Last week we shared a Complete Winter Cycling Guide and got questions about when is it too cold to cycle outside? We’ve read the headlines saying that anyone can work out safely in cold weather. Even scientist agree that no temperature is too low to opt outside as long as you kit up to minimize cold weather risks. While I’m usually in agreement, I also believe that there is a limit.
Growing up in California and now living in New York, I’ve had more than my fair share of cold rain, deep snow and severe wind chill. This year already we’ve had a two months of temperatures in the 10s, 20s, and 30s, with some slightly milder days but with whipping winds of 20 to 40 mi/h. For me, when it’s gets that cold, there’s simply no point in trying to brave the elements, because there’s a fine line between being brave, being safe, and getting sick.
When you’re thinking about heading outdoors for winter activities, knowing when it’s too cold and taking common sense precautions can help you go a long way when knowing what is safe and what isn’t. While staying warm during a cycle in the cold is really about balancing the right gear and kit, here are a few other things to consider when thinking about opting outside this winter:
Check The Weather
Check the forecast before heading out. Temperature, wind, and moisture, along with the length of time you’ll be outside, are key factors in planning a safe winter weather ride. When cycling in cold temps in the 30’s, I don’t cycle more than 60 mins as the cold fatigues me faster. When running outdoors, a good 30-45 mins is all I need.
Cold Air
Exercising outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing does come with annoyances. But that runny nose is a good sign. The inside of the nose moistens to humidify the air we inhale, and the excess fluids creep out our nostrils. As for that icy air hitting your lungs? It’s basically impossible for freezing air to damage your lungs. Try wearing a scarf and keep layers on your chest to feel warmer as you inhale.
There are a few groups of people who should be cautious before trekking outdoors for a mid-winter ride. If you have asthma, the cold, dry air can trigger lung tightness and asthma attacks while exercising. And if you’ve been diagnosed with poor blood circulation or heart problems, it’s best to check with your doc first before hitting the frozen roads.
Warm Up
Another way to help brave the cold is to slowly warm up before heading out for a ride. Not only will this be better for your body as a whole, it will also help your breathing get used to the extra work that it’s being asked to do.
Wet And Wind Chill Factor
When the windchill is in the negatives, skip the outdoors. The body has a hard time managing its temperature when it’s wet and with wind chill it is the biggest risk when exercising in the winter. Negative 10 degrees in calm air may not feel too cold, but zero degrees in a strong wind can feel extremely cold. This is because wind greatly increases the rate of heat loss from your skin. This can cause you to lose body heat much faster, so you have to take extra care as you greatly increase your risk of hypothermia or frostbit.
Road Conditions
While encouraging people to get out despite the weather, it doesn’t account for the built up of snow and salt on the roads that makes traction hazardous which provides less room and visibility for cyclists and drivers, and can corrode your bike’s drivetrain fairly quickly. In those conditions, I’d much rather get in a time efficient 90-minute trainer workout rather than spend extra time cleaning my bike and bundling up.
Within reason, cycling or exercise outdoors even in the extreme cold is both doable and even enjoyable. For more tips on staying warm, kit, and gear for cycling when #OUTSIDEISFREEZING, read these tips to help you brave the elements…
Keeping Your Extremities Warm On A Cold Ride
Winter Cycling: A Complete Guide
Image: cykelkatten.cc