Joe Matejka, founding president of Custom Fundraising Solutions, dedicates his professional time to helping local organizations raise money to meet their needs. In his free time, Joe Matejka enjoys weight training and cycling.
When riding in the winter, a cyclist needs to stay warm, but not too warm. Overdressing can easily lead to excess sweat, which evaporates and causes both dehydration and dangerous drops in body temperature. Moderate layering, which ideally begins with a wool or wicking synthetic base layer, is much more effective at keeping the cyclist safely warm. A soft-shell over-layer is ideal for drier days, while cool and wet conditions require a waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
Winter cyclists should also take care to keep the head covered to avoid excess loss of heat. A wool liner or stocking cap under the helmet works well in dry conditions, though a cap with a visor may be necessary on wetter days. Ear coverage is important, as are protective gloves. Riders can prioritize waterproofing and cold protection based on the climate where they ride.
The winter cyclist also needs to keep his or her feet warm and dry. Shoes should be large enough to fit thick socks, which should be wool rather than cotton. Finally, as added protection, cyclists who face wet conditions may wish to invest in waterproof and windproof shoe coverings.