Although there are many good reasons to cycle outdoors all year round, most of us tend to venture out less as the weather gets colder, opting for indoor cycling, other sports, or hibernation instead. This winter, why not try to keep it going? If you already want to roll your eyes and hide under a blanket, hear us out. These ideas just might inspire you to keep pedaling through the winter.
DO IT FOR THE VIEWS
Watching the scenery change with the seasons is one of the most beautiful parts of cycling. Riding in the colder, darker months means more chances to catch the sun rise, breathe in the crisp air, and witness fog, frost, and snow transform the landscape into a winter wonderland.
RIDE WITH FRIENDS
Another motivational tool for getting out in the winter can be found in the people around you. Planning routes with friends, committing to a regular cycling routine, and keeping each other accountable are all effective ways to stay on track. Another way to ride with friends is to join or create a Strava challenge to reach a certain goal before the end of the winter. (On the other hand, if you like peace and quiet on the road, it’s easy to find solitude in the winter.)
BRING THE HYPE
Sprinkling other sources of inspiration throughout the rest of your day can also help to keep the motivation going. Whether it’s listening to a podcast about cycling, wearing a Pas Normal Studios beanie to work, preparing everything the night before so you have no excuses, or hanging a SALA poster of your favorite local route next to your bed, the options are endless.
RETAIL THERAPY
For those who love to shop, cycling makes the perfect excuse for picking up a new pair of neoprene winter gloves with surprising dexterity in the fingers or a set of extra warm overshoes. And vice versa: if you have already made a big purchase, you will want to get your money’s worth by using them as many times as possible!
EYES ON THE PRIZE
If all else fails to convince you to cycle all year-round, think about the rewards. Cycling through the winter provides training in endurance, discipline, and commitment. The mental health benefits of exercise are widely proven, but doing it outside might be even better. And, by any measure of coziness, post-ride hot showers, warm meals, and sofa snuggles would be off the charts.
We hope this little list helps light a fire of cycling motivation this winter. The colder months in places like Germany can get long and, let’s face it, depressing. But cycling — especially with friends — is one way of not just surviving this part of the year, but even thriving in it. See you on the bike!