A hands-on winter ride

A hands-on winter ride

I was born in North China, lived in North China, grew up in North China, and rode in North China. Therefore, I have my own skin feelings about how to ride in the winter in North China.

Winter in North China is cold, the air is dry, and the wind is strong and bone-chilling. Riding in such an environment does require a way of coping that suits you.

1. Equipment. The lubricated parts of the bicycle should be maintained in time. Dry weather, the lubricating oil on the supporting corners of the car will become cured, it is not so flexible to use, to often see if the chain is lack of oil, the performance of lack of oil is that there is a dry sound. Other related parts should also be observed in time and lubricated according to the situation.

2. Dress. It must be winter cycling clothes.

Four layers of upper body: short-sleeved quick-dry cycling suit, thin fleece quick-dry body rafter, fleece quick-drying suit, winter cycling suit.

Lower body: quick-drying hot autumn pants, quick-drying thin fleece pants, winter cycling pants. If you feel cold, you can add a pair of tight-legged pants on the outside.

Knees: If the legs are properly worn, the knees will not be uncomfortable. If you have a little cold on your legs, you can wear knee pads on your knees. The knee is the most important transmission part, and it must be extra maintained.

Feet: Wear the thickest cotton shoes. Although riding is a full-body exercise, there is no other movement of the foot except pedaling, and it is the most likely part to be cold for a long time. If necessary, it is also good to wear a ski cover around the neck of the foot. Socks should also be thick and quick-drying, not pure cotton.

Hands: Fleece gloves. When it gets colder, you'll have to wear cotton gloves, but the grips will feel particularly tiring. Do not wear it unless necessary.

Head: Fleece hat lining, helmet.

Neck: Gruff the neck cover, but also play a role in keeping the bib warm. So as not to inhale cold air and damage the lungs.

Glasses: Windproof glasses. Winter riding days and nights are long, the ink color of the glasses can not be too deep, too deep, the light color becomes dark in the evening, wearing sunglasses can not see the road at all, not safe.

3. Accessories. It was freezing cold, and the tire could not be completed in such an environment. Bring a spare tire.

4. Route. Choose a familiar, clean, wide road, not easy to tire riding.

5. km. Winter health is mainly Tibetan, cycling is only used as exercise and physical maintenance, the whole journey is 40 to 60 kilometers is appropriate.

6. Speed. Not easy to be too fast. Slight sweating is the most appropriate, not easy to catch a cold. Basically sweating and volatilization balance. Quickly change into dry clothes or take a hot shower when you get home.

7. Washing of winter cycling clothes. It is not necessary to wear it once and wash it once, so it is easy to wash off the elasticity and color of the riding suit. You can ride a few times and then wash it. But the bib must be worn once washed. Hat linings and gloves don't have to be washed every time. Take off the socks and wash them or dry them on the radiator and wear them next time.

8. Replenishment. Sweat less in winter, bring a bottle of water is enough. Bring a small amount of food in case you need it.

9. Special weather. Windy days, or don't ride anymore, too strenuous, no need, not bad this time. On snowy days, you can ride, but pay special attention to speed and safety. If the snow melts and freezes into ice, don't ride, then you will only fall.

10. Time. Normal weather in winter, refers to no wind, sunny, no smog, the temperature is around -5 ~ 5 ° C, as long as there is time, there is a mood, you can arrange a ride. The time is generally 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. in the afternoon. 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Because there is no sun after 4:30, the more you ride, the colder it gets. Therefore, I usually ride in the morning to meet the sun, which makes people feel particularly good and hopeful, and the mood will be uplifting.

11. Slope. Winter riding, generally do not choose the slope. Other seasons can be, but the North China Plain is flat and hilly, and if you want to choose a slope, you have to ride in the mountains. If you really can't avoid it, when riding uphill, sweat more, or wear as little as possible, not cold is appropriate. Downhill, the air is cold, the wind is strong, or wear thicker to keep warm, the action will not be stiff and affect safety and judgment.

12. Take a picture. Taking pictures is part of cycling, and it is also a good way to record and express emotions in cycling. However, it is more difficult to take pictures on winter cycling, freezing hands, and inflexible reactions. You really need to take pictures, and it is better to stop to confirm safety and then take pictures or videos.

13. Body excrement. Winter riding, cold winds caused by tears in the eyes is the norm, especially northerners have trachoma to varying degrees. Even wearing glasses is inevitable. During the ride, do not let the tears affect the road and cause safety hazards. Snot is also frequent and is best stopped for treatment. Wearing a fleece bib is better to keep warm, the snot will be much less, less interference, you can ride with peace of mind.