Most people wouldn’t dream of riding a bicycle in January; however, it is looking like a viable way into the city on Inauguration day.
Wait. Ride a bicycle. Outside. In January?
Welcome to your inaugural winter ride! Lines and trains and buses, Oh my! Yeah, by cycle. It's true what they say, Dress for Success.
Turn to wool and silk. Local bike shop owners all agree, these age old materials are still the best.
Pay close attention to your hands and head. Good gloves and a balaclava are a must. Check out a pair of lobster gloves, some cyclists swear by them.
Keeping your feet warm is often the most challenging part of winter riding. Again, look to a combination of silk and wool. Neoprene shoe covers also do the trick.
Cycling shoes tend to run small. Unless you sized up your winter pair, consider regular shoes. Be sure your toes are not cramped or constricted or you’ll end up with cold feet. Remember you’ll be walking around once you are there anyway.
Layer your core. Try a silk undershirt, wool jersey, and nylon windbreaker. On the bottom, spandex tights are a must. Wear pants over them if you don’t want to walk around in bike tights.
The high tech alternatives like polyester and polypropylene are just as effective. Keep in mind these fabrics retain odor. This is one of the reasons cyclists prefer wool, no sweat or odor.
Another thing to consider is backpacks will not be allowed near the Capitol or Parade route.
Dress warmer than you normally would for a ride and slow down. Stuff some toe warmers and a space blanket in your jersey pocket.
Try to get your spare tube and tire levers in a bag attached to your bike and leave your bike with the bike valet provided by the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.
Wait. Ride a bicycle. Outside. In January?
Welcome to your inaugural winter ride! Lines and trains and buses, Oh my! Yeah, by cycle. It's true what they say, Dress for Success.
Turn to wool and silk. Local bike shop owners all agree, these age old materials are still the best.
Pay close attention to your hands and head. Good gloves and a balaclava are a must. Check out a pair of lobster gloves, some cyclists swear by them.
Keeping your feet warm is often the most challenging part of winter riding. Again, look to a combination of silk and wool. Neoprene shoe covers also do the trick.
Cycling shoes tend to run small. Unless you sized up your winter pair, consider regular shoes. Be sure your toes are not cramped or constricted or you’ll end up with cold feet. Remember you’ll be walking around once you are there anyway.
Layer your core. Try a silk undershirt, wool jersey, and nylon windbreaker. On the bottom, spandex tights are a must. Wear pants over them if you don’t want to walk around in bike tights.
The high tech alternatives like polyester and polypropylene are just as effective. Keep in mind these fabrics retain odor. This is one of the reasons cyclists prefer wool, no sweat or odor.
Another thing to consider is backpacks will not be allowed near the Capitol or Parade route.
Dress warmer than you normally would for a ride and slow down. Stuff some toe warmers and a space blanket in your jersey pocket.
Try to get your spare tube and tire levers in a bag attached to your bike and leave your bike with the bike valet provided by the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.
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