Blog post: Cycling in winter and cycling trips to the south

Group of cyclists riding on a paved country road at dusk with the moon visible in the sky. Trees and fields line the roadside.

Close-up of a ripe red apple with yellow-orange tones and water droplets on its skin, placed on a gray patterned fabric.

Three Bionade bottles: two blood orange and one lime flavored isotonic drinks with dark caps, standing against a white textured wall.

Green e-bike with illuminated front and rear lights parked against a green wall. The bike features a front dynamo light and rear carrier.

Through the snow... or perhaps to the south instead?

The right tyres to prevent skidding

However, there are a few precautions that need to be taken, especially when it comes to slippery conditions caused by ice and snow. Nowadays, many cycle paths are maintained in winter and are therefore cleared and gritted, but some are not. Good winter tyres with a sufficiently coarse tread and a softer rubber compound for good grip on the ground are therefore essential to prevent slipping. Even tyres with metal studs are now available for bicycles and are also permitted. Reducing the air pressure in the tyres also helps to improve grip, as this gives them a larger surface area for traction.

Aerial view of a curved concrete bridge on the Kyll cycle path near Stadtkyll, surrounded by lush green forest in the Eifel region.

Eifel experience: Aachen - Trier

7 Days

Close-up of a bicycle wheel with a knobby winter tire featuring deep tread blocks and beige sidewalls against a wooden fence background.

Light in the darkness

Lighting is particularly important during the dark winter months. Front lights, rear lights and reflectors are a given. But for good visibility, you also need reflective strips around the tyres, yellow reflectors in the spokes of the wheels and/or spoke sticks, and reflectors on the pedals. Reflectors or reflective applications can also be attached to cycling clothing or are already incorporated into it, as well as to rucksacks, bags and panniers. Last but not least: light-coloured clothing is more visible than dark clothing!

Aerial view of Wertheim showing the medieval castle ruins on a hilltop overlooking the historic old town with red-tiled roofs along the river.

Main: Active in the spessart

6 Days

Multiple rows of bicycles parked indoors, featuring bright green bikes in the foreground and darker bikes behind, against a red brick wall.

Appropriate clothing helps combat the cold, wet weather

As always, you should dress according to the onion principle, i.e. wear several layers on top of each other. Breathable cycling clothing or clothing made of merino wool is the best choice so that you don't sweat too much and, if you do, it dries quickly: e.g. undershirt, long-sleeved cycling jersey, long cycling trousers, a thin hat that fits under your helmet, fleece jacket, Tex jacket. To protect against wetness and rain, you should pack a water-repellent or waterproof rain jacket and trousers. Your hands are protected by waterproof cycling gloves. Warm, waterproof overshoes or gaiters protect your feet. There are waterproof covers for helmets. You should also choose a light colour and, if necessary, one with reflective elements.

Cold, energy and fluids

When the thermometer drops, the body needs extra energy to keep warm. Energy reserves need to be replenished. That's why you should think about energy or muesli bars, bananas or nuts, maybe even gingerbread and Christmas cookies (why not?). Water or tea should always be at hand, because the body dehydrates even in colder temperatures. Even in winter, you can sweat and lose electrolytes, salts, etc. An isotonic sports drink is therefore a good idea.

Follow these tips and ride carefully, and you'll have fun cycling in Winter Wonderland.

Two red-yellow apples in front of a bunch of yellow bananas on gray fabric. The apples show natural speckles and color variations.

Off to warmer climes, chasing the sun

But we at Velociped know that cycling in colder temperatures isn't for everyone, so we've made provisions: how about a cycling trip to warmer climes? Madeira entices visitors with its blooming diversity, orchids and mild temperatures. In Cuba, you can experience Caribbean ease, wonderful powder sugar beaches, music, salsa and more. In Vietnam, fascinating buildings, the famous Ha Long Bay and, last but not least, Asian delicacies await you. Where does the sun shine brightest for cyclists in winter? Find out for yourself!

Panoramic view of Madeira's coastline showing deep blue Atlantic Ocean, green hillsides with tropical vegetation, and a small harbor below.

Madeira: round trip

8 Days

White church with square bell tower on Madeira, surrounded by palm trees and tropical vegetation under a blue sky with white clouds.

Eurobike

Our conclusion

The key is to ride with foresight. It goes without saying that you should keep a sufficient distance, drive more slowly and carefully, especially when cornering. Incidentally, you should not brake or pedal when cornering. On mirror-smooth ice, it is better to coast than to brake. Cobblestones and grooves such as tram tracks are particularly dangerous in this respect.

Caution is also required when braking, as brakes lose grip and thus power in wet conditions. Special brake pads for riding in wet conditions are available from specialist retailers.

Mudguards protect against splashing water and mud.