I got back into cycling (mostly gravel and paved multi-use path) about a year and a half ago. Last winter, I more or less put biking aside and just tried to do more walking instead.
This year, I’m trying to continue biking a bit more throughout the winter because firstly, I enjoy it, and second I don’t want to be as out of shape come spring.
I’ve gotten myself some warmer gear (not a ton). I’ve given myself permission to just try to get some seat time in while not really pushing for distance or speed.
Lately the weather has been more of a challenge and I’m feeling myself falling behind.
So, what’s the community’s approach to winter?
Do you suck it up and go for it like it’s still summer? Move into the garage/basement and go 100% indoor trainer?
Where I live it almost never snows so I’m not that bothered by the cold or minor winds, although that sux, what really stops me in my tracks is the lack of daylight. I sign off from work at 18h, and it is dark. I do have lights and if somebody else signs up for a night ride I’m all in, and very rarely I ride solo. It isn’t very pleasant to risk a mechanical issue or dangerous encounter with local wildlife, like wild boars, goats or dinasours.
So in winter I mostly do light indoor running or spinning, on weekdays, then it’s outside on weekends.
Getting dark early is what kind of kills it for me too. By the time I’m getting off work the light is fading fast and the temperature is dropping with it.
Dealing with mechanical issues always sucks, but that’s another thing I’ve had in the back of my mind - it would be tough to deal with that kind of stuff with chilly or gloved fingers.