Ready or Not, Winter is Coming
Ready or not, winter is coming. For most of us that means several months of cold, snowy weather- not ideal for cycling. However, incorporating a mix of indoor riding with alternative forms of exercise like skiing, running, strength training, and yoga is great for our wellbeing, so is taking a break from the bike.
Embracing an extended respite from traditional riding helps us show up in the spring with a refreshed excitement for the season ahead. Changing up activities allows us to reconnect with non-cycling specific muscle groups and social circles (we should be doing this year round anyway). Staying active during the winter is key to setting ourselves up for next year’s riding season, so let’s get into some tips.
Recent innovations around the indoor cycling experience mark some of the most momentous transformations within the cycling industry. New online social platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and The Sufferfest connect people around the world to a virtual universe of riding - one that’s immune to real world factors like traffic, lack of daylight, and cold weather.
With indoor cycling, riders can easily track their fitness progression, engage in conversation with riding partners new and old, and squeeze super effective training rides into condensed sessions with minimal transition time.
To help us optimize our indoor riding, we spoke to Jordan Paul, who is a customer experience expert at 4iiii which makes wireless power meters and zero contact smart trainers and we’re proud to have them as a sponsor of the TransRockies event series.
As a Calgary local, Paul is no stranger to harsh winters. While he still uses a cyclocross bike outfitted with studded tires to get some “real world” rides in, Paul’s Fliiiight Trainer is his main tool for reaching his winter fitness goals.
Like many people, Paul’s training station is set up in his basement to help him stay cool during his workouts. But that’s not enough, air circulation is key. “Use fans, preferably multiple. If you don’t, you’ll be pretty uncomfortable and have to wash your bike from all the sweat,” says Paul.
The Software Runs the Show
Paul’s preferred training platform- Zwift, allows riders to join real time public rides and races basically 24 hours a day. “There’s always a group of people to help motivate you,” says Paul. In addition to constantly available riding partners, modern indoor riding setup’s offer unparalleled workout efficiency. “A one hour indoor training ride can be as effective as a two hour outdoor ride because you’re doing the exact watts of the workout,” Paul explains. “The trainer performs perfectly and forces you to do the watts of the workout. No thinking, you just pedal.” Smart trainers seamlessly adapt resistance to the chosen workout or terrain so you don’t waste any time.
If the virtual world isn’t for you, Paul recommends using a power meter and a favorite playlist. “It can be hard to just go to your basement and ride by yourself, so get some tunes going.”
Beyond the Bike
Winter offers an opportunity to have fun doing other sports. Nordic skiing is an excellent low impact activity that works your entire muscular system as you glide across the trail. If you’re new to Nordic, be patient with yourself while learning and consider taking some lessons. Check out Nipika’s groomed trails for skiing and fat biking.
Fat biking is another genre that has gained lots of traction in recent years. The bikes are stable on slick surfaces and surprisingly maneuverable on singletrack. Remember that while your core is likely to remain warm, fingers and toes can take a beating while winter riding. Wool socks, booties, and bar mitts will certainly help. If you don’t have a fat bike, and are planning on road or gravel riding, make sure you have a quality fender setup and consider studded tires.
Plan a Trip
Fleeing to the south for some warmth and sunshine is definitely a move. Get together with a group of friends or join a guided group. Some favorite winter cycling spots include: Tucson AZ, Moab UT, St. George UT, and Southern California. Although pro gravel cyclist, Ian Boswell’s favorite winter training spot is Puerto Vallarta, just sayin’.
Like anything, the winter season is what you make it. Leaning into new skills, forms of strength, and social circles will help stoke the flame for your best riding season yet.
