We’re coming into that time of year when the weather starts to get colder, the days darker, and our motivation weaker… and when it comes to riding our bikes, things can become a little more challenging.
So how do we make the most of winter bike training? Bioracer UK has listed some top tips to stay motivated and keep hold of your bike fitness.
1) Mix it up
Whatever discipline you’re into, winter is a great time to mix up the training and try something different – bring the fun back into riding your bike. Head to one of the UK’s many trail centres and hire a mountain bike – you can test your skills on some of the more technical trails or just play around on a pump track. Or why not head to a velodrome and book a lesson on a specific track bike? Keep it interesting and your motivation and fitness will soar.
2) Get virtual
Nowadays, there’s no real excuse to skip your bike training if the weather isn’t playing ball. With a myriad of virtual cycling software to choose from, you can get immersed in a virtual cycling world and explore some different terrain from the comfort of your own home. Join a race, choose a different route, or just stick Netflix on and get spinning – the choice is yours!
3) Find some buddies
All you need to do to get a kick of motivation is to grab a friend. Sometimes, holding yourself accountable by joining a cycling club, or arranging a ride with friends, will be all you’ll need to get out the door and on two wheels. Plus, riding with friends – whether it’s a spin class, a mountain bike adventure, or a weekend road ride – is always guaranteed to be more fun than going it alone.
4) Get specific
You might want to make the most of winter by doing some specific training that focuses on your weaknesses. Perhaps it’s hills and you need to get that high resistance, low cadence work in. Or maybe you need to work on your position. Don’t forget, it’s also an opportunity to get in the gym and develop those muscles and movement patterns that will help your on-bike performance. Use winter to your advantage and you’ll be smiling all summer!
5) Invest in the right kit
There’s an old saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad kit choices.” Well, dare we say it, it’s true. Investing in the right kit might seem expensive but it will last, and what’s more, it will make the world of difference when you get out on the bike in all weathers. With a solid range of thermal and waterproof kit, from jackets and gilets to gloves and overshoes, you can look good and feel good – then there’s no excuse to not get outside!
More about Bioracer UK
Bioracer is the very essence of performance. Since 1986, born in the heartland of cycling in Belgium, Bioracer has created a legacy in the cycling industry with performance-based garments that produce winning results. Obsessed with making riders go faster, every detail is addressed in producing the fastest cycling kit for every racer, from amateur to professional.
Bioracer is the official kit supplier of World Tour pro team, INEOS Grenadiers. Used by the world’s best cyclists, Bioracer puts style, comfort and performance at the forefront of every cyclist’s ride.
