Winter in Ottawa has made the slow inevatable turn to longer days and better weather. Still,the roads look like this:
Tempratures are warming, but still near or below zero. There is ice, slush and puddles every where, the roads are still narrowed and the edges are the sketchest parts. It is no wonder that many people park their bike in November and maybe think of it again in April, or May...
Add to this the "advice" that starts round September for what to wear. There is always one article in the local paper that seeks to demistify winter cycling. Usually they manage to make wintercyclists seem utterly and compleatly "other". There is all that expensive specallized clothing. The winter cycling shoes, waterproof pants and jackets. The layers of clothing required are in itself daunting. Wool or synthetic base layer cycling shorts, mid layer then a heavy sweater and finally a waterproof outer shell... No single piece costs under $100. Well, that's enough to limit my winter cycling to this:
Well, let me assure you, winter cycling is not that complicated. There is one bit of atire that is absolutly a requirment for winter cycling. in truth I'd recomend these for a commuting cyclist regardless of the season.
Yes the only important bit of winter clothing is mounted to your bike. Truthfully valuable in any season, fenders. Fenders will keep your clothes dry, in most conditions, limiting the requirement for water proof outer layers.Add a set of platform pedals and you can use your favourite hiking or winter boot, same ones you put on to walk to the bus or shovel the drive way. The rest of your cycling outfit, honestly it is nothing special. Dress as if you were going to walk the same time (not distance). Most often you will find you've over dressed for your ride, and you'll be opening zippers when you get the chance The only caveat is your hands, I have warm hands a thin wind-blocker glove is all i need, most of the time. If you have cold hands mittens are a good idea, but a good pair of gloves are more flexible. That's it winter cycling demystified, wear what you would to walk the same amount of time. Use fenders/mudguards and platform pedals. You'll be fine.
The winter is long and dark, lights are a good idea. Getting outside and keeping active is important to getting through this dark season.
