Cold Weather Cycling Prep
with Kyle Kenny- Master Trainer
When winter cycling, sweat is a nightmare if you aren’t wearing the proper attire. Unequipped, sweating can make it nearly impossible to regulate your body temperature in cold or freezing temps. Additionally, outdoor cycling in winter is not usually convenient. It helps to prepare when to cycle, for how long, and what to wear and bring with you in advance. When you are preparing for the Stinky Spoke ride, you'll want to prepare your cycling gear well in advance.
What to wear cycling in cold weather
- Light layers: The better the quality of your cycling gear, the less you have to layer and the more comfortable you are. A base layer should keep you dry; mid layers should keep you insulated; and outer layers should protect you from wind and rain or snow
- Full coverage: It’s crucial to keep your head, core, and hands warm, especially the feet since they remain stationary during a bike ride and could go numb. But do not layer your socks. Layered socks only increase the chances of numb feet.
- Wind and water-resistant pieces: You definitely want your cycling garments to block out wind and water, but at the same time, they must be breathable. Many times, waterproof clothing has pores that are close together, which makes it difficult for air flow to get in.
I prefer a base layer, kit tights, long-sleeve jersey, a jacket and a cycling vest, along with gloves, socks, a head cover, and cleat covers.
Your bike needs to be prepped for cold weather conditions as well. Look at getting a tune up, check PSI, check cables, check the cassette and ensure swift changing of gears, and tighten bolts,.
Checklist:
Lights (helmet and bike)
Mudguard
Anti-rust spray
Studded tires
Most important of all, coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stinky Spoke depends on many volunteers on the day of the event to make it a success. Sign up to help before, during and/or after the ride. Contact us any time about volunteering.
Parking is available at the Redmond City Hall parking garage, 8711 160th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052, on the second through fourth floors. Overflow parking may be available at the King County District Courthouse, 8601 160th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Please DO NOT park in the Redmond Public Library parking area.
Yes, you can register at packet pickup on Friday, January 30 at Postdoc Brewing, 17625 NE 65th Street #100, Redmond, WA 98052, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. You can also register the morning of the ride. HOWEVER, if you choose one of these options, the base cost of $70 will increase to $85.
Rider packets will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the ride. Rider packets will also be available the evening before, Friday, January 30, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Postdoc Brewing Company, 17625 NE 65th Street #100, Redmond, WA 98052. We encourage all riders to save time and pick up their packets the evening before the ride.
The part of the course that runs through the watershed is a single track. There are places where you can ride side by side, but there might be other people on the trail. About 70 percent is not a single track. The ride through the watershed has many curves and only a few steep ups and downs. Most of the Pipeline Trail is wide. Heart Attack Hill is a challenge, with two steep downhill runs on the course.
Rain will make Stinky Spoke even stinkier! We will hold the ride, even if it's raining. Only if conditions are unsafe, such as with ice or severe weather, will we postpone the ride.
Kids and families are welcome to ride. However, the course is challenging, and we recommend that riders be nine years of age or older.
We highly recommend that all riders wear helmets for safety, but we do not police helmet usage.
Yes, electric bikes are allowed. Stinky Spoke is a ride for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes and your bike!
Rotary Club of Redmond
Rotary International is a humanitarian service organization that brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide community service, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, peace, and understanding in the world. Redmond Rotary produces Stinky Spoke, our major fundraising event of the year, to raise needed funds for local charities and international priorities. Its education program recognizes students-of-the-month at Redmond High School, supports Redmond High’s Interact Club, and awards scholarships so that students can further their educations.
(Thanks to all the photographers that have captured Stinky Spoke images. Our lead photo is courtesy of Kimberly Lind Photography.)
Redmond Rotary meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at noon at the Family Pancake House and the second and fourth Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Postdoc Brewing Company - Join us!
