Winter Cycling: Tips from Tuscany
No stranger to cycling in ‘the elements’, it has been a few winters since cycling in sub 60ºF temps. While the cold presents its challenges, it also provides some great cycling in Tuscany.
Thunderstorms can whip up year round in Tuscany, but winter storms tend to be categorized by whipping cold winds, rain, hail and sometimes snow. Microclimates of the hills and valleys present weather prediction challenges for professional forecasters and novice weather watchers alike. It is not uncommon to find yourself in a rain deluge only to check your weather app to see ‘Sun with 0% chance of rain’ reported for the very same place you are standing. The only way to really know the weather here is to look out the window. In the wintertime, this couldn’t be more true. However, there are some key differences during winter than the rest of the year: If there are clouds in the sky, assume rain. If there is wind, presume freezing temps. If wind AND clouds, guaranteed frozen tundra, rain, hail, ice and maybe even snow will present itself during the ride. Unless the skies are clear blue and lacking clouds, as a cyclist in Tuscany, you have to be prepared for anything - apparel AND bike.
Happy Hands, Head, Feet…and Neck
Keeping warm from the elements is a given, but layering the right way for the daily mixed bag of weather is the key and selecting the best ‘extremity protection’ for the day is tantamount. Keeping hands, head and feet warm are essential.
Full disclosure: I do not wear gloves during the Spring, Summer, and Fall unless I’m riding my mountain bike. During winter, cycling with gloves is a cold weather necessity. It is advantageous to have numerous gloves for various weather conditions. My personal favorites: Defeet Duragloves for moderate weather, Defeet Duragloves Wool for cold, windy and even a bit drizzly days, then Pearl Izumi Cyclones for wet, super windy, cold stormy weather.
I generally always wear a cycling cap or a bandana under my helmet even in hot weather. As the temps drop the head coverings get thicker and warmer. Some breath better than others so experiment and find one that has the right combination of warmth and breathability that you like. A Wool cap is great anytime there’s a chance of rain.
Cold - and wet - feet can make a ride miserable. Wool socks are a daily must. After that go with a shoe covers for wind, then booties for really cold, wet conditions.
The most essential item I wear cycling in Tuscany in Winter is my fleece neck gator. Should come as no surprise as Italians do not venture outside if there is the slightest chill in the air. Getting ‘Colpo d’Aria’ by cold wind hitting your neck is real and the reason you see most Italians wearing a scarf. Your neck carries much of your body's blood supply close to the skin's surface. Keeping your neck insulated will greatly help keep you warm and healthy. Neck Gaiters/Askots are available in a wide range of materials and styles to suit all weather conditions. Wearing something on your neck truly regulates your body temperature. If you’re not using one, give it a try!
Common Core Sense
Keeping your core warm, but not too warm, is the goal. In Tuscany, more thin layers are better than fewer, thicker ones. I will always start with a light sleeveless base layer, then a short-sleeve full zip jersey, and finally a full zip wind vest. I have a variety of short-sleeve jerseys in various “weights” to fine tune for various conditions. If there’s a threat of severe weather, such a cold rain or hail, I will take an emergency rain jacket. Anything that folds up and fits into your vest pocket. Cheap insurance if you ever need it.
Extremity Remedies
Having removeable arm and leg warmers are the best layering options for cycling in the finicky Tuscan weather. My arm coverings are either Defeet Armskins or the Wool version depending on the temperature. Legs are kept warm with Defeet Wool Knee Warmers on the daily. And the one item I absolutely won’t be seen cycling without is a neck gaiter. In fact, truth be told, since living in Italy, I have come to value all forms of neckwear to combat ‘colpo d’aria’. I have a thin lycra neck gaiter and a thick dual fleece-lined version for, well, most winter days.
Keeping Wheels Rollin’
Road bike, Gravel bike, or Mountain bike: all bikes are great to ride in Tuscany during the winter. Keeping them in top condition is always important, but the winter requires more maintenance. Obviously tire choice and tire pressure may need to be monitored more closely. I personally run rather big tires (28-30mm) on the road and at lower pressures (60psi) so I don’t need to make any changes with tires. With the increased amount of wet-weather riding, keep an eye on certain parts that the bike that like to get “seized” if left in too long: Seat posts, pedals and chains are often removed, cleaned, re-greased, and re-installed. Steel frame bikes in particular need extra seat post checks. Chains are removed, cleaned and hot-waxed every few days. Chains are also checked for elongation in order to maximize the lifespan of cassettes. Some greases and lubes get thicker when cold so be aware of how your particular products change in cold weather. If you have threaded BB cups, it’s a good idea to pull them out occasionally and re-grease those threads. This also gives you an opportunity to see inside the BB shell for any accumulated water.
Winter Extremes
Why do I go to extremes to ride in extreme weather? The answer is simple. Cycling in Tuscany is beautiful. Winter is no different. Colors may be muted, but the views are all still there: towering cypress trees, white gravel roads, expansive vineyards. It is quieter and calmer on the roads and, on most days, it’s just you and nature. It may take more pre-ride gear planning and bike prep based on your own ‘best guestimate weather predictions’, but, when you dial it all in right, you accomplish much more than racking up kilometers, you conquer the elements too.
What are YOUR winter cycling tips? Comment below and we will add your tips to our newsletter and our NEW Cycling in Tuscany Facebook Group!