Checklist for winter cycling: everything you need to pack

For many bicycle travellers, the arrival of winter rhymes with rest, bicycles in the garage and waiting for sunny days. However, winter is not inevitable. It is quite possible, with the right equipment and the right preparation, to make long winter outings. You might even really enjoy it! Have you prepared your to do list? Lighting, loading, clothing, routes, you will know everything on the checklist that we have concocted for your next winter cycle touring outing.

Which lighting to choose for cycling in winter?

Let's start the checklist for winter cycling with the subject of lighting. We all know that one of the great difficulties with the practice of cycle tourism in winter is the limited duration of sunshine. If we have to drive as much as possible when it's daytime, certain situations force us to take the road at night. In this case, it is absolutely necessary to see and be seen. In addition, the choice of good long-distance bicycle lighting should favor good durability, ease of power supply and good resistance to cold. Which lights meet these demanding conditions? Dynamo lighting.

Summer or winter, the practice of cycle tourism imposes autonomy. You never know where or when it will be possible to recharge your electrical equipment. For long-distance bicycle lighting, opt for high-visibility dynamo lighting to guarantee you real independence while maintaining a good level of safety. The dynamo lighting guarantees true energy independence, essential on long-distance journeys. For example, you can find this type of light at Supernova, with the E3 Pro 2 Supernova front dynamo light.

In addition, good lighting for cyclists must have sufficient power to illuminate the road, especially during low winter sunshine. As the roads are also rarely lit outside built-up areas, equip your bike with lights of a minimum of 50 lux or 300 lumens at the front. We can recommend a model that combines power and dynamo power, such as the Lumotec 50 lux front bicycle light.

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Cycling equipment checklist: how to ward off the cold on a bike?

The number one enemy of the cyclist is not the cold, it's the humidity! The repeated effort on the bike generates a lot of perspiration. When the body cools, this moisture is freezing. It can even freeze with the wind. The main priority of the cyclist is therefore both to spare his physical efforts, but also to evacuate this humidity. This is where cycling clothing for winter comes in.

It is essential to respect the rule of three layers when choosing winter clothing. Namely: a breathable first layer to wick away perspiration. For this, a technical underwear can be very effective. You will find this kind of clothing from the Megalight brand with the lightweight men's cycling t-shirt, whose two layers guarantee evaporation and warmth. A second insulating layer . The purpose of this is to conserve your body heat.

This intermediate layer must trap air. For this, a fleece or down jacket is ideal. And a waterproof and windproof third layer against the outdoor elements. This layer should protect you from rain, snow and wind, while remaining breathable enough to avoid interior condensation. Moisture must therefore not enter, but must be able to exit. You can find excellent waterproof and breathable jackets with the Altura brand as on its Pertex® Ridge waterproof & breathable men's cycling jacket.

The other rule to follow is the protection of the extremities. The head, the first area from which body heat escapes, must be protected from cold and wind. The importance of a beanie should therefore never be overlooked. To keep your head and neck warm for the winter, the balaclava will be an excellent ally. For example, the BBB brand offers the Fullhead black winter cycling balaclava.

The hands, also very exposed, deserve special attention. The insulating properties of cycling gloves can protect them from the wind. Moreover, humidity and rain are not uncommon in winter. The use of impermeable gloves is therefore highly recommended. This is what the Vaude brand offers, for example, with waterproof cycling gloves with Tura II tactile finger.

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Transport, bags, how to adapt to winter?

If riding in winter can bring a lot of pleasure, it also requires real logistical preparation. In other words, you have to anticipate the cold and the humidity to better appreciate the season. More concretely, to transport your load, the choice of saddlebags must take into account the risk of rain or snow. You will therefore need waterproof bags that keep your equipment dry. To this end, the Basil brand offers its waterproof double bag Miles.

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In addition, the demanding winter conditions require a larger load volume. The panniers must contain, among other things, a winter-ready sleeping bag, a good camping air mattress, as well as warm clothes. It will therefore be necessary to have bags on the front and rear luggage racks or large volume bags. For this purpose, the Hapo brand has developed their set of 2 x 23L waterproof bike bag models. A large load in complete tightness.

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What routes for cycling in winter?

The choice of route in winter is not to be taken lightly. In the case of a long trip over several seasons, it will always be necessary to arrange to approach the hottest countries in winter and the coldest countries in summer. The expected travel time for each country should be calculated in advance and the itinerary planned accordingly.

In the case of a shorter trip, the route should favor the plains and get as far away as possible from the mountains. Of course, the choice of route will be closely linked to the target region, but one rule applies to everyone: stay on the cycle paths and facilities insofar as they are practicable. Otherwise, you will have to adapt and aim for the safest routes. The safest roads for cyclists in winter are those that are cleared of snow while having light vehicle traffic.

Here is a choice of itineraries that ensure a certain accessibility in winter without suffering too much from the cold: the Tour du lac Léman à vélo, which offers a magnificent view on maintained and safe roads. Cross the Landes on the Vélodyssée, a route along the Atlantic guaranteeing a mild climate. The Loire by bike, whose proximity to the famous river guarantees a low altitude and a climate that is rarely always pleasant.

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Winter cycling anecdote

On the road in winter, even with the most technical equipment, it is not uncommon to have icy hands and feet from the cold and the wind. The sensation can even be very painful. To conclude this checklist, discover the tip of a seasoned cycling tourist in winter.

As a cyclist, Charles's technique is therefore to stop every two hours in a hot spot found on the road. A café, a bakery, a supermarket, a gas station, anything can do! The idea is to stay there for 15 minutes to warm up your body and extremities, wick away perspiration, and leave feeling better. It's also a great opportunity for him to have a hot coffee and meet locals, it would be a shame not to! Having walked along the Danube in winter under largely negative temperatures, this technique proved to be vital for him!

To have the most complete information concerning a departure by bike, we invite you to consult your very instructive check list: what equipment for cycle tourism?