How Will You Get Through Winter?

[Susan126]

By the time I get off work it's almost dark. The long sunny, warm, beautiful after work rides are over once again until spring's return in 4-5 months. Of course I will keep doing my weekend rides but my weekday rides are definitely over. So how will I stay fit through the winter? How will I get my time on the "bike"? For me it's back to my gym and my Tuesday and Thursday late afternoon spin class. It got me through last winter and it did help because when spring finally did return I jumped right back into my after work rides without much suffering. I wasn't starting from scratch. Those two weekday spin classes helped. All last winter I did the weekday spin classes and rode on the weekends. I also did snow shoeing throughout the winter months too.

So what is your plan for getting through the dark short winter weekdays when darkness greets you at 4:30 PM? And rain and/or snow?

[Blueberry]

I'm lucky - I live in NC, and we won't get too much snow. On a heavy snow year, I might lose a week to slick roads. I'll ride outside (with lights!) for the most part, although on the most brutal days, it's spinervals in my living room...

CA

[Tater]

Since I work from home, I can make my own schedule. Therefore, as long as the roads aren't icy, I ride.

[tulip]

Since I work from home, I can make my own schedule. Therefore, as long as the roads aren't icy, I ride.

me, too.

[OakLeaf]

I go to Florida <g,d&r>.....

[Aggie_Ama]

I live in Texas, we see snow so rarely the whole town comes to a grinding halt. In the winter I do a lot of running during the week, I am not a fan of night riding so I get really fit running. I am probably overall in better shape when I run more than ride.

Weekends we plan to road ride one day and hit the dirt the other. But we already have some hiking weekends planned as well. For us the weather is more an issue of our thin blood than sleet, snow or rain. :rolleyes: The heavy rains happen in the spring when we get rain. I would love a crazy rainy winter because we are in a terrible drought.

BTW- I voted gym because it fit the most but I run outside. ;)

[Crankin]

I chose # 3, even though my answer is really 1, 2, and 3. I mostly hike outside, snow shoe, x country ski, but I also go to the gym, do spin, lift weights, and ride my trainer. If it's decent out, I will ride my hybrid for a shorter ride, since even when it's nice, the road conditions are usually not.
I usually ride my road bike a couple of times in December, but it's on the trainer in January and February.

[Bluetree]

Winter? ... what's winter?

;)


EDIT: Our SoCal crit season starts in January!

.

[uk elephant]

Luckily not much snow and ice here in the uk, but I rode all winter even in Illinois, Norway and Wisconsin when I lived there. Here in the uk the main issue is how incredibly cold it feels when it's 5C and 100% humidity. I'm still working out the clothing situation and stocking up on woollies. Other than that, I've got my bike and me decked out with lots of lights and reflectives so I ride after work despite the dark. Although today, I took advantage of a slow day at work and did my ride at lunchtime instead. May do that more often when I can.

[Norse]

I do a combination of: work-outs on the road bike on the trainer; riding my hybrid outside on weekends (too dark here too early) when it's nice and not icy (no studs); hiking/walking; x-country skiing; yoga, core work and strength conditioning. That said, probably at least 50% of my efforts go to "riding" the bike on the trainer.

[wackyjacky1]

Winter? ... what's winter?

;)

Snow, sleet, etc., don't really apply down here. I'll keep on riding. :)

[Fredwina]

Winter? ... what's winter?

;)


EDIT: Our SoCal crit season starts in January!

.
you can get snow in socal ;) I took these in january this year:IT's Lytle Creek Canyon north of Fontana.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/Fredwina_photo/20080126-lytle%20Creek/SUNP0024.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o254/Fredwina_photo/20080126-lytle%20Creek/SUNP0013.jpg

[five one]

I marked #2 on the poll, but in reality, I do a combination of several options. Trainer in the garage several mornings a week. We have a weight machine in the garage that I used 2-3 times a week. I/we ride on the road on the weekends when weather permits. During DST, DH and I meet one day a week after work for a flat fast utility sort of ride. Now that we are back to standard time, we're doing a power walk on the track of a local community center instead. Boring, but it's well lit and safe after dark.

I'm a bit skittish about riding in the rain. I ride mainly country roads with little or no shoulder. The white line is slippery when wet, which puts me farther out into the lane of traffic. After a big rain there is a lot of debris on the roads to dodge around. That said, I'm thinking of getting fenders for my old Bianchi (beater/trainer bike) and giving it a try more often.

Those of you that ride in all sorts of weather in harsher climates have my undying admiration. I am a California weather weenie :o.

[lph]

I enjoy buying lots of winter gear :D

[Geonz]

Me2 :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

None of the poll options fit me completely.

I won't ride in the rain or on icy roads, but I'll ride all winter when the roads are dry, even if it's 20F degrees out.

