Loving Winter Bicycling and Nights

   Full-time commuters and passionate four-season riders are usually looked upon as freaks.

   I suppose that's me. I've been asked many times how I can ride year-round and at night and why I would want to. My response; "Because I can." I know how exhilarating and rewarding it can be to brave the elements and ride in the worst of conditions.

   Here are several lessons learned from 20 years of riding year-round, (usually at night); from becoming an Effective Cycling (EC) instructor; and operating four businesses utilizing pedal powered vehicles. Attitude

   You will need a determined attitude. You have got to want to do it! Hopefully it's because you love winter and bicycling. The hardest part is getting out the door. There is more thinking involved in planning and budgeting your time.

   Equipment
Winter is hard on bicycles and components. Wash and relube after every ride, especially once the roads are being salted. Put on the widest tire your frame will allow; most riders prefer a mountain bike's upright, stable position for snow-packed roadways. Trikes are also becoming popular for winter riding. Any bike with a long wheelbase will perform adequately -- even recumbents. Watch out on tight racing bikes, though: They are a bit squirrely.

   Clothes
Clothes should be made of anything but cotton. Synthetic garments are your best bet; although many cyclists swear by wool. Use a windproof fabric on the outside with several layers underneath. There are thousands of combinations to achieve thermal happiness. Your exertion level will determine how much clothing you'll need.

   Pay special attention to your hands and feet.
Fingers get cold first because no blood gets to them while gripping the bars. Lobster-style gloves are nice because they keep some of your fingers together. I usually use a full mitten. But make sure whatever you use does not interfere with braking. Try to keep blood flowing to the fingers, shake them out often. Move your hands around.

   For feet, wear a boot in the coldest part of winter. Blow zero I use a windproof sock (Gore-Tex) over a wool sock. From zero to 32 degrees, a light sock with the same oversock. From 32 to 50 degrees, I just use the wool sock. Most heat is lost through the head. Find a hat, headband or balaclava that will fit under your helmet

   Carrying devices
Packing extra precautionary equipment requires some type of carry-all. Panniers are the best choice because they keep the weight off the cyclist. A backpack or courier bag works fine, too. While more convenient off-bike, they will make your back sweat more.

   Darkness
You will probably have to ride in the dark if you commute in winter. The minimum legal requirement in Wisconsin is a white front light and a red rear reflector. But, you need to see and be seen. Buy the most light you can afford. The small "legal" lights just do not cut it. Flashing rear lights help too. Retroreflective tape and material is useful, especially when worn low to the ground. Make yourself stand out. Night riding is generally brighter in winter because of the snow reflection.

   Skills
Slow down in the dark. Watch for shiny area and shadows in the roadway. Effective Cycling courses teach, "Bicyclist fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles." Take your lane. Be visible! Be predictable! For detailed skill building consider taking an EC course.

   Be careful of tire tracks in newly fallen snow. Sometimes it is best to ride in the right-hand track, sometimes not. It is best to find an alternative, quieter side road. This will add time, but it will be more fun and a lot less stressful.

   Riding virgin snow roads is a euphoric experience. Keep your weight centered, or a little back. Do not lean into the corners. Let the bike steer itself. Constantly check to make sure the brakes are still working. Trust me on this one.

   There are plenty of good rides to be had in winter. Some of my fondest memories are of mountain biking snowmobile trails at -5 degrees. A brisk training ride at 20 degrees, big sun, no wind, no cars, dry roads. Riding to work at 10:30 p.m. at -38 degrees, not including wind-chill. Riding on 5 inches of virgin powder as the sun was coming up.

   Think things through, experiment, and enjoy the winter. Stand tall and just smile when they call you crazy.

   Mike Gerke is the co-owner of the Easy Living Services, a bicycling-based company in Green Bay, and an Effective Cycling Instructor.