I got back into cycling (mostly gravel and paved multi-use path) about a year and a half ago. Last winter, I more or less put biking aside and just tried to do more walking instead.

This year, I’m trying to continue biking a bit more throughout the winter because firstly, I enjoy it, and second I don’t want to be as out of shape come spring.

I’ve gotten myself some warmer gear (not a ton). I’ve given myself permission to just try to get some seat time in while not really pushing for distance or speed.

Lately the weather has been more of a challenge and I’m feeling myself falling behind.

So, what’s the community’s approach to winter?

Do you suck it up and go for it like it’s still summer? Move into the garage/basement and go 100% indoor trainer?

  • Doofytoe
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    2 days ago

    I commute and work for a university about five miles away. I was doing really well even in the cold up until we went on winter break when I stopped going into the office regularly. Coming back from the break I literally caught the rona my second day back in the office so we’ll see how quickly I get back to it. Long story short I try to suck it up. If it’s above freezing I ride every weekday that it doesn’t rain. Raining in the morning or cold af? I have a spinning bike (older model that was on clearance, I gave like $300 for it) down stairs in front of the basement TV. When I was younger I lived in the Midwest where it will stay cold from about Nov/Dec until about March. Then I would ride everywhere i was going except the grocery store. Unless there was ice on the road, which after a certain point there always was until the big thaw would come. As I get older the discomfort of the cold makes it a much easier decision to stay inside and spin on bad days. I’m far more likely to get out on days that are pleasant if I haven’t just spent four days riding in when it’s im the twenties. Getting too cold one good time is far more likely to make me stop biking for a period of time than a really long or strenuous ride will. Nevermind the fact that below freezing and it’s nearly impossible to see where you’re going eyes watering, glasses fogging, just all bad.

    • grumpo_potamus@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 days ago

      I like that… Make the best of the nicer days and push there rather than trying to hit some other quota, riding when it’s unpleasant, and getting de-motivated.