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Seasonal Bugs

In towards London today to hook up with a friend and lifelong cycling buddy for a spin in and around the suburbs. Yesterday afternoon's clear blue skies failed to persist until this morning so it was another wet ride with more than a few flooded lanes to deal with. All in all it wasn't a bad ride and I managed to stay warm, but wet rides like this aren't the best thing to be doing this time of year. I don't want to start the winter by catching a seasonal bug.

So what can cyclists be doing to avoid getting ill over the winter?

• Dress right for the ride. Layers and good quality gloves and overshoes.
• Take it easy leaving the house. Give your self time to get everything warmed up before you start pushing it.
• Head out towards the wind. Avoid getting the chill on the return run by planning to have the wind behind you on the run in.
• Keep your energy up. Avoid lack of energy during rides as this reduces your immune system's effectiveness. Research has shown energy drinks have a part to play in helping athletes maintain a healthy immune system.
• Keep yourself clean. Don't hang around in cold dirty kit after the ride.
• Keep your bike clean. Avoid mid-ride mechanical stops out in the cold by making sure your bike is in good working order. Carry spare tubes so your not fiddling with repair kits.
• Eat well. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and don't be afraid of putting on a few pounds over the winter. Use supplements if necessary, but there's no substitute for good fruit and veg.
• Rest.

Comments:

More information on winter cycling over here courtesy of Tom W.
Thanks
By  iain
 

For long climbs in winter I usually take 2 pairs of gloves, a thinner pair for the climb which get damp/wet with sweat, then I've got a nice heavily padded dry pair for the descent.

Also a good excuse to buy some carbon fibre handlebars, they keep your hands much warmer than aluminium :)
By  phill
 

Don't stop you falling off though, do they Phill?
By  Anonymous
 

Not much you can do when you hit black ice on a bike!
At least my hands were toasty warm while I fell off and the padding saved them from road rash.
By  phill
 

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