Klondike to Clapham: Embrace winter riding

Sure, we Brits have to put up with patchy cycling infrastructure, but how often is weather a good excuse for not hopping on two wheels? Plenty of European countries with a climate much like ours manage to get on with it. The Dutch, for instance, have mastered the art of all-weather cycling as they pedal through snow, sleet, and rain on their trusty town bikes, often in nothing more than everyday clothing. Their approach is practical, and their resilience inspiring. Even gale-force headwinds are no match for this Dutch grit – they’ve even turned it into a competitive event.

Each year, the Dutch Headwind Cycling Championship takes place on the 9-kilometre-long Oosterscheldekering in Zeeland, but only if the wind reaches a minimum force of 7 (32 to 38 mph). If a storm is expected, organisers announce the event three days in advance, allowing participants to register.

Winter cycling: Now and then

Cycling in winter is nothing new. American pioneer adventure cyclists of the 1890s ventured into snowy wilds without the benefit of modern technical gear. One fascinating example was Max Hirschberg, a 19-year-old who braved the Klondike Gold Rush in 1900 on a bicycle. Setting off from Dawson, Yukon, in temperatures as low as -30°C,Hirschberg’s gear was a far cry from the high-performance options available today. His kit included fleece-lined overalls, wool socks, a mackinaw coat, and a fur cap. He even strapped a large fur robe to his handlebars for extra warmth. If Hirschberg could face the extreme cold, what excuse do we have in today’s relatively mild British winters?

Modern cyclists are spoiled for choice when it comes to winter gear. There are windproof jackets, thermal gloves, waterproof trousers, and overshoes to keep the cold and wet at bay. But investing in technical clothing isn’t the only way to make winter cycling more bearable. With a few simple and cost-effective strategies, you can stay comfortable and safe without breaking the bank.

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No such thing as bad weather…

…just inappropriate clothing. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Add a warm mid-layer, such as fleece, and top it off with a waterproof or windproof jacket. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a neck warmer to protect extremities. Invest in good-quality bike lights, and while reflective ankle bands might be old school, their bobbing movement is surprisingly eye catching on busy roads.

Maintain your bike

Winter conditions can be tough on your bike. Check your brakes, and clean and oil your chain regularly to prevent rust. WD40 might have been originally developed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles from going rusty in their silos, but it does a wonderfully effective (and thankfully more benign) job insulating your bike from the ravages of winter.

Pressure washers make light work of jobs that might otherwise be a real chore, but they can be too powerful for many tasks. Also, setting them up can be a faff if your garden hose is prone to kinks. Both drawbacks are addressed by the Titan cordless pressure washer we tested last year. It might not be powerful enough to jet wash a patio, but it's perfect for tackling muddy bicycles. And there's no need to connect to a mains water supply. You can draw water from any receptacle; bucket, watering can, water butt - anything you have handy.

Cycle Rescue

Breaking down in the cold and wet adds an unwelcome garnish to an already unwelcome experience. ETA’s Cycle Rescue service offers peace of mind with 24/7 recovery for cyclists. If you suffer a puncture, mechanical failure or even a flat battery, help is just a phone call away.

Cycling in winter doesn’t have to be a miserable slog. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, it can be rewarding - even invigorating.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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