Daniel: Winter. Hank: Wet.
Daniel: Windy. Hank: Cold.
Daniel: Brutal. Hank: Snowy and icy and the list
goes on. It's a season that many of us dread, especially
those fair-weather cyclists. Daniel: How do you stay motivated
to keep on riding through the tough elements? Hank: Well, in this video we've got all the
answers, don't we? Daniel: Brilliant.
Does it involve a flight to Majorca? Hank: I wish.
[music] Hank:
Sit down in front of your computer or brush off the dust from your pen and paper and go
old school. Write down the goals you want to achieve in the winter. That could be
weight loss, you just want to lose just a few pounds over those cold months.
Daniel: Or it could be something like improving your fitness, or your endurance, or maybe even
smash your power PBs, or it could as simple as riding a certain amount of days per week,
building towards a big ride in the middle of winter at Christmas, for example.
Hank: Yes, make sure you write it down though. It's really easy to let life
get away from us. Write it down and give yourself some prompts. Maybe even write down a sticky
note and stick it on your fridge, that way you'll find it really easy to stay on top of your goals.
[music] Daniel:
Some people love riding on their own. If you ask me, the majority of us love riding with a friend,
a group or maybe just getting out and meeting new people. Cycling is a very sociable sport. Some
of the best conversations I've ever had have been on a bike, isn't that right, Hank?
Hank: Yes, it’s a great way to meet new friends, spend quality time with your family. You can
share bad jokes and conversation and it'll help distract you from your cold and rather wet feet.
Daniel: Yes, that's true. I think if you plan a ride with a group or a friend, it definitely
helps you get motivated to head out on a bike. I think the hardest part is just getting that oomph
to get out on your bike and brave the elements because once you're out you end up loving it.
Hank: 100%, just get out. Get out of the door and you will, won't you? You'll love it.
[music] Hank:
Sometimes, a long winter ride can really put you off. It could be really good to
break up into sizable chunks. Daniel: This is where coffee
really comes into it. Every cyclist's best friend can be an Americano,
an espresso, a flat white, or maybe one of the mocha crowd. Either way,
a coffee stop is just such a great idea to have in the middle of a ride, isn't it?
Hank: Yes, it definitely breaks it up, and if you've got a sweet tooth like me,
then munch on a bit of a carrot cake. It might just help you on your journey home.
Daniel: That's good, isn't it? Hank: Should we get in?
Daniel: Yes, come on mate. Hank: Let's go.
[music] Daniel: There's no
better feeling than getting back from a wet windy ride, putting your feet up in front of the fire,
having a hot chocolate. Oh, just imagine it, Hank. Hank: Oh, mate, I'm imagining it right now,
beer, a glass of wine in hand, going through that day's ride. There's no better sense of
achievement. It definitely outweighs the cold and the wet the ride may have been.
Daniel: Oh, for sure. I think I always had a bigger smile on my face when I got back
from a ride in the pouring rain than one in lovely weather. I remember riding the [unintelligible
00:03:18], have a nice hot shower, a bit of warm food, a nice hot jumper around me,
all snug, listening to music, oh, and the sense of achievement of getting through that day,
just a brilliant, brilliant feeling. Hank: Yes, I've got to say. If you guys
are looking out the window wondering whether to head out on your bike or not or debating
on what to wear, don't hesitate. Get out on your bike because when you get home, well,
you'll feel great and you will love it, won't you? Daniel: Oh, you will and it'll be a lot better
than if you didn't head out in the first place. Hank: 100%, winter riding.
[music] Daniel:
Another good way to stay motivated in winter is to get yourself a winter bike.
That bike has mudguards on and it's prepared for those rainy rides. That way you won't see
the weather out your window and think, "Oh, I don't want to take my best bike out in that."
Hank: Yes, I guess if you're one of those fair-weather cyclists the last thing you want
to do is take your beauty out on dirty and wet roads, so yes, get yourself a nice winter bike.
[music] Daniel:
Okay, this next one is a technique that I've employed myself on numerous occasions,
buying new kits. I myself was always a sock fiend so I'd always buy a nice new
pair of socks and save them up for those moments I wasn't quite motivated to head out on the bike.
Hank: Yes, I guess this comes on the tactical purchase, when you buy some expensive piece
of cycling equipment and the last thing I want to do is see it gather dust in a cupboard. No,
this could give you the kick up the rear end to get on your bike and use it. Those are our tips to
help keep you motivated during those tough months. Daniel: If you did enjoy this video, please share
it with your mates because we all need to stay motivated during this period, don't we?
Hank: Yes, we do. We can't complain too much because we're not riding through deep snow
and minus conditions can we? Daniel: No, but riders who do
that are of a different ilk, Hank. Hank: They are mate, and well,
speaking of fires and warm weather and that nice feeling, are you going to start the fire?
Daniel: If you make the chocolate. Hank: All right, mate. Race
you home. Go, go, go, go. Daniel: Oh gosh, you've
dropped me already. [00:05:18] [END OF AUDIO]