I too work at home, so I have the advantage of being able to schedule midday rides during the daylight and then work partly in the evening to make up for it. I really feel for those of you who can't get out in the daylight on weekdays. That must be hard. :(

If the roads are snowy or icey, I do 5 mile fitness walks that loop through all the pretty streets in my town. I also go snowshoeing on nature conservancy lands nearby if we get 8" of snow or more.
I also just bought a jump rope, which I am currently having fun with in the basement. :p
If all else fails I can always go to the rink and roller skate!

There's LOTS to do in the winter. :p

[7rider]

B, C, and a little bit of D.
:rolleyes:

[Mr. SR500]

Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot.

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_500x640/F4000.jpg

[Kimmyt]

skiing, indoor climbing and trail running/road running throughout the winter. Also Masters swim started in September and doesn't end until June so that takes up a few days, and I just started doing that 100 pushup plan.


Pretty much everything but biking and outside climbing still happens!

[kfergos]

I enjoy buying lots of winter gear :DHi, my name's Katie, and I also enjoy buying winter clothing...:rolleyes:


Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot. Could you give us a review (perhaps on a new thread) on these when you've gotten to try them in serious conditions? I heard the previous version wasn't that good, but that they totally revamped the shoe and I'm interested in how it performs.

[Aggie_Ama]

I will also mountain bike all winter. Sunny, warm Texas, we usually get in the upper 40-50's during the day. But our summers are practically unbearable.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ride outside if it's dry. Below freezing and wet = bad. Other then the cost of winter gear, not bad, just fewer miles and not as fun. I just bought some Sidi Hydro Gore-Tex Winter Boots, so I have high hopes, as my feet have always been my week spot.

http://www.probikekit.com/_img_500x640/F4000.jpg

I like riding my bike in the winter with these on, and lots of yummy wool socks:
my boots (http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=27617)

:D

[crazycanuck]

If i lived up north in the winter, i'd just go mtn biking or xc skiing.

At the moment though, we're waiting for the really warm weather to come. When it does, i'll stick my tongue out at all you folks up north. Nyer Nyer. Now it's your turn to ride in the dark! It's not hard kids.

Enjoy winter.

[ginny]

So, I just moved to a new town, new job... new house... etc. I am a few blocks from work and my goal is to commute all winter long on my bike. I have been riding it around town every day and I love it (I used to live 35 miles from town). I won't ride my good road bike in wet or icy conditions, but I bought my Surly to do just that. If I take good care of her, I feel like it's okay to ride in crappy conditions, that's her job. I am close enough to cross country skiing to go at lunch if I choose, but my biggest goal is to actually ride my horse through the winter this year... lofty ambition, I know :rolleyes:

[Mr. SR500]

I like riding my bike in the winter with these on, and lots of yummy wool socks:
my boots (http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=27617)

:D

I don't think I can attach cleats to those... :)

[Mr. SR500]

Hi, my name's Katie, and I also enjoy buying winter clothing...:rolleyes:

Could you give us a review (perhaps on a new thread) on these when you've gotten to try them in serious conditions? I heard the previous version wasn't that good, but that they totally revamped the shoe and I'm interested in how it performs.

They came Sat, the fit is good, I normally wear a Sidi mega, and the boots are slightly oversized to allow thicker socks. I think I can get some nice wool socks without any problem. The insulation is thin, but typical Gore-Tex you might see in a hiking boot. I'll happily to a follow-up, but it was 72 degrees today, so hopefully awhile until I really test them.

If you are interested, www.probikekit.com has them for $205 delivered.

[andtckrtoo]

I'm in the Bay area and while we do get weather, it's usually just really windy rainy days like today. I will ride on my trainer indoors, but I usually ride indoors even in the summer in the morning as I like an hour workout at 5AM. The rest of the time I'll ride outside.

I also like to use the winter to cross train - especially with weights - so I do more concentrate weight work. And this year I absolutely have to drop 20 pounds. So, I'll use this time to do that, too. Hopefully. :o

[Miranda]

I enjoy buying lots of winter gear :D

Bawahaaa...

I almost had a wetting accident on that one. I was afraid if I didn't click buy on a regular basis someone at TE cutomer service might think I died:rolleyes:.

[Miranda]

I voted go to the gym. But, I will do a combo like some gals have posted.

I take spinning classes at my gym. Actually, I'm certified to teach if I ever get my act together and make it work, vs just for me. I also lift weights regularly at the gym. Sometimes I'll kickboard in a lane in the pool. Sometimes I'll whack a raquetball around.

I do own a trainer. That's hard for me to dedicate doing at home. Too many interuptions despite the best planning.

I bought xc skiis last year. Planning to bust those out. I just got my snow shoe order recently. Hoping that will work out. Thinking my new puppy will enjoy some winter hiking with me. Also, we got indoor rink skates for the kids and I. Not hard cardio, but it does take some balance to skate.

And, from my prior post about buying gear... I do finally own some winter pieces now. So, I can get out on the road and trail too hopefully when there is no snow. Snow is very hit or miss in the midwest.

One of our lbs started CompuTrainer classes. If I want to mix it up more, might try that.

But, spinning is my "main stay".

