How to embrace the beauty of a winter bike ride

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, it is thick winter. The days are short, the temperatures down, the weather often unpleasant and we have just had a week of snow.

But if you can brave those first few steps out the front door, this time of year can be glorious and memorable to ride in.

It can be beautiful

Even on cloudy days, winter riding can have a stunning beauty.  There is something about the starkness and solemnity of it all: trees stripped bare.  With the leaves gone, you see the landscape in a new way, hidden houses, churches and castles now revealed in the distance, the shape of the landscape fully revealed. All the more so in the snow, picking up new shapes and outlines.

Part of that is that lovely pale winter sunlight, much more visible through those trees, a gentle yellow during the day and a faded gold at dawn and sunset.  

Indeed, if you can embrace the extra chill of first light and final light, you will be happy indeed.  The other day, I set out as the sun was going down and watched that whole glorious sunset and the fading of the light as I rode through the forest and nearby villages, ending in darkness.

Even on a damp day, there can be a magnificence especially in fog, a swaddling cloth for the landscape.

There is a beauty in the towns as well.  The time before Christmas was wonderful, with windows lit up and Christmas trees in the centres.  I passed house upon house done up in all different ways, from the wonderfully garish to the delightfully understated.

Even after Christmas, I notice that many now keep their lights up to the end of January, helping lift spirits through the lull of those dark nights.  As I ride along, I get small peeks into the families living along my route.

And don’t be scared of a bit of night riding as well.  My regular post-work ride feeds me out of Brussels and back through the forest, the final stretch along a superbly paved and straight section of up and downs, like cruising through a cathedral of trees lit up in the beam of my front light.  A full moon can add even more magic…

The smells and senses can be amazing

I grew up in a converted farmhouse, the centrepiece a large living room with a big old stone fireplace. To this day, the smell of woodsmoke reminds me of family, happiness, and a pet rabbit stretched out, basking in the heat from the flames.

Cycling in winter, as I pass houses, I am regularly enchanted by these smells especially around lunch and early evening.

But there are others: earthy, peaty odours in the forest, a whiff of freshly ground coffee and company from a local café, and here in Belgium, the tempting aroma of waffles and fried potatoes.

Being alive

But above all, winter riding is about being supremely alive, all the more so because of the cold. There is something exhilarating about being out in that biting air, your hands, feet and face all bracing.

Every kilometre, every climb feels more worth it, the pure air cleaning your body and soul.

And even the days of dreary weather can have their own magic. A few years ago, I was out on a grey and damp morning in 2C, fighting against the on/off rain, when I was stopped for directions by two Flemish lads riding motocross.  They were covered from head to toe in mud except for the whites of their eyes, smiles as wide as their faces.

There is a companionship to those days, either with a dedicated riding partner or saluting those also foolish enough to venture out.  Both cycling and motor traffic are down and you can have your rides to yourself and the lucky few.

Indulgence

Finally, winter rides are an excuse for a bit of shameless indulgence both during and after the rides.

There is nothing like stopping mid-ride to step inside a cosy café, help yourself to a tea, hot chocolate – or dare you, an Irish coffee – with perhaps a waffle or piece of cake, all to warm those hands and feet up and give you energy for the ride back.

Returning from the ride, I often treat myself to a quick slug of whisky, rum or some European firewater that I have picked up on my adventures, before heading off for a long and cathartic shower.

Practicalities

Staying warm. This will be your priority on a winter ride.  Most of it comes down to packing and wearing the right clothes – see below – but you can also help yourself by warming up properly before you head out and by packing a thermos or two of hot tea or coffee. (Or by popping into cafes along your route and no need to limit it to just one.)

Clothes.  I have written here about what to wear in different temperatures.  I sometimes take a quick walk around outside to get the measure of how cold it is but bear in mind that once you get moving, you will need more on top and on the hands and feet and less for your legs as they will warm up quickly.  Unsure?  Pack a few layers and some different thicknesses of gloves. Wear them a bit inside so that you are already toasty by the time you set out.

If you want a more in-depth approach, read this article from Bicycling magazine. It has some great advice:

• Check the weather before you set out;
• Start slightly overdressed: “If you’re warm from the start, you’re likely to overheat.”;
• Be flexible and carry different layers: “The ability to change layers mid-ride can make a big difference in comfort.”;
• Hands stay warm when the torso is warm;
• For your feet, thermal socks and overshoes are the answer.

Lights and safety. I usually pack some lights, even if riding in the day.  If there is rain, fog or darkness in any way, it is important to be visible.  For similar reasons, I also wear a luminous jacket or one that lights up in car beams.

It is always good to check your brakes before setting out.

If you live in an area where there is regular snow, consider swapping your tires for winter tires.  If there is occasional snow and ice, a thicker or more ridged set of tires will also be good.

When to ride/ when to sit it out. Unless the weather forecast is clear in one direction or another: that it will be fine or foul, I take a quick look outside before I get dressed for the ride – or confirm with my cycling companion.  How are the roads?  Are people riding on them?  If necessary, I do a quick walk or ride round the block to be sure.  

If there is any doubt, I also think about the terrain that I will be riding on.  Roads will often be salted, whereas paths and bike paths will not.  

In the end, you have to make your own judgement about what is safe and that will depend on how confident you are in your own riding abilities, and the state of your tires and brakes.  Be prudent but don’t be too scared either.

Last week, in the snow, even with others riding, I did not trust the roads on the way to work or for that evening ride in the forest.  But by Sunday, with most of the snow melted on paths and roads, and with my gravel bike able to handle the rest, I was desperate for a ride. I rode slowly and attentively. And was rewarded with fantastic views. And frozen feet. Which made me feel totally alive…