How to keep up your training momentum during the winter months
Staying safe. Staying fit. Staying healthy. Staying focused.
With winter comes a different way of training. While our event date is in late spring, which will hopefully bring some warmer weather, between now and then are some pretty cold days and fewer daylight hours.
To prepare yourself for a safe and successful event day, training is key!
Colder days don’t mean resigning yourself to the sofa - all rides, all exercise, all preparation, it all counts.
Here are some tips for how to cope with training over the next few months:
Swap the outdoors for the indoors
If the weather outside is truly terrible and you can’t quite face driving rain, snow or sub-zero temperatures in the dark, you can swap outdoor training for some hours on the indoor bike - at the gym or at home. Working on strength and conditioning - training the legs and bum - is important and this can be done on the road, MTB tracks or indoors! It can be good to clock up the hours then work on speed later on through your training journey.
Enhance your visibility
First things first, prioritise your visibility. As daylight hours shorten, wearing reflective clothing and using bright bike lights is crucial for staying visible to motorists and other cyclists.
Stay warm
Layer up with breathable materials if you are outside - base layers, jackets, socks and gloves to keep your extremities warm, and ear warmers are recommended. Layers that are easy to remove and pack away safely are even better! Don’t neglect your hands and feet - they’re pretty important parts for riding, so look after them!
Protect your eyes
Think about eye protection for those low sunrises/sunsets and glare on the roads.
Make a plan
Set small, achievable goals - writing a training plan can be really beneficial and can keep you accountable. We have some great training programmes from Ventouro, tailored for each event category.
Check your routes and take time of day into consideration - if you’re going by road or track, be aware that if conditions have been cold overnight, an early ride might be slippery!
Balance fitness and recovery - spend time nurturing your body, too.
Eat right
For a sports dietitian’s guide to the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge nutrition, check out more here.
Pack Your Winter Cycling Essentials
When heading out, ensure you pack the essentials to keep your ride smooth and safe:
Nutrition: Carry energy bars, gels, or fruit like bananas to fuel your rides.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer, so pack a water bottle or hydration pack.
Spare Gear: Be prepared for mechanical issues by carrying a multitool, spare inner tubes, and a mini pump.
Weather Protection: Pack a lightweight, packable rain jacket or waterproof shell to stay dry in case of rain or snow showers.
By following these tips and packing your essentials, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your winter cycling adventures comfortably and safely. Your dedication to winter training will ensure you're ready to tackle Event Day on November 28th. Happy riding!