Ohio Riding - New Rider

[b.moe]

I started riding last summer and became very interested cycling. I hope to continue to ride and maybe tour when I'm experienced enough.

However - the weather in Ohio is chilly - to say the least - for about half the year. I am wondering if anyone has any tips for a beginner riding in cold weather or at least a recommendation for a cost-effective and durable trainer?

I'm very new at this, and I feel like the cold weather made me take a step back. I'd like to ride at least close to year round, as I know that it will be impossible to always avoid the cold and snow!

Thanks

[SR500]

Layers, layers, layers, for all the different temp ranges. Means several weight tights, jerseys, head gear, gloves, booties, jackets, etc... not cheap but works. As long as it's sunny can easily ride to 20 degrees.

[makbike]

Does your local bicycle club have a forum online? If so, keep a close eye on it for someone may be wanting to sell their trainer at a very reasonable price.

[TrekJeni]

Hey there,
I live in Cincinnati and ride year round outside. I have a trainer but I would much rather stay outside. Where are you located?
I would recommend shoe covers first and a nice pair of full fingered gloves. Next on the list would be a balaclava. What are you wearing right now?
Jeni

I started riding last summer and became very interested cycling. I hope to continue to ride and maybe tour when I'm experienced enough.

However - the weather in Ohio is chilly - to say the least - for about half the year. I am wondering if anyone has any tips for a beginner riding in cold weather or at least a recommendation for a cost-effective and durable trainer?

I'm very new at this, and I feel like the cold weather made me take a step back. I'd like to ride at least close to year round, as I know that it will be impossible to always avoid the cold and snow!

Thanks

[b.moe]

Actually, because I haven't ridden in the cold yet, I don't have any gear for cold weather. I only have basics for warm weather - like clothes with wicking material - that obviously won't work. Also, I was riding with a mountain bike and am just recently acquiring a road bike, so I am also in the market for shoes. I really have a lot to learn and gather all around, as you can see. My boyfriend is much more experienced, but he also doesn't ride in the cold months.

I live in Cleveland, and the weather is pretty unpredictable, so I want to be prepared.

Any suggestions for gear would be greatly appreciated.

[spokewench]

The Shoe covers and good gloves are key. Something to cover your ears either a balakava or nice warm fleece earwarmers, not too thick so they will fit under your helmet. Sunglasses as always. A helmet; an undershirt (like a polypropylene underwear long sleeve top; a warmer shirt like a fleece lined sports shirt (if you don't have one, buy a long sleeve fleece lined jersey); a nice warm jacket. It does not have to be a cycling jacket, but should be breathable and wind proof is a real help. A pair of fleece lined tights. Regular bike shoes are fine with the shoe covers over. Warm wool socks.

Layering is the key. You will find at what temperatures (Wind plays a great big factor in this), but on a bike you always generate wind so keep this in mind. If the above isnt working, take off a layer, add a layer, sometimes all you need is a light windbreaker jacket over the top if it isn't too cold. Everyone's tolerance for cold is different. The ears, head, the face, the fingers and toes are the crucial things to keep warm.

The rule of thumb is put your clothes on, go outside, if you are little chilly, you are dressed just right cause when you get warmed up on the bike, you will be just right. (Beware if it is windy though, bring an extra layer just in case).

Jerseys are good for bringing extra layers cause most of them have pockets that you can throw your extra layers in when you don't need them.

That's the basics. Now you just have to go out and play around with it. Remember, long rides in cold weather are sometimes too long. You just can't keep your core temperature up that long.

[Bikingmomof3]

Nice to see someone else fro Ohio! Since you are talking about it being cold, I assume you are in the northern part of Ohio? I am in the much warmer southwestern section.

This will be my first winter riding. All I can suggest is listen to the advice of these wonderful ladies. I have been out running, but it requires far less layers and warmth.

Welcome to the forum.

[Coletta]

I started riding last summer and became very interested cycling. I hope to continue to ride and maybe tour when I'm experienced enough.

However - the weather in Ohio is chilly - to say the least - for about half the year. I am wondering if anyone has any tips for a beginner riding in cold weather or at least a recommendation for a cost-effective and durable trainer?

I'm very new at this, and I feel like the cold weather made me take a step back. I'd like to ride at least close to year round, as I know that it will be impossible to always avoid the cold and snow!

Thanks

My sister and I have just been through this. We live in northeast Ohio and while it's been unseasonably warm here and there, it does get really really cold. Here is a list my "awesome inspiring sister Colleen" came up with for me.

Must have:

~Goretex jacket in bright color
~Windproof gloves, need not be cycling specific, but should have grippy palms
~Wicking base layer made of polyester. Does not need to be thick, but should be form fitting,need not be cycling specific, though a jersey is a good choice. Spanx will work, but will probably need arm warmers for really cold weather.
~Midweight middle layer, can be wool, polypro or performance fleece (polartec 100 or 200) This is really only need for very cold weather, 30's and below
~smartwool socks
~neck gaiter, balaclava, buff, or face mask w/ear protection.
~wind-resistant wicking pants w/narrow bottoms, close fitting.
~Padded shorts underneath it all

Nice to have:
~Arm warmers (this is nice for changeable weather, if it starts out cold and warms up, easy to remove or put back on. Can also make a short sleeve jersey more versatile.
~Knee or leg warmers. Again, for versatility, can wear w/shorts in milder or changeable weather, easy to take on and off.


