Cycling Because I Choose To

Some days I don't cycle to work and wish I had. Some days I commute on my bike and wish I hadn't.

Most days, of course, it's somewhere in between; that happy combination of cycling and being glad that I did. Or - and this is important too - choosing not to cycle and being comfortable with the reasons for that decision.

Last week, the weather forecast for a particular morning had been pretty straightforward: it was going to be wet. The forecast map showed great blue swathes of rain all over my commuting route, right around the time I'd be out and about.

But forewarned is forearmed. I had time to prepare mentally, to gird my loins as it were. And my wet weather gear is always at hand, so in the morning I didn't delay in getting dressed up and saddled up. And you know what? As usual, the weather wasn't so bad, certainly not as bad as my imagination and fears might have made it. The rain was more like a lazy drizzle; and infrequent at that, very light rather than that persistent penetrating stuff. The ride was, in short, straightforward.

Even better, most of the ride was gloriously easy; I was nipping at the heels of that beautiful cadence, zipping along. Smiling. When the voices are trying to talk me out of cycling, I forget the pleasure of cycling in the morning, the simple joy of being out in the fresh air rather than sitting in a metal box. But when I'm out on my bike I remember that there's a real satisfaction in ignoring the voices and cycling.

A good morning ride, then. I was happy to have cycled.

On the way home, the weather was less pleasant. The rain was heavier, the wind less favourable, veering from a sidewind to a headwind that stripped away my speed and sapped my energy.

But I was homeward bound, and the homeward journey is always easier than the outward. The certain knowledge of a warm house and warmer shower, of dry clothes and maybe a gin and tonic, buoyed me up. Besides, what were my choices now? I had to get home, and cycling was the only way.

And I was happy to be cycling. Whenever the conditions are a little bit adverse, I'm always pleased and proud that I made the decision to cycle. Pleased that I ignored the doubting voices, the persuasive little whispers that suggest I leave the bike and use the car. On this occasion, the weather had tried to talk me out of cycling and lost. Oh, there was a little bit of that wouldn't it be nice if it was dry and sunny but I was cycling and glad of it.

In some respects, a ride in bad weather is better than a sunny ride in glorious weather. To have overcome a little adversity, a little struggle, is uplifting. I arrived home wet, but unbowed. Quietly triumphant. Happy.

And that's wonderful.

When the choice is not to cycle and risk wishing that I had, or to cycle and risk wishing I hadn't, it's a simple decision. Wet or dry, windy or still, I'd choose to cycle.

Because here's the thing: unless I actually get on my bike and cycle, I'll only ever be wishing that I had. And more often - far more, actually - I cycle and am glad that I did.

Wet Weather Gear for Cycle Commuters

Some thoughts on waterproofs for cycle commuting

Yes, I know that every website and magazine are doing articles on this topic at the moment. But it's important stuff; as the weather changes and the mornings and evenings darken, it's more of an effort to get out on the bike. I need to fight the ennui that tries to keep me in my warm bed and warm car, by removing any excuses I have not to cycle because it's a bit damp and a bit grim.

These, then, are my requirements from my cycle commuting waterproofs:

1. Remove the excuse not cycle. The waterproofs have got to be practical and convenient. They've got to deliver.
2. Arrive warm and dry.
3. Not so precious that I don't wear them for fear of damaging them. This generally means that I've got a price point in mind.
4. Unobtrusive enough that I've got them at all times; if there's any chance that I'll start to think of them as baggage (because I'm not wearing them), that will increase the chance that I don't wear them, so will feel unprepared, so won't cycle.

I won't turn down reflective patches on any of my waterproofs, figuring that it's better to look like a Christmas decoration and be noticed, than not be seen and end up on the side of the road.

My cycle commuting waterproofs

My waterproofs are a large part of my core wardrobe; I wear them all the time because they're practical, convenient and useful. Affiliate links for more product information, if you need it.

Gore Bike Wear Helmet IV Cap (Wiggle)

I usually wear my hair pretty short, so feel the need for a layer under my helmet as soon as the weather gets a bit chilly. I bought the Gore cap (with the long name) in 2009 and it performed brilliantly all through the winter. Windproof and breathable, with an "anatomical cut" that covers my ears and keeps them out of the wind. I've also found it to be lightly waterproof, enough for all but the worst downpours.

Altura Night Vision Waterproof Gloves (Wiggle, Evans)

These gloves are the business. Simply put, they're warm, waterproof and reflective. Warm enough that I've never felt the cold whilst wearing them, despite sub-zero temperatures. The cuff is nice and long and sits well under the sleeves of my jacket, reducing the chance of chilly wind getting in. In less cold conditions my hands sometimes feel too warm, so it's nice that they're also breathable. They're waterproof enough that the misery of cold, wet hands is a distant memory. There's a textured grip on the palm to make sure I can keep hold of my handlebars in the rain. And the back of the gloves are reflective so that cars can see me indicating.

Altura Night Vision Waterproof Cycling Jacket (Wiggle, Evans)

This jacket has been a mainstay of my wardrobe.  It's probably warmer than it needs to be, even with the armpit vents.  But it's high-vis, reflective, warm.  It's also windproof and waterproof.  It's my standard cycling jacket; the cut and fit are bang-on, and it's sensibly priced.  I've had four years of use out of it, and whilst it might not be the most stylish, it's been fantastic for my requirements.

There's a zipped pocket on the left breast, perfect for keys or phone (or OBE), and a horizontal pocket on the tail, for stuffing things into on the ride.  Along with the high collar, the velcro on the cuffs and long tail with a tightener help keep the wind out.

Sure, in a really serious downpour, this jacket is going to let some water through. But at this price point, for the conditions I cycle in, it's a steal.

Endura Stealth Tights (CRC)

These tights are unpadded (I wear them over my regular cycling shorts) and very cool.  Well, actually just the opposite; beneath the waterproof outer layer, they've got a fleece inner, so they're really toasty.  They're also waterproof (with welded seams that I don't even notice), breathable, and stretchy, a great fit. In colder weather I wear them every day and stay nicely toasty.  When it's wet, I stay dry. What more do I need? Did I mention that they're also reflective?

SealSkinz waterproof socks (Wiggle, Evans)

Warm and dry, these socks have been just about perfect, once I got used to the crackly carrier bag noise. Unless it's really coming down, these are the only thing I need under my shoes. I might appreciate longer socks in colder weather, but I can always wear some underneath. Although I bought the ones with the high-visibility flash on the top, these ankle-length socks are usually covered my the Stealth Tights, so I could do without the high-vis flash, to be honest.

Frankly, the crackles are a small price to pay for dry feet.

Endura Road Overshoes (Evans, CRC)

I don't often wear these, as I find them too much of a faff for my shortish commute. But they're certainly waterproof. Last year they spent most of the winter in my panniers, in case of severe weather, but I didn't wear them for more than a handful of rides.