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Winter cycling is equally as enjoyable as riding on a beautiful spring day. To enjoy cycling in the winter you first have to be dressed properly starting out and to have with you changes in attire to use as the condition dictates. Without either of these, winter cycling can be absolutely miserable or even deadly.

Although conditions determine the length of each ride, for the purpose of this article an outing in the winter will usually be around 30 miles for recreational purposes and the temperature will be below freezing. Commuting is another subject not discussed here.

Before you consider what to wear, first consider how you are going to carry extra clothing and other essentials needed for a ride in the winter. The most logical choice here is a backpack ideal for cycling. A wise choice is a model that features an internal water bladder for drinking water. Your regular water bottle mounted to the frame is not going to be of much use in sub-freezing temperatures. What to pack will be in a few paragraphs.

For sub-freezing attire you will use a layering strategy.

The base layer next to your skin needs to be a warm lightweight moisture wicking garment. Seek out under garments made for athletes to use outdoors in the winter. Never wear a cotton garment as a base layer for winter cycling, it will not wick moisture from the skin which could lead to hypothermia.

The next layer can vary depending on the temperature. Generally it will be an insulating layer such as a wool cycling shirt, or a fleece. As the ride progresses you may find the need to either remove or change this layer therefore it should be able to compact enough to fit in the pack.

For the outer layer a windproof cycling jacket will suffice.

Now that you have chosen the right reflective jersey, consider buying a reflective medical identification wristband with your personalised medical details on, so that paramedics can identify allergies or life threatening conditions fast.

Prior to your ride you should spend 10 to 15 minutes outside in the clothing you think you will wear for the ride. If you are warm and not the least bit cold you are over dressed, you will be drenched in sweat shortly after the ride begins. Ideally you want to be somewhat chilly but not freezing, you will warm up as the ride progresses.

During the ride you may find it necessary to make adjustments. If your clothing has zippered vents, try them first, just be careful to not let cold air rush in on top of sweaty skin. You may also try to slow down the pace slightly to cool down. If you are cold, either speed up if possible or add another layer from the pack.

In any ride below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the following items should be packed as extras:

• Extra base layer top. You will need this if your top gets too wet or if you need to add another layer for warmth. The high tech athletic versions can be rolled up very compact and are lightweight
• Extra insulating layer. This also needs to be lightweight and compact. A good quality winter cycling shirt is perfect for this purpose. You will want to use this also if you stop for any breaks or have to make a stop for repairs.
• Extra helmet liner. You will change this out as they do get wet.
• Extra riding gloves.
• Balaclava if you did not start out with one.
• Chemical warmers. Get both the hand and foot versions. These are cheap and they work. If you have to repair a chain when it is 10 degrees out you will be glad you had these in your pack.

On a final note, educate yourself on the causes of, the effects of, and the treatment of hypothermia. It is a very dangerous unavoidable part of cycling in the winter. Winter riding is fun, winter riders need to be safe.

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Moab Bike Trails

Looking for a new adventure? Well there is one waiting for you in Utah. Moab is a great area for outdoor and mountain bike enthusiasts. There are many trails here so it’s a great weekend trip if you want to do a couple, or spend a week if you want the full experience. With Arches National Park right next door you can see the amazing views that Utah has to offer. Pick up a map in town or at the visitor’s center before you sent out.

Here is some information on some of these interesting and dynamic trails that you want to try out on your bike:

Baby Steps Trail

Lower Monitor and Merrimac Trail

Klondike Bluffs Trail

Baby Steps

If you want an easy ride, this is not the trail for you. The trailhead is about twenty miles outside of town (see your map for directions). However, if you want a classic desert terrain ride, then this might be a good one for you. The trail is made up of a two-track that is designed for bikes, so don’t stray from the trail. Unless you were really familiar with the area, getting off that path is not a good idea; the terrain can be dangerous if you get lost. The trail is twenty miles long, and only takes about three hours. The elevation gain is almost 5000 feet and you can see ancient dinosaur tracks and great views.

Lower Monitor and Merrimac

For a little easier trail try this one. A little close to town, this trail is made up of graded roads, 4WD roads, and slickrock. If you are unfamiliar in riding on slickrock, take it easy at first and learn how your bike responds. A little less than 8 miles and only 500 feet elevation, the trail might be a good starter. There is some sand and lots of rock, but if you stay on the trail you should be fine.

Klondike Bluffs

This ten mile ride is a high one, starting at almost 5,500 feet elevation. You should bike this trail in the spring or fall to avoid the rains which can cause flash floods and the fast snow storms in the winter. Much of the trail is made of clay so can be precarious in bad weather-make sure to check the forecast before you leave. What’s great about this trail is that it ends right on the border of Arches national Park, so you have great views at the end.

Of course one should not overlook safety concerns. Always wear a cycling helmet and it is advisable to wear some form of cycling identification, so that in the case if an emergency, paramedics can easily access critical health care information.

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