No Bad Days -Winter Riding Interview with Laura King and Rachel Cohen
Rachel bike and tires: Orbea Terra with Vittoria Terreno Dry 38c All-Weather
Laura bike and tires: Cannondale SuperX with Rene Herse Hurricane Ridge 42c Knobbies
Q: How to get yourself out the door when it's cold outside?
We really benefit from having the accountability of a riding partner. Scheduling a ride and committing to showing up for the other person has gotten us out in the rain/sleet/cold on many occasions, when alone it would have been easy to bail. We also like to have a destination goal. Usually that’s a coffee shop or bakery, or just an interesting route we’re committed to completing. Once it’s loaded on the bike computer and we’re out following a dotted line it’s much easier to stay the course even as conditions deteriorate.
Q: Where do you draw the line? Is there any weather you simply will not ride in?
Cold weather riding can be extra rewarding ‘cause you feel like a badass! That being said, extreme cold, the kind that gives you brain freeze, is where Rachel tends to call it quits, which is about 20F degrees. Laura might choose to fatbike in the woods on extra-cold days since there is less wind there and you’re moving at slower speeds. The other thing we both think about is mud and the potential to damage your bike. Another thing to consider is how well your local road crew plows, sands and salts the roads, which can affect the safety of road riding, even gravel road riding. Some days are just better trainer days, and that's okay!
Q: So do you mix in some indoor trainer sessions in the winter?
Yes! Especially during the work week when our schedules are less flexible and the days are much shorter. Trainer sessions are great for several reasons: first, you can get a really high quality workout in a short amount of time, using a planned workout or riding Zwift, the Sufferfest, or TrainerRoad, or simply designing your own intervals.
Time efficiency is also really key mid-week. Eliminating the time it takes to get dressed in all the layers, gather accessories, wash and dry the bike after riding is a huge time-saver. Rachel often gets home from work, gets dinner started and hops on the trainer while it’s cooking!
Q: How do you dress for winter weather, varying temperatures and precipitation?
Layering is key! We highly recommend the Velocio layering guide for suggestions on what to wear in various temperature ranges. While you can get away from borrowing from your skiing or running wardrobe, cycling specific clothing has the right size pockets for stowing away a layer or two as you ride. Consider a warm hat that covers your ears, a buff, warm and windproof gloves (plus an extra pair in case they get wet), and winter-weight socks.
Cyclist and friend Sonya Looney swears by the 7Mesh Thunder rain pants, which are designed to be cut to fit your inseam. And finally, carrying a pair of emergency handwarmers is a great idea in case all else fails!
We’ve also started bringing handlebar bags with a light-weight puffy jacket in it in case we need to stop for a bike repair or at a bakery. And we always need to stop at a bakery :-)
Q: What about your footwear?
Laura loves the winter specific shoes made by 45NRTH and recommends checking out 45NRTH Ragnarok Shoe for most winter gravel cycling conditions. If you’re looking for a shoe for the most extreme winter temps, check out the 45NRTH WOLFGAR, which works in temperatures as low as -25, making it the ultimate cold weather cycling boot.
Rachel goes with the ZERO+ Bootie from Velocio and puts it right over her typical gravel shoe.
Q: This stuff is expensive. If you could choose ONE item to add to your toolkit this winter what would it be?
Laura’s pick is a great set of fenders. I have the Planet Bike SpeedEZ Fenders (don’t need fender mounts), which keep the wetness on the road and off her body. An AssSaver is a low-investment option.
Rachel would choose a comfortable, cycling-specific jacket. She wears the Velocio Signature Softshell because it works in such a wide temperature range and has a great cut without compromising mobility.
Q: What are some other winter riding essentials?
Visibility! Rear lights are essential in the winter.
Eyewear: a lighter lens sunglass is really nice, for example the Reactiv Photochromic options from Julbo are great, as well as the ROKA Shift Photochromic lenses.
Additional snacks and a hydration plan. Our bodies burn more calories in winter temps so increasing your caloric intake each hour is essential. We like to put warm water in our bottles and use UnTapped Ginger Maple ‘cause the ginger warms your throat as you drink.
Watch Full Interview on Facebook here or get it on the Girls Gone Gravel Podcast