Is winter time in Wisconsin time to put away the bicycle? Not necessarily. “So many of us in Wisconsin feel such cabin fever during these long winter months,” says Amanda White with the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. “If you bike to work or go for a quick bike in the evenings, it’s a great way to get a little fresh air and a little exercise.” Exercise that can help us during a time of year when it’s common to pack on a few extra pounds.

White says there’s a misconception that you have to spend a ton of money on special winter cycling gear. “That’s just not true. If you make sure to wear layers – not your heavy winter coat – you have a good set of lights and some thicker tires, you should do just fine in the winter,” she says. A good pair of mittens or gloves is also a must. “Your hands and face are the first things to get cold in the winter, and that can be miserable,” explains White. “So a good set of gloves, and also a way to keep your face warm. Whether it’s a special biking mask or just even a scarf, keeping your face warm is very important. And of course, always wear a helmet year-round.” One other idea: a good set of fenders can keep the off the slop during those commutes to and from work. [Read more...]