Guest editorial by Scott Guzman-Newton,
Owner, Poison Spider Bicyles and Yellow Jersey Sponsor of Skinny Tire Festival
(If you are from Southern California, Louisiana or Florida feel free to skip this article or read on, and feel our pain!)
 Winter is here, it is cold in most parts of the country but that does not mean you cannot maintain your cycling fitness. Many cyclists hang up their bikes for the season and get into other sports. Cross training is great but you still need to get on the bike to keep your fitness and cycling specific muscles working. Whatever the reasons are for not riding; feeling burnt out, too cold, great powder season, etc., you'll still want to get on the bike. Below are some suggestions to keep you on the bike throughout the winter so you will feel strong come spring and make winter riding more fun.
Proper Clothing
For cold riding it is all about layers. Fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and provide insulation and breathable outer garments is where you should start. You should be able to stay warm and dry on even the most miserable day. I always start off with a nice base layer. They come in sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve depending on how cold it is. Next I wear a long sleeve jersey; most of them will do the trick. Last but not least, the outer shell. Depending on where you live it is worth every penny investing in a Windstopper jacket. If it is really cold and you don't have a good jacket you will have to add another layer. I can ride at below freezing temperatures with my 2 layers and a Windstopper jacket and feel toasty after I get going.
The most important thing not to forget other than gloves, shoe covers, a nice pair of tights and your layers is a HAT. You can lose up to 40 percent of you body heat from your head and neck if not properly protected. If it is really cold you can also get the kind that rolls down into a face mask. Just make sure it will fit under your helmet.
Be Mentally Tough
It is cold outside and you have the option to kick it on the couch or go for a ride in freezing temperatures. It is really easy to just watch TV and blow off riding. Just think about your friends getting slower as you are putting on every piece of cycling clothing you own! During the first few days of very cold weather, you will be bothered more by the cold than after a few weeks. Your body acclimatizes to the lower temperatures by producing increased amounts of heat. Just remember to be dressed properly.
If you just can't bear the outside temperatures you can always ride an indoor trainer. I am fortunate to live in Moab where it rarely gets cold enough to be forced to ride inside. Another great option is to ride a cyclocross or mountain bike as the speeds will be lower which reduces the wind chill factor.
The bottom line is that you need to look at the winter as a great time to ride and jumpstart your season. Just get out there and be a kid again.
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