It's Cold, Dark, and Wet... How Do You Stay Motivated to Keep Riding?

The dark side of Autumn has fallen and it's much harder to motivate. Yesterday it rained for most of the day and I motivated myself right into a self-imposed rest day. Knowing I have a lot of cold, wet days ahead, I am hoping for some Chainlinker advice...

How do you get out there on your bike when it's cold and crappy out?

Views: 2248

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on November 4, 2015 at 6:50am
Thanks!
Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on October 30, 2015 at 8:35am
http://www.bikelaneliving.com/urban-biking-tips-for-biking-in-the-rain

Tips for biking in the rain (video) with footwear tips for women & men
Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on November 3, 2015 at 4:25am

nice video, made me want to ride in the rain!

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on November 3, 2015 at 4:41am

I use Novara jacket and pants and I have Sugoi shoe covers and a heavy set of Gore shoe covers too for the really cold weather. I have a Sugoi rain cover for my helmet which also holds in the warmth. I have a series of gloves I use and the two lighter ones are Specialized and the heaviest is Cannondale (but the heavy ones can only be worn at 20F or below). My rain jacket is always my top layer in cold weather (breaks the wind but has zipper vents). I always carry more than needed and adjust (often mid-ride) as needed. I have a set of ski goggles that I have used but they are a bit uncomfortable at times and reduce peripheral vision.

Permalink Reply by BertG on October 30, 2015 at 5:15am

Does anyone here do any training during the colder days of Chicago? And what routes do you do? I want to do some training right after work, but it gets dark so quickly. Any suggestions on routes and clothing?

Permalink Reply by Steve G on October 31, 2015 at 5:04am

Don't know where you would be starting from, but here's a 20 mile loop I've ridden that is fairly mellow car-traffic-wise, but allows for speed.

Starting at Lawrence and the river, it takes the North Shore Channel trail up to Main st in Skokie, and follows bike lanes or routes (pretty much) out to to North Branch trail through the forest preserves, and back along the Skokie Valley line trail which is a non-stop 1 mile section of smooth pavement with no cross streets and not too much foot traffic. Great for sprinting.

Just watch out for slippery leaves in the forest preserve.  

Map and directions: http://www.plotaroute.com/route/133463

Permalink Reply by David Altenburg on October 31, 2015 at 6:22am

Thanks for this. Bookmarked.

Permalink Reply by Steve G on October 31, 2015 at 7:03am

Enjoy!

Permalink Reply by BertG on October 31, 2015 at 6:27am
Thanks, Steve! Does this loop have decent lighting when it's dark?
Permalink Reply by Steve G on October 31, 2015 at 6:45am

Oops, didn't think of that. The forest preserve path is not lit, the street portions are of course. 

Here's a loop that stays on streets mostly: http://www.plotaroute.com/route/125699

I think it would be difficult to do nighttime training rides without a bright headlight- here's mine: http://amzn.com/B00GJZ015Y I have ridden that trail with it on a pitch black moonless night.

Whereabouts is your starting point? 

Permalink Reply by BertG on October 31, 2015 at 6:56am

Another good route! I'm in the Ukrainian Village area, which would extend the loop another 10 miles approximately. I was looking to do about 20-25 miles right after work. I would actually like to use these routes during spring and summer! These are great 25-30 mile routes for me. I appreciate it!

Permalink Reply by Steve G on October 31, 2015 at 7:24am

RSS

Groups

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service