Now I know buying all this at once will be a small fortune, but if you want to get out and ride, you've got to have the right gear.

I find I enjoy my rides SO MUCH MORE with the right gear, it really makes a huge difference.

HTH!
Coletta

[sjf]

I am in Pittsburgh not too far from you. I would second what many here have said. I initially tried to ride in colder weather without the booties and decent pants ( I wore my running pants which rode up and left my ankles cold). Santa brought me some cold weather riding gear early this year and it makes a HUGE difference to my enjoyment.

This is a good time of year to invest in cold weather riding gear. Lots of sales on.

[CR400]

I also am from the northeast Ohio region, infact we tend to get a lot more snow normally they you do I Cleveland.

My first advice is to stay on the moutain bike for now except on the really nice warm days when there is no snow or ice. So basically we are talking days that are around 35 degrees or higher. If it has snowed recently and has not been significantly above freezing for a few days after a snow don't use the road bike you will need the tires of the moutain bike or cross tires(traction is a must where we live).

I use the same layers on my road bike and moutain bike, except for my feet. On the road I use my road shoes with a pair of regular socks and cover it all with neoprene booties. Caution with the booties they keep your feet so warm they will sweat, then can get cold. On the mountain bike I use regular pedals with a pair of hiking boots, which can hold one or two layers of wool socks in them. Wool will keep the feet quite warm.

Hands depends on the temp. 30-50 I use thinsulate ski gloves with the liners from my lobster mits in them. Below 30 I have to use the lobster mitts. (they are like mittens except they have three finger compartments)

Head I use a simple balaclava and my helment. A must if you ride in really cold or in cold windy conditions is a pair of goggles. The help keep the parts of your face not covered by the balaclava warm, and keep the cold wind out of your eyes. (I had a problem with my eyes draining because of the cold one day, sunny but only 25.) Note be sure the googles are anti fog.

Lower body I usually use on days above 32 a pair of winter weight tights and my summer shorts. Below I add a pair of summer weight tights for more layers.
If I ride below 0 I will have a pair of snow pants on as well.

Upper body I wear a moisture wicking layer, a jersey, and my Under Armor cold gear mock turtle neck, topping it off with my outer shell from my Columia winter coat. Occasionally I put on a second lighter weight mock as well.

Ok, I know thats a lot but that is just me.

[momof4greatkids]

Congratulations on your decision to ride, B-Moe. I'm a fellow Ohioan, and sister of Coletta who posted above in the thread.

IMHO get the right gear and ride in the cold weather. If the roads are dry, w/the right clothes, you can ride right through the winter. It's just so rewarding to get out and ride, in spite of the cold weather. And lots more fun than trudging on a trainer indoors.

Like you, I just started getting more serious about cycling this past summer. Just last week I had my highest mileage week so far, 130 miles, and that was the second full week of December (granted, it's been unseasonably warm). I'm even amazing myself.

Are you near the west side of Cleveland? My club in Lorain county has regularly scheduled rides all winter, and the leader is AMAZING. He's done a couple cross country cycling trips and last year, cycled from Ohio to Florida. You will love the energy of this group.

Please PM me if you are interested in riding w/us, we would love to have you!

Colleen

[Geonz]

I notice that a 20 mile ride in the winter took the effort of 60 in the summmer and learned not to be disappointed in "doing less." It's all about the layers, though I didn't have Gore-Tex until somebody gave it to me this year. On the coldest days I'd wear something wicking and a long sleeved t shirt and a sweat shirt and two jackets on top; three layers on the bottom.
The Gore-tex is wunnerful, though, especially on nasty rainy days. It's really nice to show up at work sort of almost dry! Before I'd have clothing draped over my computer (ever so carefully) hoping it would be warm enough to dry it out without overheating the 'puter...

[b.moe]

Thanks, ladies, for all of your help.

My new road bike arrived a couple days ago and I have gotten shoes - the weather has indeed been unseasonably warm, and I hope to get some rides in before it gets too cold, and all of your suggestions have been helpful. Thanks a lot

Another question for anyone reading - I am taking a spinning class from January through May. Is spinning a good way to prepare myself for longer rides, or just endurance?

Thanks!

[Geonz]

Any riding helps a lot, tho' there's nothing like having your butt on the bike for a long time to prepare you for having your butt on the bike for a long time

[CR400]

They are good to build a general fitness base in the off season. They will help with your aerobic capacity. Some of your higher heart zones with the right instructor.And to hang out with your friends in a music filled fun looking dark enviroment. I did a lot of spinning last year in the off season and it helped in those areas. A problem I have with spinning where I live is for the most part they are made for a person who dosen't actually ride outside much. In fact in my area I know of maybe a handful that actually get out of the gym and ride in the summer. They seem to want you to do things that you would never do on your bike outside . I mean how often do you ride out of the saddle for 10min except on a major hill, or ride with a cadance so fast you almost lose control for a min(sprints are only really about 30seconds). Plus many don't even seem to care about getting a workout that will make them a better cyclist they keep resistance low even though they could go higher after sinning for 3 years. Which leads to the whole thing of resistance you can't change the resistance quickly or often enough to do justice to what you would get on the road.If you want to learn to ride well on the road I am learning that you actually have to ride on the road. Unless of course you can put down major cash to buy the best trainers. However, considering where you live and that winter will be coming soon on really bad days go inside and do something.