What is autumn/winter riding?
Nights are getting darker, days colder and weather wetter, so we will switch to a winter riding schedule from October-March. Like last year, we won’t stop over winter however you need to make sure you keep safe. Keep an eye on the weather too, rides are more likely to be cancelled last minute due to heavy rain, ice or snow. Rides will go ahead on days with rain/wind but any dangerous conditions can see rides cancelled either shortly before or during an event. Keep in mind, that temperatures on a bike ride are always lower than those forecast, due to wind chill. Some weather apps provide a ‘feels like’ temperature which is a truer estimation. Last year we had some great rides on crisp winter mornings even when temperatures got down to -6 but if you are wearing the correct layers you don’t feel it too much.
If you decide to not ride over winter, please join us for a monthly spin class (details on Spond) and keep active. Many cyclists opt to use the winter season for lifting weights, squats, indoor cardio and bulking. Even if you don’t cycle, keep the body active, especially for those coming to Mallorca in 2025.
What should i wear for autumn/winter?
As it starts getting colder, you should be wearing multiple layers so that you can make adjustments during a ride to stay comfortable. In winter we recommend all of the following clothing:
Base layer (thermal if possible)
Cycling jersey
Cycling jacket or waterproof layer. (you can also get thermal cycling jackets.)
Cycling tights/long bib shorts. (thermal if possible)
A neck warmer or buff
A cycling cap that fits under your helmet to keep your head warm.
Full length gloves (no half gloves!)
Shoe covers or multiple layers of socks.
If you have any questions regarding what to wear or what brands are the best, stick a message in the WhatsApp and everyone can help. Decathlon and Sports Direct/Evans are usually good for getting cost effective cycle clothing.
How often do you cycle in winter?
Like last year we will keep cycling throughout winter, however rides are more susceptible to cancellation due to weather. Our midweek rides will stop in October due to lack of daylight however our Saturday group rides will continue all year. We are planning some Halloween/Christmas themed rides as well as rides during the festive period so that people who may not celebrate Christmas or those needing a break from family during those times can come join in.
Our WhatsApp is also the place for anyone to post if they want to go cycle and would like some company. You don’t have to try and organise a clandestine ride, we are open to anyone posting their cycles in the chat, any day of the week.
Are routes in winter the same as spring/summer?
Due to the nature of some routes, its not safe to cycle on them during icy/snow/dark conditions. We will stick to regular routes over winter that allow safe cycling. There will still be wee jaunt/half measure/full send routes but these might be reduced in numbers.
In winter its often safer to cycle on roads than on cycle paths due to wet leaves/ice and snow being cleared from roads quicker. As such routes will be amended to make sure they are as safe as possible for the group sizes.
One thing that does slightly change over winter is café stops, because of the size of some group rides (20+) its not possible to sit inside places on most routes, therefore stops are outside and open to the elements. Over winter we might remove stops altogether and just continue routes back to Glasgow so we don’t loose warmth or get too wet. This will be posted on Spond before rides to let everyone know. I think we all agree stopping for a quick coffee is great however with 20+ people ordering, by the time the last person gets their coffee the first person will be freezing cold. Keeping your legs warm for the rest of the rides is really important so some routes (mostly half measure/full send) might include a stop at a petrol station instead of a café for instance or we might ask you to bring supplies and stop somewhere for 2 minutes to eat & drink instead.
What about indoor cycling?
Again, like last year we will be taking part in Spin classes at Strathclyde University Sport centre in the city centre. These classes are priced at £6.80 and allow access to the 45 minute class, with use of the other facilities after if you wish (gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam room) We also usually head to the Ark afterwards for coffee/lunch. All details of these will be on Spond. All spin classes must be booked in advance (usually 7 days before)
We also sometimes do mid-week spin classes, again these will be posted on Spond. If you have a gym membership and want to keep cycling over winter then most gyms have spin bikes you can use out with classes.
Velodrome cycling is also a great way to stay active on the bike over winter. We will be starting up accreditation rides again soon once we hear back from Glasgow Life.
Is there anything i need to do with my bike?
We would recommend you have your bike serviced prior to winter to make sure everything is in working order. Some people like to add thicker tires to their bike for winter to increase grip on icy/wet surfaces. Some people also use a winter bike or second bike over the colder months which lessen the chances of anything happening to your ‘good’ bike. While not everyone can have this luxury, it can be beneficial if you are commuting a lot to have a bike just for commuting and one for riding with the club.
Lights on the front and back of your bike are also 100% necessary, even during the day it can get pretty dark in Glasgow. High-vis and bright clothing is also advised to be worn when riding in dark conditions.
Salt & grit will quickly build up on your bike over winter too, which can cause corrosion to your frame. You need to be washing your bike frequently to remove this. If you aren’t cycling as much over winter, please make sure you routinely check on your bike (especially if its outdoors) as things like frost and ice can degrade tires and components if left stationary for long periods of time.
If you have any questions regarding maintenance of your bike for winter, please have a chat with Sylwia at Dynamo CIC who is more than happy to help or stick a message in the WhatsApp.