[Miranda]

They came Sat, the fit is good, I normally wear a Sidi mega, and the boots are slightly oversized to allow thicker socks. I think I can get some nice wool socks without any problem. The insulation is thin, but typical Gore-Tex you might see in a hiking boot. I'll happily to a follow-up, but it was 72 degrees today, so hopefully awhile until I really test them.

If you are interested, www.probikekit.com has them for $205 delivered.


I'm interested in how they work out too. That's good to know about the sizing. Ladies Sidis fit me great in the heel cup, and actually a mens mega fits most comfortably across the ball of the foot. I saw them in person in a lbs. Was curious how they stay on with no low ankle strap like the genius and how the ankle band flexes. Hmm, I suppose if they were not warm enough, a bootie could go over them too. Thx for sharing thus far:).

[Jenerator]

Cyclocross tires on the Surly, Lake winter boots on the feet and layers as dictated by the weather.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tbtgGA_uce0/R69gbSfHfuI/AAAAAAAACNk/N-wzsjgqTiY/s400/_MG_4216.JPG

[Grog]

Cyclocross tires on the Surly, Lake winter boots on the feet and layers as dictated by the weather.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tbtgGA_uce0/R69gbSfHfuI/AAAAAAAACNk/N-wzsjgqTiY/s400/_MG_4216.JPG

Hmm, wouldn't that kind of weather have dictated armwarmers??!! :eek:

[kelownagirl]

None of the poll choices worked for me. I ride the trainer all winter. Too much ice and snow and cold to ride outside once the snow flies. I can't ride my road bike again until the gravel is cleaned off the roads around the end of March. I sometimes ride my mountain bike in early spring but mostly I stick with the trainer. (And I run and swim and do yoga and weight training at home.)

[Transmutable]

Biking all winter on my bike! If I don't bike, I don't go to work and get fired. :p Plus it's been freakishly warm and beautiful for October/November in Wisconsin. I'm adding in some trainer time and swimming as well to mix it up, because my commute is only two miles.

[Miranda]

Cyclocross tires on the Surly, Lake winter boots on the feet and layers as dictated by the weather.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tbtgGA_uce0/R69gbSfHfuI/AAAAAAAACNk/N-wzsjgqTiY/s400/_MG_4216.JPG

What a great picture!

Now that made me want to add a Surly to the stable. I was just reading Peter White's cycle about how the studded tires won't fit on standard road bikes (too wide). Umm, I would have vote +1 on some arm wear though:eek:.

[short cut sally]

In response to Jenerators picture...Armwarmers???? Heck, I was thinking jacket!!!:D Looks like fun to me, but I would have to be dressed alot warmer.
I ride if the roads are dry and 100% sure there is no black ice that could potentially be hazardous. Other than that, if there's snow, I do outside activities. If there's no snow and just plain cold. I have a treadmill and an elliptical in a little cubby of the house that entertains me.

[Jenerator]

The picture was from last Christmas day. It wasn't that cold (right around freezing) and I wasn't out all that long. I did get a pair of arm warmers out of it though - a friend saw the picture and sent me a pair. For most of my other fall & winter riding, I do heed my mother's advice and put on a jacket.

[Triskeliongirl]

You need more choices. I ride all winter, but NOT in rain, snow or sleet!

Our climate is mild enough that the weather doesn't stop us. Yeh, we need warmer layers, but one can ride year round here. But with early darkness and more rain, outdoor riding hours are reduced. So, I supplement with Coach Troy.

Its funny though, I am still looking forward for it being cold enough to ride in my shebeest windpro jacket and pants! Right now we are in knee and arm warmer mode..........which tend to be pulled off by the end of the ride.

[Susan126]

You're right I do need more choices Triskeliongirl! After reading all the posts I agree. And I should have put another choice in the poll that also says all the above! You gals are hard core in shape athletes! Woooo Hoooooo!

[alpinerabbit]

Hybrid again...

Commute as long as slush is absent
MTB on a weekend if weather permits
Road if weather permits and I can take the cold
Gym for power units if I can motivate myself, starting FEB
Trainer, (see Gym)

[bikerHen]

The picture was from last Christmas day. It wasn't that cold (right around freezing) and I wasn't out all that long.

I love it! My AM commutes for the last couple of weeks have been in the mid 20 degrees. Last Saturday it warmed up to the mid thirties and it felt down right balmy. I made a comment at work about how warm it was and got a lot of "you're crazy" looks. :D bikerHen

[HillSlugger]

I ride through the winter on my road bike but the road needs to be clean and dry.

[Jiffer]

I will be riding all winter long in sunny Southern California. It can get pretty nippy, but I got it better than many. :)

[RoadRaven]

I bike in rain, in wind, in hail and have once raced as snow fell (but it didn't settle)

I HATE the indoor trainer, and I LOVE being on the road

Fortunately, I live in a relatively mild climate
:)

[coyote]

We did have ice once. I had to wait till 9:00am, when the ice melted, to ride to work...but then again so did most of Tucson. :)

[lph]

We did have ice once. I had to wait till 9:00am, when the ice melted

this was really cute ;)

:D