Many of us Minnesotans think about the winter months as a time to hibernate, hunker down with a good book and wait for the Alberta Clippers and subzero wind chills to give way to warmer weather. Some of us find ways to enjoy the winter weather by hitting the frozen lakes for some pond hockey or ice fishing. Despite the frigid temperatures and snow-packed streets, a few bold and dare I say "passionate" Minnesotans are still riding their bikes. This is my second winter season as a Peace Coffee Bike Courier and my tenth winter as a year-round bike commuter. I can safely say that so far, the winter of 2008/2009 has been the harshest that I can remember. After all these years, I think I've finally figured out the key to staying comfortable and having fun on my bike in nearly any kind of winter weather.

Trial and error has always been my preferred learning style, and I've tried a lot of different things over the years to help make winter biking a little easier. The following points are the major things that have helped me get through the winter biking season.

• Increase caloric intake. Cold weather makes your body work harder to stay warm so you have to keep the tank full. At a minimum, my breakfast consists of toast, 1 egg with cheese, fruit, coffee and juice. If I have it, I will also drink a large glass of whole, raw milk before I head out. I generally "graze" throughout the day because big meals tend to make me tired, so I'll have a couple small lunches and a few pieces of fruit or energy bars. For dinner, I'll eat whatever I can get my hands on.

• Don't overheat. Since everyone's body works a little differently, I can't say that my dress code will work for you. My tried and true outfit for temperatures between zero and 10F are the following: Carhartt overalls, Capilene long underwear, merino wool jersey, windproof/waterproof jacket with vents, merino wool socks, Lake winter biking boots, winter biking gloves with wool liners, merino wool beanie, snowboarding helmet and goggles. Below zero temps call for another wool sweater. The take away message: MERINO WOOL ROCKS!!! Find it on sale and stock up.


• Stay hydrated. This is possibly the hardest thing for me to do in the winter, partially because my water bottle freezes in about 10 minutes on some days, but also because I just don't get as thirsty in the cold weather. Drink lots of water, about 3 liters a day will do a world of good.

• Stretch a little before and a lot after you ride. When I don't stretch after a long day in the saddle, I don't sleep as well that night and my legs take a lot longer to warm up the next day.

• Keep your chain, rims and break pads clean. For obvious reasons.

Of course, my favorite pre-ride routine entails sipping a hot mug of our Sidamo single origin coffee while looking at the weather forecast. My fellow bean hauler, Meagan O'Brien, put it best when she said, "Wool and butter help me get through the winter." Take these words to heart folks and get out there for some winter biking bliss!

Bike On,
Andy
Peace Coffee Bike Courier