With a few modifications to your wardrobe and a little dedication, you can extend your riding season throughout winter.
The Weather:
A typical "good day" for the summer is the opposite for the winter. A sunny day just melts the top layer of the soil and snow. Likwise if it isn't "cold cold" things just melt. So keep it under 27° F for a good ride.
Mornings are best. The midday sun just melts the top layers.
The Ride:
1) Dress in thin layers. Big bulky coats don't work for reasons listed below. Outer layers should be water resistant. You can buy special winter riding gear. However, you can also ride with layers purchased at any department store. Rain jackets and "plastic pants" make good outermost layers.
2) Start your ride "cold". Your exertion will raise your body temperature quickly. You'll be forced to strip layers off rapidly or sweat. Remember, if you sweat and then stop, you're temperature will drop rapidly. In winter you must be very careful to regulate your temperature.
3) Keep your feet warm and dry. Your summer shoes probably won't hack riding below freezing. Some folks ride with neoprene booties that go over your shoes. Others switch to flats with winter boots. There are even a few brands of Winter cycling boots out there, though they tend to be expensive. Whatever shoe you ride, make sure it has lots of room for a sock liner and a heavy wool sock. My Hint: the use of hiking gaiters can be effective at keeping snow out of your footwear.
4) Don't wear cotton, especially on your feet and hands. Cotton soaks up moisture and then all its insulation properties evaporate. In winter, good materials are wool, synthetics like fleece, polyester, nylon and silk. In the case of synthetics, they effectively wick moisture. Wool not only wicks well, it can absorb twice the amount of water without losing it's insulation properties. Wool socks are commonly available at Outdoor/Hunting type stores in the area.
5) Bring extra layers. If you have a mechanical or injury and are unable to ride, you will find your temperature will drop quickly. In these cases, it's important to have an extra layer handy to throw on. An extra hat and an extra top will probably do the job.
6) Heat your water. Heading out with warm water is a great way to keep it from freezing. True you do not need as much water in the winter. But it's still good to hydrate as you go. If you use hydration pack, blowing the water back into the resevoir will keep your tube from freezing.
7) Don't forget your helmet. However, you'll probably want to augment it with thin layers like headbands, caps and balaclavas. Remember, you'll be exerting yourself so you don't need a thick hat. If things get SUPER cold, you can buy helmet covers that block your cooling vents.
7) Bring your cell phone tell others where you're going. The hardy souls who ride in winter are few and far between. Your chances of being "stubled upon" after an injury are much smaller in the winter. Imagination Glen is small compared state and federal parks, but you can still freeze to death if you have a serious injury and cannot move.
8) If things get too icy, there are studded tires that stick to ice like velcro. Or, you can modify a pair of big nobbed tires with screws. Most of the time studs aren't necessary. But when things get icy, studs are just cool.
For more information on winter riding, check out http://www.icebike.com and BikeForums.net Winter Section. Any questions, please email the Webmaster.
Will T Smith