Winter cycling in NC?

For the most part yes, although there are obviously occasionally icy/snowy days that you have to avoid.  I pretty much bike outside year round unless I'm doing intervals etc. on the trainer.

By way of a disclaimer - I'm relatively new to cycling, so I'm basing this on just a couple of winters.  I'm sure there are others who can give you a better overall assessment!



Edited by JollyRoger 2010-09-25 1:47 PM

I ride outside year-round, but not as much in the winter simply because the days are shorter than in the summer and I am not riding outside here in the dark. As posted above, it can be slushy and yucky on some days but if you are motivated, not afraid of chilly weather (chilly, not cold) and have appropriate gear, you can ride outside on most days (unlike up north where it is dicey a lot of the time). Shoes covers are useful, a beanie or something under your helmet is great and decent gloves are definitely necessary but you can ride in far less than you would in real cold climates.

I ride outside year round without a problem.  Many weekend group rides continue throughout the colder months as well.

COLD!!!! My first winter here I was in a little bit of a shell shock, but Im a California boy so wasnt really use to the climate change. But now I have learned to adapt and buy the right gear.
Good luck...

Ride year round here. I live a little further west toward the mountains, so it is a little cooler, but still will ride outside every Sat/Sun during the winter. Lack of daylight forces me to use the trainer during the week ... but that is the only reason.

Big challenge here is that it tends to get pretty cool overnight, and they warm up pretty quickly, so if you ride early in the AM, it is best to wear layers you can remove as needed.

i rode 40 or so miles around falls lake area last year...it was awesome seeing the lake frozen near the shore...it was about 24-26* outside...totally exhilarating!!

i look forward to more cold rides... 

I need to dust off my '95 Barracuda XX Team bike...we should get up and ride some trails together... 

This is what worked for me last year.

Right now, my cut off is freezing.

30 - Performance brand tights thermal over shorts, LS T, LS jersey, PI barrier jacket, winter gloves and liners

35 - Performance brand tights thermal over shorts, LS T, red Gore phantom jacket, winter gloves and liners

37 - Performance brand tights thermal over shorts, two LS T,  PI barrier jacket, winter gloves and liners (noted that I may not have needed both Ts)

38 - Performance brand tights thermal over shorts, LS T, Novara jacket, winter gloves and liners (the Novara jacket is lighter and more breathable, I didn't see it on REI's website but it retailed for about $90)

39-66, wind 5-10 - capris over shorts, LS T, Novara jacket, sleevelss jersey, summer gloves  w/ liners, mtb socks

40-50, wind 5-10 - Performance brand tights over shorts, LS T, Novara jacket, winter gloves and liners

I pretty much stick with tights (no chamois) over shorts with a LS T and Novara jacket until about 48 degrees.  I switch to capris then and shorts at 55 or so.