How to Stay Motivated and Bike Through Winter
Everyone knows that exercising outdoors becomes much more challenging when winter rolls around. When you look outside to see grey clouds and drizzling rain, the last thing you want to do is put on your cycling shorts and go for a ride.
Those who are serious about cycling don’t have a choice. No matter the weather, those cyclists must get up, get out, and get on their bikes to maintain their endurance levels. If that’s your aim, read on to learn how to stay motivated and bike through winter.
Look After Your Bike
It is hard to motivate yourself when you have a locked-away bike that you haven’t maintained. So, to ensure nothing gets in the way of your winter bike ride, look after it just as much as you would through summer. Not only will this ensure your bike stays in good condition, but the consistent visual reminder that you own your bike can be enough to get you on it!
If you’re in need of a new bike, though, specialists like steedbikes.com have an excellent range of durable, one-speed bikes that will last you many winters (and summers) to come.
Invest in High-quality Cycling Gear
High-quality cycling gear matters more during harsh weather, especially your base layers and lenses. Think about it – are you likely to go out into the cold if your base layers aren’t protective enough? The answer is likely no. By having durable gear that keeps you warm and dry, the freezing temperatures and frequent rain won’t bother you as much!
Do a Workout Before Your Ride
Working out before going on a bike ride can boost your motivation to get out there, particularly during the winter. That is because when you work out, your body creates heat. At the end of your pre-cycling workout, you will have generated enough heat for the cold temperatures to barely phase you.
Bike with Friends
Accountability and motivation are best friends. When riding alone, it’s easy to convince yourself that it is OK to skip just one day. Eventually, that missed day may lead to multiple missed days, until those days turn into weeks, and before you know it, you haven’t ridden all winter.
To avoid that, bike with friends. By scheduling your ride with other people, you will feel more obliged to get out and do it – even when you don’t want to!
Remember the Benefits
When you wake up, see some rain, and feel like hiding under your duvet, you must remember all the benefits cycling provides. Go over them in your head. Remember that cycling is excellent for:
- Your mental health
- Your physical health
- Your fitness levels
- Your environmental impact
When you actively remember why you cycle in the first place, you are more likely to ignore the voice telling you to stay inside. Instead, you’ll get out there, push through the cold, and finish your bike ride feeling much better about yourself. You’ll be glad you pushed yourself!
