna make sure you get things right.
Yeah, so coming up are GCN's tips
on how to avoid winter riding mistakes.
The first and the most obvious mistake
is not wearing enough clothing,
or at least not wearing the correct clothing,
and therefore getting cold and wet.
And winters are generally cold and wet.
If they're not where you are,
we maintain you only have winters in name,
not in nature.
We've got some good news for you.
Modern cycling clothing is so good
that staying warm doesn't mean
looking like the Michelin Man.
These days you shouldn't need more than a base layer,
and a thermal jersey up top until
it gets below freezing point.
A skull cap always comes in handy to keep
your head and your ears warm,
and some modern winter shoes like these
will keep your feet warm and snug.
and often negate the need for overshoes,
and don't forget to take with you
in your back pocket, another layer.
It could be a gilet,
but we generally take with us a nice rain jacket like this.
You just never know what the weather will throw at you.
An equally easy mistake to make
is the complete opposite.
And that's wearing too much clothing.
That's right.
It is tempting to want to feel nice and cozy
as soon as you leave the door.
But the reality is that if you're immediately warm,
you're soon going to be cooking.
We've all been there mate.
I'm boiling.
So actually what you should feel
is quite chilly for the first few
minutes of a very cold winter's ride.
Don't worry though, after a little while
you'll soon warm up once your body
starts making its own heat.
God I'm boiling.
Here's one that we're sometimes guilty of ourselves.
And that's a lack of visibility.
The more you stand out as a cyclist, the better.
So, aim to wear bright clothing
and always have lights on, even during daylight.
There's really no excuse these days.
With a whole load of affordable lights
that are really bright and some bright
clothing that looks cool too.
Despite indoor training advancing light years
in terms of entertainment over the last few years,
there are still people who will
avoid it at all costs.
Unfortunately, that can mean they put
themselves in danger out on the open road.
Most the time, if you wanna brave the elements
when it's cold and it's wet that's fine,
but if there's any ice, we'd advise that
you give it a miss altogether.
Definitely, it's just not worth it.
You are effectively gambling with
the prospect of weeks or maybe even months off the bike,
for the sake of missing one day out on the road.
Want some mate? You run out?
No, I'm fine mate.
You might need it. Go on then.
I just don't feel as thirsty.
Admittedly, you don't need to drink as much
as when it's sweltering hot, but you'll still be sweating,
even when it's cold.
And also losing fluid through your breath,
so make sure you replace them.
We have read studies which suggest that your
body burns more calories to keep itself cool
in the summer than it does to keep
itself warm in the winter.
But, it is our own personal experience
which suggests you need to eat more in the winter
to prevent the dreaded knock.
Yeah, so make sure you take some food with you
out on your ride and some money as well.
And make sure you keep eating at regular intervals.
Because there's something about blowing up
in the winter versus blowing up in the summer
that is even more horrible.
Now don't worry, we are not going to suggest
that you completely stop stopping
a mid-winter ride at a nice cafe
for sociable chat.
But there is distinct risk in the winter months.
You're going to get cold.
Maybe not in the cafe itself,
but certainly when you resume your ride.
But we have a handy little solution for you.
And it's this, something I used to do back in the day,
is carry a spare undervest with you
wrapped up in a plastic bag.
That way, when you get to the caf,
you can pop to the bathroom, take off your
soggy wet undervest, and replace it with a nice new one.
Leaving you warm and toasty in your exit from the caf.
Good advice. Let's face it though.
It takes absolutely hammering it down you're right.
You've really got to question whether or not
it's worth stopping mid-ride.
I thought we weren't gonna stop them
stopping at cafs.
It's for the viewer's own good.
We've got to be honest with them.
Fair enough Dan.
Anyway, if you haven't already subscribed
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If you've enjoyed this video
give it a thumbs up just down below,
and then we've got two more videos
related to winter riding.
First up, just down here are
a load of motivational tips if you're struggling to get out.
Meanwhile just down here is a very
scientific explanation into exactly
how effective mud guards are.
Fenders that is. Mud guards.
Fenders.