Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Adverse conditions
"Black" ice: Slow down in cold, wet conditions, where frost or snow is apparent on the verge.
General tips:
— Bridges, overpasses, shadowed areas of the road, and places near water like lakes or springs, may have iced surfaces in winter.
— Studded tyres gain traction in ice, and can be made easily by attaching pop-rivets or short screws, equidistant around the tyre. They shouldn't be placed in the walls of the tyre or the centre where the rubber hits the road. Prevent tubes puncturing by covering the screw-heads with duct tape.
— Slick or normal tread tyres will slide as in mud.
— Do not create any sudden movements, like braking hard, or steering insensitively.
— On starting to slide, turn the front wheel into the slide to regain control over the forward trajectory of the bicycle.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Adverse conditions
Strong headwinds: Treat it as hill climbing.
Don't become stressed at the wind, as this will tense muscles, increase heart-rate, and burn precious energy.
Streamline your profile, including luggage, for less air resistance.
Wear close-fitting clothing.
Take shoes out of cleats in case of falling over.
Keep luggage strapped down and weighted low to help balance.
Wear close-fitting sunglasses to prevent eyes tearing up.
If wind is cold, cover the face with balaclava. Lip balm may also help prevent chapped lips.
Get off and walk, or find shelter, if things get too tough.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Adverse conditions
Heavy rain: Use tested waterproof gear, especially on long rides. Not only a raincoat with a hood that fits under your helmet, but also waterproof pants, waterproof full-finger gloves, and waterproof shoe covers.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Adverse conditions
Cleats and cold feet: Cycling shoes have a metal plate in the sole, which can cause the feet to be cold in wet weather. A couple of solutions are:
- A thin pad under the shoe-liner and over this metal plate (or on top of the thin pad already there)
- Wear two pairs of socks.
- Plastic bags worn over socks, and tucked well under the top elastic band, with a rubber band holding them in place and sealing off any entry to water, may also help keep feet dry and relatively comfortable.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Main > Sport > Cycling > How to ride > Adverse conditions
Very hot, dry air: It is unwise to cycle in very hot conditions. It is possible to get sun-stroke and/or blackout. If one becomes dizzy, has a variable pulse, and feels strangely tired, seek shade immediately and cool down. Rehydrate and ingest some salt.
If there are no trees or shelters:
If you have a tent, erect it, and get inside. Keep the air-vents open so long as the wind entering is not hot.
Or, turn the bicycle upside-down, and drape clothing over it to create shelter from the sun. Lie in the shade.
Lay a thin damp sheet over the body and face.
N.B. Don't lie on the side of the road looking like an accident victim, unless you wish people to stop.
kellyjones00 (593)
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