How does your riding change as we shift into autumn?
After the busyness of the summer, autumn is my recovery season. My focus is just to get out, enjoy being on the bike, and get the miles in without racing.
I also do more mixed activities too – a bit more climbing, swimming and training in the gym too. I'll be working on my core, building flexibility and power. It helps to reduce the risk of injury.
I need winter to recover from the summer. We need seasons so its not just go, go, go! Give yourself time to rest and build strength again.
What do you enjoy most about cycling in autumn and winter?
I love those fresh, crunchy autumn days. And the sunsets! I have memories of amazing sunsets from this time of year: up on Blencathra and Helvellyn. You’ve got to have clear sky but it’s the best time for sunrise and sunsets.
I love cycling in the snow. I prefer drier weather when it’s crunchy frost rather than wet (if we’re lucky to have dry weather in the Lakes!), but cycling on snow is like skiing on your bike - it’s amazing!
Skiing on your bike?
Yes, there’s a knack to it. If you touch the brakes, your wheels will go. So you have to commit to it, you have to carve hard like you’re skiing.
I’ll put on grippier tyres to help on the ice and snow. And this might be controversial, I know many riders reduce their tyre pressure, but I tend to pump them up and ride harder tyres. I don’t use spikes. I use hard tyres and let them cut through the snow like skis.
How does your ride change in winter?
As well as mountain biking, I’ll get out on my gravel bike a bit more. I don’t like road cycling so much in the wet.
I’m definitely more safety conscious too. I’ll have the Qark headtorch in my backpack at all times, even if I’m not expecting to be out. It can get dark before you realise and there have been times when I’m grateful to have my head torch with me.
I’ll also carry spare mid-layers too. I have a Sierra Vest I keep in the backpack so I don’t get caught out.
Any favourite memories?
Helvellyn in the snow. I remember we tried to get up, but the plan didn’t go to plan. We made the decision to turn around as the snow turned into a blizzard. We were all laughing as we climbed down, smiling as we finished. It sounds like an odd one for favourite memory - but it’s the essence of winter. You've got to make the most of it! And that day we were making the most by making the decision to come back down.
What keeps you motivated to ride as it gets colder and darker?
Go out with friends! I’d never get out in the winter if it wasn’t for other people. It commits me to going out. And it’s a lot more fun, and safer too.
What advice would you give to riders who struggle to get out in winter?
Find a group to go with! That helps me a lot. And layering up with the right kind of clothing.
But also, be kind to yourself. Listen to your body. Give yourself that time if you need it. And go out when you’re going to enjoy it.
Winter can be hard, do what you can.