CYCLING PERFORMANCE TIPS

Clothing Issues and Tips

Many times having the correct clothing will save the day. Here are several tips from the Roadbiker.com enews letter for that early Spring ride (or the Colorado rockies in midsummer):

Be ready for unexpected downpours. It may be sunny when you leave the house, but storms brew quickly. When you get doused while wearing shorts and a short-sleeve jersey, you can get mighty cold as well as soaked. But who wants to lug full rain gear when it might not rain at all? Here's a minimal, easy-to-carry kit for days when the weather can't make up its mind.

• Lightweight rain shell It won't have all the bells and whistles of a serious rain jacket, but it will roll up compactly. It'll block rain and hold in body heat, which is the key to preventing not just the chills but dangerous hypothermia. These jackets are affordable at about $20-$30. It's smart to choose a bright color for better visibility. Reflective material makes you even safer.
• Helmet liner If you can keep your head warm, the rest of your body will follow. A light, synthetic skull cap covers your ears and holds precious heat next to your wet noggin.
• Over-gloves You're already wearing short-finger cycling gloves so you don't need more padding, just help to hold in hand heat. Simple, inexpensive polypro gloves will work in summer conditions. Just pull them on over your cycling gloves so hands stay warm enough to brake and shift.
• Toe covers Full-on shoe covers would be warmer, but they're bulky to carry. Go for toe covers that pack small.