Riding in January - bad idea?

marcusjb

On the wrong day, the above could be said I agree, and a fall on ice could put you out of action for a period. On the right day, it's just a long day in the saddle, nothing more.

As I said in my first post, significant risk of black ice, then I'm out - but no ice, no big deal. If we didn't ride distances in the months that might have frost, we'd only get about 4 months of doing decent distances! It's just about being flexible and making sure you pick the right day.

I hear you on not knowing the conditions for the whole 200 miles - that's as true in summer as winter - just the nature of the beast. As with all things, being prepared with the right equipment means that you'll be able to deal with pretty much whatever the weather throws as you (though I have been caught out once with frosts in early June making for a bloody cold overnight section). On longer rides, the field can spread over many hours (up to maybe 10 hours difference on a 600km), so the people at the front of the ride can often experience a totally different ride to those as the rear ("What rain?").

But pick the right day and it's not significantly more dangerous than riding 200 miles in the summer months - I accept that more dark riding does increase the risks slightly.

Just watching the weather for this weekend - it's only 125 miles, but the morning is looking a little sketchy, so fingers crossed.

alexsalmon

Definitely depends on the weather that day and the few days before it. It doesn't sound like a walk in the park to me, but you might just get lucky. Best of luck!!

Just hope you don't have water damage denver co or else you might be riding on ice all the way.

rodgers73

Just seen the thread on studded tyres - possible solution??

Bordersroadie

Absolutely. But you'd need to make a big allowance for average speed reduction and overall ride time. I love my Marathon Winters but wouldn't fancy doing a big ride on them, just from the time/energy viewpoint (and the cold feet!!).

marcusjb

I think if you are riding in conditions which merit ice tyres, then you will be far slower than normal and things could be a real struggle. That said, a friend rode 111 miles on his mtb with ice tyres today, without too many dramas.

Another 150 miler for me today in proper winter conditions. Freezing fog at he start of the day, cold all day, a little bit of ice, but pretty good conditions for the time of year. Fabulous day out all in all.